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West Valley City Journal

West Valley Parks and Rec racks up three ‘outstanding’ awards

May 03, 2019 11:13AM ● By Travis Barton

West Valley City Parks and Recreation Department was recognized with three awards from the Utah Recreation and Parks Association including Outstanding Adaptive Program, Outstanding Volunteer and Outstanding Sponsor. (Photo by Kevin Conde/West Valley City)

By Travis Barton | [email protected] 

For the third year in a row, West Valley City Parks and Recreation Department was recognized by the Utah Recreation and Parks Association.  

In 2017, it won Outstanding Facility for the skate park at Centennial Park. In 2018, it won Outstanding Program for providing free swim lessons to low income youth. 

But this year saw them win not one award, but three: Outstanding Adaptive Program, Outstanding Volunteer and Outstanding Sponsor. 

“I hope you realize with your parks and rec department, you truly have leaders in the state,” URPA Executive Director LeeAnn Powell told the City Council on April 9. “You should be very proud of the work they’re doing.” 

The department’s veterans golf league at The Ridge Golf Course won the Outstanding Adaptive Program. A discounted league, the program aims to help veterans and active duty military and their families with adaptive golf, free club rentals and a free closing social dinner along with free clinics and instruction. 

“(We) could not be more excited about this program,” said Bryant Boshard, head golf professional at The Ridge. Through the golf environment they create, Boshard said, there’s “an opportunity of comradery, connections, healing and healthy active living made available to these heroes.” 

In its third year, the program brings a group of veterans from the Valor House—a housing project for needy and chronically homeless veterans—to play golf on a weekly basis. 

Powell said it won for its innovation and out of the box thinking. 

“(It’s) not a gym type of program,” she said. “It’s out in nature, it’s getting veterans involved and active military and their families, really providing programs that can be impactful in their lives.” 

Boshard said they extended the program from four to six months. This year’s season started on April 8 with 30 veterans, “which was phenomenal,” Boshard said. He hopes to see those numbers double, possibly triple this year. 

“We’re very, very proud of this league,” he said. 

Joyce Bangerter was named Outstanding Volunteer for her fitness classes she leads at Harman Senior Center. For six years, twice a week, Baylor has volunteered her time. And she’s 83. 

“(Bangerter) took everybody under her wing. It’s all about love and trying to get people out of the house and staying fit,” Powell said.  

The final award, Outstanding Sponsor, went to the Pete and Arlene Harman Foundation. Pete donated his home long ago to become what is today the Harman Senior Center. 

“We appreciate the recognition they receive, our parks and recreation,” said Mayor Ron Bigelow. “It’s great to see success.”