By Travis Barton | [email protected]

After months of data collection and analyzation, Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Day presented a report assessing the needs of the city’s parks to the City Council in November. 

“This is one thing where we can make a difference, making West Valley City a nice place to live,” Councilman Steve Buhler said about the city’s parks. 

The report, authored by Professor Nate Trauntvein and Jesse Johns of Utah State University’s recreation administration program, involved research and public feedback over the course of a year.  

The process included research, facility tours, focus groups, community forums and a city-wide online survey. Over 1,000 surveys were completed, a number Day was pleased with considering the survey generally lasts 10-15 minutes. 

“We really wanted to know what people thought and we got good info from that,” she said. A majority, 54%, said they used neighborhood parks regularly or frequently. 

Some of the report’s primary takeaways, Day said, found that residents have an “overall level of satisfaction with the breadth of park and recreation facilities,” are interested in public recreation issues and value open space, natural areas and trails. 

Residents’ primary concerns, the report notes, are the maintenance and upkeep and general safety due to “nefarious park use.” Nearly 25% said they would visit parks more often if not for the safety concern. 

Day noted there was an interest in adding park patrols, redesign existing parks or improve park standards such as lighting or cameras. 

Respondents desired a plan to replace playgrounds and other amenities, such as the Peachwood Park playground equipment being replaced with an inclusive all-abilities design. An inclusive playground is designed to enable children and adults with physical or mobility limitations to enjoy the use of swings, slides, climbing structures, and other features that they might not otherwise be able to at standard park playgrounds.

Over 37% desired more outdoor adventure-based programming such as biking and hiking. Many respondents wished for expanded natural areas whether through trail maps, wetland park programming, or the way parks are designed or redesigned. 

More than 40% used the Family Fitness Center regularly or frequently with 1,500 average visitors daily. 

Day said dog parks was a suggestion mentioned often in various parts of the survey with over 42% reporting dog parks as the “most unavailable or inadequate recreation resources in West Valley City.” 

One interesting question saw respondents asked how they would spend $100 in the department. The average came out to be: parks and open space - $26, trails and greenways - $22, indoor recreation facilities - $16, recreation programs - $15, other (pool, splash pads, dog park etc.) - $11 and outdoor athletic fields - $8. 

Day said they found 72% believe a portion of property tax should be used toward building or maintaining parks and rec facilities, while 57% said a portion should be used to run recreation programs and activities. 

Focus groups wanted to be more actively involved in parks and recreation in the city, Day said. So she plans to develop an advisory committee. 

As a result of the report, Day said the department also plans to increase its overall communication to the public of its programs and recreational resources.