Mayor’s Message

Get Healthy Utah

Did you know that zip codes can often be better predictors of health than genetic codes? Washington City is doing much to make 84780 among the healthiest around, and it’s being noticed. We recently received the designation as a “Get Healthy Utah” city for our efforts. This award recognizes cities that excel in promoting active and healthy lifestyles. While there’s no doubt the red rocks and blue skies of Utah’s Dixie give us an advantage, City officials continue to make intentional strides in providing opportunities to develop, improve, and maintain wellness through fitness and recreation.

Active living starts at an early age here, sometimes with toddlers simply playing on playgrounds or grass areas at City parks. Many youth have an opportunity to wear the recognizable maroon and silver reversible jerseys and engage in City recreation sports leagues. In fact, over 3,000 youth participate annually in soccer, flag football, volleyball, basketball, and more. Adult leagues are also popular.  

Washington City parks have unique features ranging from fishing ponds to obstacle courses to splash pads. Many are themed, like Dog Town Dog Park, which is the most used park in the City, and Sullivan Soccer Park, built with competition grade fields. Veterans Park, in the heart of the City, is where citizens gather to celebrate holidays and community events. Washington is well known for its patriotism, so it’s entirely fitting that this is the place to celebrate Veterans Day for residents and visitors alike. This years’ events on November 11th will include a parade starting at 11:00 AM, followed by a program in the park with special recognition of local Cold War Era Veterans. Everyone is invited.

The Boilers - A Natural Spring and Conservation Garden, offers a unique and educational place to recreate. This warm spring is an iconic and historical feature of Washington. The water is consistently in the low 70’s, causing steam to rise into the air on cold mornings. At the desert garden you can view native plants and scan QR codes to learn more about them. The Boilers also boasts 4 pickleball courts, bringing the total to 14 outdoor courts citywide for a sport that seems to be the rage these days.

The Washington City Community Center has “something for everyone”. The pools and gyms seem to be in continual use. The indoor walking track, fitness center, and exercise classes are also popular. Additionally, the WCCC offers many classes for adults, like ballroom dancing, painting, crafts, and a book club. Summer camps for youngsters fill up fast. This facility gives people of all ages a place to go, and a variety of things to do.

Many individuals enjoy golfing at Green Spring Golf Course, while others prefer walking, running, or riding on more than 20 miles of asphalt trails throughout Washington. The plan is to continue to connect parks and neighborhoods via trails. The Sunrise Valley Park, off Country Way, is under construction by the developer. The Washington Wheels Park is in the final stages of design, and will provide new and exciting opportunities for recreation. It will be built on donated land in the Gypsum Wash Debris Basin south of George Washington Boulevard. Additionally, the City is working to provide improved trailheads with access into the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve for hiking, biking, and equestrian use.

It is quite evident that Washington City residents enjoy an elevated quality of life, which is important because healthy people make strong communities.

-Kress Staheli

Mayor

kress@washingtoncity.org