If you live in Provo, Scott Henderson believes you will be part of the Parks and Recreation success story in 2020.
“We think citizens deserve the best in parks and recreation,” said Henderson. “We have success stories because the residents support us and want more.”
Henderson said that from the increased use of parks and walkways in the city to supporting the Covey Center for the Arts, Peaks Ice Arena, and Timpanogos Golf Club, usage of the venues was largely free of subsidies again in 2020. Indeed, it could the department continues to return money from its earnings to the general fund.
The biggest concern for the Department of Parks and Recreation and all of its venues is set by the US Congress – and is that the minimum wage?
The Parks and Recreation Department employs 725 part-time and seasonal workers. Most receive a minimum wage or just above it. There are 56 full-time employees.
Henderson and assistant director Doug Robins said a large increase in the minimum wage would have a significant impact on the department.
On the other hand, 2020 and COVID-19 weren’t as big a hit as the department expected. The pandemic has resulted in residents re-introducing themselves to the city’s many hiking trails and parks.
“There’s a demand for more neighborhood parks,” said Robins. “This includes the use and demand of hiking trails and parks in general.
“There’s an increase in trail usage, an increase in trail trips of about 60%,” added Robins.
Robins said he doesn’t think that number will go down too much, and could even go up in the coming months.
The Parks and Recreation Department is currently updating its master plan as well as service needs and priorities. A public meeting will be held on March 18 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the matter and the needs and wants of the community.
One of his top priorities is to open the regional sports park on Lakeview Parkway at Provo Municipal Airport.
With the addition of the regional park and other improvements to facilities, the department calls for a full-time sports coordinator.
Robins noted that participation in youth programs is increasing. There are 3,000 participants in youth football, but only 11 sports fields for all of these teams.
The regional sports park is 100 hectares and has 22 fields, playgrounds, hiking trails, pavilions and pickleball courts.
The park is expected to open in 2026. Before that, some things have to happen. The city is in the process of filling the floodplain and preparing the drainage. Grass must be planted no later than a year before opening so that it grows well and is secured.
Finally, Henderson took the time to write down the other items that were specifically needed for the ice arena. It takes two new zambonis and an indoor lawn.
The state had invested $ 150,000 in the arena as it looks to a future that could include another Olympic offering and use of the facility.
Henderson noted the national accreditation that placed the leisure center in the top 2% in the United States. The center also received the Best in State award in 2020.
The Covey Center for the Arts, able to comply with specific COVID-19 restrictions, was chosen with its theaters and art galleries to the utmost satisfaction of the citizens. It’s the only venue to have had to be subsidized at $ 335,000, much less than other theaters the city subsidizes up to $ 1 million.
Henderson also noted the success of the triple play option. When you purchase this membership you will have access to the recreation center, golf course and ice arena.
Henderson also noted that the division’s success lies in having its employees all working on a team.
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