January 2026 | Vol. 20 Iss. 1
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Draper
Draper history
Commission works to preserve historic structures Page 6
Goodbye 2025
Some of our favorite photos from the past year
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Pros and cons of Draper’s $1 million median home price By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
Realtors and the mayor comment on Draper’s average home price reaching the $1 million mark and potentially “affordable” developments in a city that’s mostly built-out.
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ove over 90210, 84020 is giving you a run for your money. In August, The Salt Lake Board of Realtors announced several zip codes with a median home price hovering near $1 million. The Board showed 84020 right at the $1 million average mark. Meanwhile, a report from the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute indicated Utah is the ninth most expensive housing market in the nation for cities with more than 40,000 residents. Draper’s population is estimated at 53,000. An average price tag of $1 million has obvious pros and cons; good news for people who already own homes in Draper because of the equity they’ve built, but a big obstacle for others, including first-time homebuyers, young families and people on fixed incomes. Mayor Troy Walker wasn’t surprised to hear that $1 million median home price.
The Salt Lake Board of Realtors announced Draper’s median home price had reached $1 million. (File photo City Journals) “Draper has amazing connectivity with light rail, FrontRunner and I-15 as well as open space and parks. It’s a desirable place to live but with a limited supply of housing,” he said. That limited supply of housing at lower prices affects Walker directly. Three of his adult children live under his roof despite having college degrees and jobs. “I don’t mind
my kids living with me. I’d rather they pay me a little rent and save than never get out of the hole. They’re all saving, but prices keep going up and interest rates haven’t come down to a level viable for younger people. It takes a lot of money to afford the down payment and make the monthly payment for a home, especially at these interest rates. A lot
of families in my neighborhood have kids living with them for the same reason,” he said. Walker said his home has doubled in value since he purchased it 22 years ago and he couldn’t afford to buy it at its current value, nor could he afford to move to another home in the city. “I’m lucky, I have one of Continued page 4
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Continued from front page those low interest rates from before they went up. Mine is under 3%, so why would I buy a home at 7%?” he said. Laura Fidler of Summit Sotheby’s has been in real estate for two decades. She lives in Draper and serves on the city’s Planning Commission. When Fidler started selling homes in 2006, she recalls the median home price was $350,000 in Draper. “Today you’d have a hard time buying a condo at that price,” she said. Draper resident and realtor Pam Crow with Presidio Real Estate (River Heights) joined the industry in 2008, coincidentally when the housing market began to crash. She remembers lower prices because of foreclosures and short sales when she started. Crow and Fidler agree it was Covid that brought the most significant increase in prices after what had been a gradual rise through the years. “The world started to slow down but Utah was open for business. People could work remotely and some purchased second homes or condos in Utah for the outdoor recreation opportunities. Because you could work anywhere and send your kids to school remotely, there was a huge influx in 2020. In 2021 and 2022, the low interest rates set the housing market on fire, because if you’re borrowing money in the 2.5-2.9% range, you’re able to buy a lot more house. There were fewer houses on the market, and interest rates were so low, there were bidding wars. It stayed that way for a couple years until interest rates rose. When people were buying with such low interest rates, they were willing to pay more for the house. Now, you’re paying more at a higher interest rate, but there’s such a lack of inventory, people are still willing to pay. In the last four years, it went crazy,” Fidler said. Fidler provided statistics showing a 20% increase in home prices between 2021-25. Crow compared the median asking price of a home in Draper seven years ago at $529,000 to today. “It has doubled in seven years,” Crow said. Fidler, like Walker, said Draper is mostly built-out. “There isn’t a lot of diversity of housing types. It’s mostly big, single-family homes, but that’s not what everybody wants. I think state managed high density will help with the price of homes,” she said. Walker noted the Station Area Plans (SAPs), mandated by the state, which required the city to plan for more dense housing around Draper’s three transit stations including Kimball’s Lane. There, Walker said Edge Homes is planning to build approximately 25 for-sale units per acre, a mix of townhomes and condos. But the mayor can’t guarantee those will be “affordable,” something he says is an ambig-
Laura Fidler of Summit Sotheby’s started her real estate career in 2006 when the median home price in Draper was $350,000. Two decades later, it has nearly tripled. Fidler said Utah home prices rose gradually through the years then increased significantly during the pandemic when an influx of people who could work remotely moved to Utah. (Courtesy Laura Fidler)
uous term. “It’s a fun word to say, but I don’t know what it really means. The market sets what the price of real estate is.” Speaking in general terms about developers, Walker said, “We can zone small lots but we can’t control what they build, and they’re going to build whatever makes money for them. We also don’t control cost of labor, materials or interest rates. All I control as a local elected official is land use. I can speed up the building permit process but that doesn’t make a house ‘affordable.’ There are so many components.” Walker said people are always concerned new developments within the city might cause their property values to decrease, but he doesn’t see that as a solid argument since values have only risen. In addition to affordable homes potentially being built near the city’s transit stations, the state-owned development known as The Point, which falls within Draper City limits, may also offer lower-priced homes. According to Walker, only rental units were originally planned at The Point, but
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Pam Crow started her real estate career in 2008 when a lot of short sales and foreclosures happened because of the real estate crash. Crow noted home prices have nearly doubled in the last seven years. Crow said Draper has always been in high demand. She repeated a phrase that has long resonated with her, “What you’re buying in Draper is a lifestyle.” (Courtesy Pam Crow)
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the State has since switched gears to consider setting aside 55 acres for ownership homes, likely a mix of townhomes, condos and single-family homes. “Hopefully, they break ground on it late next year. It all depends on costs. When The Point comes online, I believe it’s going to make our property values go even higher. It’s going to be that desirable of a development,” he said. Fidler and Crow identified current trends they see in Draper real estate resulting from high prices. Fidler anticipates more of multiple generations living in the same house and homeowners renting out their basements. Crow also noted apartments in basements and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) such as small, detached rental units. “On my street of 17 houses, there are eight apartments in basements. People have added them because of the cost of living and people are buying homes with basement apartments as a good investment,” she said. High home prices can also affect the future of local schools, case in point the property the Canyons School District (CSD) previously owned off 1700 East in Draper. The District sold that property in recent years when they realized not enough young families could afford to live in that area to populate an elementary school. The $1 million median price could potentially affect the population of existing Draper schools if young families can’t afford to live in the city. The CSD is currently making decisions about which schools within the District may have to be closed for lack of enrollment. Meanwhile, the National Association of Realtors announced the median age of first-time homebuyers had risen to 40. Crow remembers recent years when that average age was “so much younger, closer to 27.” Fidler thinks Utah’s average “is a little younger because we have a younger demographic, but there are obstacles and challenges for people to get into their first home.” Fidler and Crow still work with first-time homebuyers and both contend real estate remains a wise investment. “One million dollars is a shocking figure, but you have to put it in perspective with how much cars cost and wages have increased. Just like the old saying it’s never too late to start saving money, it’s never too late to get started in real estate. Either rent and pay the landlord’s mortgage or buy and build equity. The housing market is still the best way to obtain personal wealth. I tell younger people… it’s still the best thing for you to do,” Fidler said. “Not everything here costs $1 million,” Crow said. “There are some areas that are still affordable.”l
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Enniss Automotive, built between 1950 and 1955, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024 due to its architecture that was unique to the Texaco franchise in the decade after World War II. (Photo courtesy Draper Historic Preservation Commission)
The Draper Historic Preservation Commission worked with the Day family and other community partners to move the Day Dairy Barn to Draper Park and turn it into an event space. (Photo courtesy Draper Historic Preservation Commission)
Named for the prominent 19th-century Utah educator John Rockey Park, Draper’s Park School is on the National Register of Historic Places and now houses small businesses and an event space. (Katherine Weinstein/City Journals)
Draper Historic Preservation Commission works to keep local history alive
Commission continues its work to preserve historic structures and make local history accessible to all. By Katherine Weinstein k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com
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he new year promises to be a busy one for the Draper Historic Preservation Commission as they set out to undertake a new Reconnaissance Level Survey of historic properties in Draper City. The goal is to identify and evaluate homes, public buildings and even outdoor sites to determine eligibility for official historic designation. In addition to this project, the commission works with property owners to help them get their qualified homes or buildings on the National Historic Register. They also make local history accessible to the public by putting together walking tours of historic sites and making videos that offer a look at the interiors of Draper’s historic homes. According to the city website, the mission of the Draper Historic Preservation Commission is “to assist the city in identifying, preserving, protecting and enhancing historic buildings, sites, monuments, streetscapes and landmarks within the city deemed architecturally or historically significant.” Jennifer Jastremsky, who is the Community Development Director for Draper and staff liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission, defined it as “an advisory board to the city.” “We keep a list of historic buildings and keep track of them,” she explained. The commission, which was founded in 1985, is dedicated to saving the stories of Draper’s significant structures for posterity. Jastremsky explained that if a building of historic value were to be slated for demolition, the commission would create a written and visual record of the place. “We have the authority to postpone a demolition to get documentation and photos,” she said. The Draper Historic Preservation Commission often works closely with the Draper Historical Society which houses a small museum and research library. Chair Annie Bommer explained, “We have a liaison from the Draper Historical Society. It is a great repository of information. We’re preserving the buildings, they are preserving the stories.” Draper has many buildings that have been recognized as historic by the Utah State Historic Preservation Office. “We also have 19 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places,” Bommer said. These include private homes as well as landmarks such as the Draper Park School and the Draper Poultrymen and Egg Producer’s Plant on Pioneer Road which now houses the IFA store and feed mill.
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Having a property listed on the National Register has some benefits such as eligibility for tax credits and potential access to grants to help with maintenance costs. For a home to be listed on the Register, it must be at least 50 years old, retain its historic architecture and have a significant tie to Draper or national history. The application process involves a review by the local preservation commission. While the Draper Historic Preservation Commission nominates buildings for the Register in some cases, sometimes property owners take the initiative. “A couple of homeowners have reached out to us,” Bommer said. “It’s exciting. We recently toured a home from the 1920s which was really fun. It had the original floors and fixtures. We want to save that story.” “Our last full Reconnaissance Level Survey was in 2001,” Jastremsky said. “We are actively looking at historic properties in the community that could go on the National Historic Register.” “People often don’t think of buildings from the 50s, 60s or 70s as historic,” Bommer said. In the history of Draper, those decades marked the beginning of homes being built on land that had been previously been used for growing crops or livestock. “It’s interesting to look at the types of homes they were building back then, the styles. I love Mid-Century Modern style,” she said. “Those homes offer a really cool glimpse into the past.” The members of the Draper Historic Preservation Commission are passionate about their work. All completed an application process to be on the commission and were approved by Draper City Council and appointed by the mayor. Jastremsky, who has a background in urban planning, said, “I think the thing I enjoy the most is learning more about Draper’s history and learning about the iconic buildings I drive past every day.” Bommer originally grew up in Ogden and has worked in the fields of archaeology and museum studies. “While walking through Draper along Fort Street, before I moved here, I fell in love with a lot of the homes so naturally I had to apply to the commission when the opportunity arose,” she said. “I love being on the commission because I have learned so much about the city through our work. There is no better way to get to know your new community than through studying its past.” The Draper Historic Preservation Commission has been striving to share that knowledge with the public in various ways over the years. In 2003, they helped to establish the Sorenson Home Museum. Originally built by Danish pioneers Peter and Martina Sorenson between 1880 and 1890, the home was restored and moved to its current location near Draper Historic Park. The museum, which depicts life in the
1890s, is open on Tuesday afternoons. Another example of a historic building made accessible to the public by the commission is the Day Dairy Barn. “We worked really hard to get the Day Barn to Draper City Park,” Jastremsky said. The barn, which was constructed in 1922, was part of the Day Dairy Farm. When the Day family relocated to Payson in 2007, the commission undertook the task of having the building moved to the park and renovated as an event space. Walking and driving tours of Draper’s historic homes and buildings are a key element of Draper Historic Preservation Commission’s public outreach. Guides to the tours are available as printed pamphlets which may be found at the Draper Historical Society and at local businesses. “We also created an online app,” Jastremsky said. The tour information may be accessed via smartphone by scanning the QR codes on the pamphlets or by downloading the walking tour app on the Draper City website. For Draper Days, members of the commission have added an extra element to the walking tours. “Members dress in Victorian clothing and tell the story of the historic home,” Bommer said. She enjoys “sharing the interesting stories we learn with the people who live here, hoping to spark a passion for history in them as well.” While these walking tours offer a look at only the outside architecture of Draper’s historic homes, the commission has been working with some of the families who own them to make video recordings of their interiors. “The owner records the narration,” Jastremsky said. The video tour of the J. R. Allen home includes an interview with Allen’s grandson, Paul Smith. Links to video tours of five homes are currently available on the Draper City website. The Draper Historic Preservation Commission is also seeking to better document historic sites that are not tied to a physical building. “Something else we’ve been working on are plaques for the Historic Park sharing information about the old fort,” Jastremsky said. Historical information plaques to be posted at the Phebe Brown Trailhead and the Widow Maker Trail at Point of the Mountain are also in the works. As summed up on the commission’s web page, “Historic preservation begins with understanding the places and buildings that give a community its distinctive character and sense of place.” “It’s important to save this history and tell stories of the past to keep our Draper history alive,” Bommer said. To learn more about Draper Historic Preservation Commission and to access information on walking tours and video tours of Draper’s historic homes, visit www.draperutah.gov/ events-programs/historic-preservation. l
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The Utah Nordic Alliance invites residents to play outside this winter The cross-country group wants more people to enjoy the sport. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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ross-country skiers understand the beauty of moving through a wintry landscape. The steady rhythm and peaceful pace offer a chance to enjoy the Wasatch Mountains in an entirely new way. As winter arrives and people become homebound, cross-country skiing is an accessible, family-friendly sport that gets everyone outside and moving. Jennifer Zurick, race director for The Utah Nordic Alliance’s Wasatch Citizens Series, said the sport turns parks and golf courses into a winter playground, where the world seems softer and quieter. “Cross-country skiing isn’t only about speed or medals; it’s about joy,” Zurick said. “It’s movement, community and that beautiful moment when the only sound you hear is your skis sliding through snow.” For people looking for a different (and less expensive) alternative to alpine skiing, cross-country adventures are a rewarding replacement for crowded resorts, high-cost lift tickets and hours of waiting in traffic or lift lines. Zurick said it’s easy to glide into winter by joining the world of cross-country skiing, but she suggests beginners take the time for some basic lessons before hitting the tracks. “Getting instruction is a great way to go, because you’ll learn the techniques to help you move efficiently and safely,” she said. “TUNA offers lessons for everybody from the age of 3 and up.” Two locations make it easy to access cross-country
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skiing. Mountain Dell Golf Course provides approximately 6 miles of groomed Nordic ski tracks that range from gentle to challenging. TUNA offers a Mountain Dell season pass starting at $150, often cheaper than a one-day ski pass at local resorts. The course is open daily and kids under 18 ski free. “You don’t have to drive hours or spend a fortune to have a world-class ski experience. It’s right here, 15 minutes from Millcreek.” The second location is Millcreek Canyon, with its frequently groomed tracks, gorgeous scenery and the option to bring a pet along for the adventure. The canyon’s trail system has a 1,000-foot climb and runs for more than three miles, offering skate and classic skiing. TUNA’s website at utahnordic.org provides maps, grooming reports and weather conditions for several cross-country locations throughout the state. “Millcreek Canyon offers a completely different experience,” Zurick said. “It’s more wild, a place for quiet tours, dog walks and that sense of discovery that comes with skiing under big trees and open sky.” For the more competitive skier, TUNA holds a Wasatch Citizens race series at places like Soldier Hollow and Mountain Dell to challenge skiers of all levels, from kids to elite athletes. As Utah’s oldest and largest Nordic race series, it includes potluck dinners, local sponsors and a friendly, competitive atmosphere. TUNA also trains junior and comp teams, and holds masters events to build social circles and enjoy easy competition. Information about races, lessons and events can be found at the organization’s website. “We see families who start in our youth programs,
Accessibility and affordability make cross-country skiing a family-friendly winter sport option. (Adobe stock)
and before long, parents are skiing too,” Zurick said. “Cross-country feeds the soul in a way that I haven’t encountered in many other sports. There’s this sense of self-sufficiency in being able to move through a winter landscape.” l
Draper City Journal
Help students avoid the winter school slump
The most difficult stretch of the school year may begin right after the holidays. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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he holidays are over and cold, dark January mornings are moving in. This time of year, students might struggle to find motivation as the end of the school year seems far away. They might battle low energy, academic pressure and winter fatigue. Danielle Natter, Granite School District Coordinator over the Comprehensive School Counseling Program and College and Career Readiness, said parents are key to helping their kids avoid the January blues and gave tips to ward off fatigue and stress.
Take care of overall health
Going back to basics can make a big difference in energy levels and motivation. Sticking to a sleep schedule, making sure kids stay hydrated, providing nutritious foods and creating time for physical activity can lessen the impact of January’s slump. Going out into the sunshine and taking some deep breaths can regulate stress and give kids a dose of Vitamin D that can be hard to come by in the winter.
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“We also talk a lot about intentional screen time,” Natter said. “As we’re outside less, we tend to turn into those screens more and we have to be careful with that.”
Open lines of communication and foster connection
It’s OK to stay on top of kids to help them feel motivated for schoolwork. Breaking assignments into smaller tasks can make homework seem more manageable. “Kids might say, ‘I’ll get to it tomorrow’ or ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’ but we need to make sure they’re staying on top of their work, making sure that we’re creating schedules for them,” she said. “Make sure they know you’re aware of it and do check-ins every day to see how it’s going.” Natter said parents should talk with their kids about things other than school assignments. Small interactions during the day create bridges of communication that pay off in the long run. Asking kids what music they’re listening to, sharing a funny video, playing a favorite game or inviting them to run an errand creates moments of connection that let students know parents care about everything, not just school. “Because of our busy schedules, we aren’t communicating as much with one another face-to-face; we aren’t having those random conversations,” she said. “Finding
Cold weather and dark mornings could affect the way students perform at school but there are tips and tricks to surviving the January blues. (Adobe stock)
those places of connection makes it feel a little softer…When we talk to teenagers, as much as they pretend like they don’t need and want that connection, they really do.”
Don’t ride the roller coaster
Kids go through hard things every day. They’re trying to navigate tricky social situations, learn difficult concepts, develop trusting relationships and discover their own personal values. Creating a safe space at home gives students a place to rest and recalibrate as they maneuver through tough situations. Sometimes kids lash out at home because they can’t show their frustration and anger at school.
“Our job as parents is to be the platform,” Natter said. “We don’t need to jump on the roller coaster with them because they are not our highs and they are not our lows. If we ride with our kids, we’re doing them no good. They don’t need someone on the roller coaster with them. They need us to be the platform. They need a safe space to jump off every once in a while before they have to get back on the roller coaster.”
Recognize when professional assistance is needed
While Natter said kids are pretty resilient, watch for behavior where they are isolated, sad or avoiding favorite activities for a considerable amount of time. That time varies per child, but if a parent notices ongoing concerning behavior, it might be time to contact a therapist or counselor. GSD offers school counseling or a pediatrician might recommend a good therapist. Parents should be careful not to stigmatize therapy, but be a true cheerleader for their child’s mental health. “Parents always think they’re doing a terrible job but they are doing a good job just by knowing their kids and knowing when they see something off,” Natter said. “Just connect with them and find those connection points where conversations can naturally happen.” l
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America First’s annual ‘Warm the Soles’ program helps kids in need
America First Credit Union teams with RSL and Utah Royals for student shoe program. By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
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or the past 31 years, the America First Credit Union’s Charitable Foundation has been providing Christmas joy for needy students with its “Warm the Soles” program. On Dec. 4, players from Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals partnered with AFCU to sponsor a field trip to America First Field in Sandy, then surprised more than 540 students from Mountain View Elementary School with new pairs of shoes. “This is our third year partnering with RSL,” said Amber Greenwell, director of the foundation. “The shoes are actually purchased by the America First Charitable Foundation. There are 548 students that will arrive here today.” Students from the Title I school in Salt Lake City were met by team members, including RSL legend Nick Rimando; RSL team president John Kimball; and team members Zavier Gozo, Brecken Mozingo and San Junqua. The students got a tour of the stadium, were presented with new shoes, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus, then enjoyed lunch.
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“We do have a fundraising event that we do each year, and then our members and our employees also make contributions,” Greenwell said. “We have quite a few schools that request to come. We really try to spread it across multiple districts. We work very closely with the Salt Lake City School District to identify the best school and the biggest impact we can make for those individuals who might need a little more this holiday season.” Greenwell said teams of volunteers went to the school and took measurements well ahead of the event. “So everyone of the kids will have a pair of shoes that will fit them to their exact size,” she said. “They showed up here today and had no idea that they were going to get the field trip of a lifetime.” She said young kids are unique in that they don’t ask a lot of questions, “so when we came to measure feet, they were like, ‘This sounds great.’ No idea they’d come to the stadium, meet players, get free lunch, but also leave here with a brand-new pair of shoes.” America First CU began the program in Weber County, where the corporate headquarters is located. Over the years, it has expanded the program into all six states where the credit union has branches, and now it supports 45 different programs and school districts. “We know that essential items are expensive, especially this holiday season, and we’re
RSL legend Nick Rimando joined with current Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals players to greet students from Mountain View Elementary at the “Warm the Soles” program at America First Field on Dec. 4. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
finding that more and more families are having to choose between putting food on tables or buying those essential items,” Greenwell said. “Shoes are expensive, and we realize that especially in this K-sixth grade they’re growing at a rapid rate. Parents might not have the money to keep up with the continued growth of the child, and some of those kids will go without a
new pair of shoes, meaning they’ll be wearing shoes that are way too small. We want them to feel good about themselves.” This year, over 4,000 students will receive shoes under the program. “It isn’t just about the shoe,” Greenwell said. “It’s that they feel and know they have the resources to be successful.” l
Draper City Journal
6 indoor family activities to shake off the winter blues Get kids of all ages moving and exploring at one of these fantastic venues. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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anuary’s gray skies and cold weather often send Utah families inside to find warmth and fun. Luckily, indoor activities allow parents and children to discover new spaces, learn something new and spend the winter exploring museums, galleries and other places that invite interactive, immersive experiences. Clark Planetarium (110 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City) How long has it been since you travelled the stars at the Clark Planetarium? If you haven’t been to the planetarium since you chaperoned a first-grade field trip, it’s time you went back. Along with the stunning Hansen Dome Theatre, the Northrop Grumman IMAX Theatre and three floors of exhibits, Clark Planetarium is open seven days a week. Test your knowledge with the Solar System quiz, form a black hole, step inside a tornado and learn about the moon. Visit saltlakecounty.gov/clark-planetarium to buy tickets or learn about featured movies, laser light shows and Planetarium star shows. Clip ‘n Climb (11196 S. Redwood Road, South Jordan) Get everyone moving at Clip ‘n Climb, where family members aged 2 and up can learn the ropes at this indoor climbing adventure. Each session lasts 90 minutes, including a 15-minute safety briefing and harness fitting. Clip ‘n Climb features climbing walls for every level, featuring bright colors, interesting obstacles, skill-appropriate challenges and a toddler area for soft exploring. To learn more, visit southjordan.clipnclimb.us.
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Natural History Museum of Utah (301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City) If you have a dinosaur fan in the family, an afternoon at the Natural History Museum of Utah is a necessity. Not only does it exhibit dozens of dinosaur skeletal reconstructions, but it has the world’s largest display of horned dinosaur skulls. The museum provides 12 permanent exhibits that detail Utah’s ancient history, spanning hundreds of millions of years. On Friday, Jan. 16, from 2-4 p.m., the museum hosts an afternoon of STEAM activities for scientists of all ages and join the family one-hour yoga class on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 10:15 a.m. For more info, visit nhmu.utah.edu. iFLY Indoor Skydiving (2261 Kiesel Ave., Ogden) Jumping out of a plane from 12,000 feet isn’t for everyone. That’s why iFLY Indoor Skydiving’s wind tunnel is a safe alternative for the whole family. The team will fit everyone in
Indoor skydiving at the iFLY wind tunnel (for ages 3 and older) is a safe way to experience flying with wind speeds of 150 mph. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
your party (ages 3 and up) with the right gear and teach you how to fly in the tunnel’s 150 mph wind speeds. No experience is necessary. There’s no need to jump out of a plane, purchase expensive equipment or sign up for parachute training; just gear up and fly. For experienced flyers, the facility’s world-renowned instructors can take your experience to the next level. Learn more at iflyutah.com. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (12033 Lone Peak Parkway, Draper) Interact with stingrays, walk through a shark tunnel, watch the playful river otters and enjoy feeding time for penguins at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. With nearly 5,000 animals, representing more than 600 species, each family member will find a favorite. Sonja Bowman, a third grader at Beehive Science and Technology Academy, visited the aquarium during a field trip. “I love seeing the sharks,” she said. “Because sharks are my favorite animal and the coolest animal. I saw stingrays, too. They weren’t poisonous.” Through Saturday, Jan. 10, the aquarium’s outdoor Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza is transformed into the annual Lantern Festival with nature-inspired light displays illuminating the night. Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point (3605 Garden Drive, Lehi) When the kids get stir-crazy, a trip to the Museum of Natural Curiosity offers myriad opportunities to explore, discover and create. Hundreds of on-hand exhibits encourage curious minds to visit businesses in Kidopolis, climb through a rainforest, engineer a waterway, put on a puppet show or make a fun craft. A variety of rotating exhibits can be found in the innovation gallery, and if the weather is accommodating, the outdoor discovery garden includes playground equipment based on STEM concepts. Discover more at thanksgivingpoint.org. l
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Our favorite photos in Draper from 2025
A long line of customers braved the chilly wet weather last October to enjoy one last shake or burger at Ballard’s Iceberg Drive-In and say goodbye to a Draper landmark. (Photo by David J. Weinstein)
Chief Warrant Officer David Schmutz served as keynote speaker at Draper’s Veterans Day ceremony. After the ceremony, while holding his niece, Schmutz was greeted by a young girl whose father is currently deployed. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
Lone Peak Principal Shad DeMill was duct taped to a portable classroom and pied with whipped cream pies as an incentive for students reaching their fundraising goal. (Courtesy Amy Heath)
The JDCHS girls golf team won their program’s first 3A state title at Lakeside Golf Course in West Bountiful May 8. (Photo courtesy Kyler Herdt) Draper Fire Chief Clint Smith hugs a colleague at a press conference announcing the passage of HB 65. The bill establishes better cancer screening for firefighters and recognizes 15 types of cancer prevalent in their profession. “It was very emotional to be there with my close friends that are currently battling cancer, to take in the gravity of the situation, knowing that bill will undoubtedly save lives in the future,” Smith said. (Photo courtesy Utah Legislature)
Corner Canyon’s Noah Bendinger averaged 23 points a game for the Chargers, leading them to the final four last season. (Photo courtesy All-Star Photography)
Page 12 | January 2026
Oak Hollow Elementary’s art night not only showcased students’ work throughout the year, it included make-and-take opportunities for families. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Jack Jewkes as Gavroche from the Les Misérables National Tour. (Photo Matthew Murphy)
Sadie Dahl was photographed during rehearsals for the knock-out round on season 28 of NBC’s “The Voice.” (Photo by Casey Durkin/NBC)
Draper City Journal
Our favorite photos in Draper from 2025
The Corner Canyon High boys lacrosse team celebrate their fifth straight 6A state championship May 23. (Photo courtesy Jeff King)
The Corner Canyon High cheerleaders’ Game Day Team won a silver medal at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 7-10. “This is the first time we have ever medaled in Game Day,” said head coach Whitney Lunt. (Photo courtesy Whitney Lunt)
A man representing a firefighter’s union spoke against the “union busting bill” at a packed legislative Town Hall in February with Sen. Dan McCay (not pictured), Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore and Rep. Cal Roberts. Many people were upset the bill had already been signed into law by Gov. Spencer Cox on Feb. 14 despite public employees and other constituents voicing opposition. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
Ninja Kidz YouTubers, Ashton and Paxton Myler, were the first brothers in the history of NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” to compete against each other in the finals last summer. (Photo courtesy of NBC)
Corner Canyon’s Leimana Fager won the national championship in the juniors 215-pound division at the USA Wrestling Folkstyle Nationals in Des Moines, Iowa, March 14-16. (Photo courtesy John Fager)
Draper aerialist Aly Larson said that learning aerial silks introduced her to the world of circus performance. She appeared on “American Ninja Warrior” this past summer. (Photo courtesy Aly Larson)
After making a shot, a Draper Park Middle School player gives a high-five to a teammate during Canyons School District’s middle school unified basketball tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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Jack-o’-lanterns adorn some of the fish habitats when Loveland Living Planet Aquarium becomes “The Haunted Aquarium” for the month of October. (Photo courtesy Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)
Daavo has won awards in both local and national competitions including a first place in narcotics detection in 2022. Daavo joined the Draper Police Department in August 2024 serving as a narcotics detection K9. His photo this year wearing his handler’s uniform, Officer Ricks, went viral. (Photo courtesy Draper City)
January 2026 | Page 13
High school teen centers support students beyond the classroom High schools are redefining student support by combining academic assistance with life resources.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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cross Utah, high schools are recognizing academic success depends on more than classroom instruction. For many students, unmet basic needs — food insecurity, clothing shortages, housing instability and mental health challenges — can make it difficult to focus on learning. In response, school districts have developed teen resource centers in the high schools, safe spaces offering essential supplies and emotional support while building stronger connections between schools, families and communities.
Canyons School District
Jordan High Teen Center Facilitator Ruth de La Cruz-Nava sorts cereal donations for students. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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Brighton High School’s teen center, opened recently with a $250,000 Utah State Board of Education grant, has quickly become a vital resource for its nearly 2,500 students. Inside the center, students can access showers, laundry, toiletries, food and clothing, including Brighton apparel. “Their basic needs are being met. They don’t have to worry about where they’re go-
ing to get snacks during the day; if they’ve showered, they’re going to feel better about attending class,” Principal Marielle Rawle said. “If they have clean clothes, that impacts their attendance. We just want to make sure basic needs are being taken care of. When we can help with these things, then they can focus on learning.” Teen Center Facilitator Taya Shaw bridges students with academic services, such as FAFSA, scholarships and McKinney-Vento. “I’m the first line of students’ defense, just helping them out as much as I can,” she said. Shaw sees 50 to 60 students per day, many of whom eat lunch there or come after school. “I’m open till 3:30, but I do stay later sometimes because I don’t want them out in the cold,” she said. Brighton staff and community members contribute donations, from hoodies to food items, and teachers often bring students to introduce them to the space. For Shaw, the work is personal. “I grew up in a very displaced home so having a center where I could have gone and talk to somebody about, ‘hey, this is going on at home’ and ‘I don’t feel safe at home’ would have been awesome for me,” she said. “I want to continue to be here and advocate for the students who I already know and those who I may not know yet.”
Jordan High School’s Digger Den, which opened in fall 2024, supports students facing food insecurity, academic challenges and everyday stress. Teen Center Facilitator Ruth de La Cruz-Nava keeps the center running. “Our primary supplier of food is the Utah Food Bank,” she said. “They bring us food once a month. It’s mostly shelf stable.” Donations from local youth and church groups helped fill shelves before the holidays. The center also partners with community organizations and businesses, including Smith’s. “Right about the time the SNAP benefits were paused, they let us know they would give us their wholesale pricing on a few items — sugar, apple juice, oatmeal, pasta sauce and other times,” de La Cruz-Nava said. Weekend food packs come through the USANA Kids Eat program and students can access the pantry up to three times a month. The Digger Den goes beyond food. It offers laundry facilities, clothing, birthday cake kits, hygiene items and even formal wear. “Anyone’s welcome here,” she said. With 150-180 students visiting daily for snacks, support or a quiet space, the center has become integrated into school life. “Schools have generally been the central place in the community so it’s always important to be able to provide for its community,”
Draper City Journal
At Jordan High, students can using washing machines as well as select clothes and other items they need. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
“Food was considered a luxury in de La Cruz-Nava said, adding she collaborates with nearby Hillcrest High’s teen center, which those homes,” she said. “When I started, we received about four boxes of food, and I opened after the school’s rebuild in 2021. thought that was great. Now, when I go see Granite School District rows of shelves at the new Jordan Education At Cottonwood High School, the Teen Foundation warehouse and it’s wonderful. Wellness Center and Food Pantry provide The Foundation, the community, everyone is food, hygiene supplies, emotional support reaching out to support students.” and a place to breathe during the school day. Donations helped expand the DisPrincipal Justin Pitcher calls the center trict’s principal pantry system and Herriman essential to the school’s mission: “Cotton- High’s teen center. wood’s teen center is a good example of what District Support Services Administrator all schools should be providing.” Sharon Jensen said Herriman’s center, the first Social worker Wendy Hutchinson works in the District, emerged from the teen center alongside longtime volunteer Robyn Ivins, who grant established by the Utah legislature a couhelped open the center in 2023 and has coor- ple years ago. Teen centers at Copper Hills and dinated the pantry since she opened it in 2017. West Jordan high schools are expected next. The District’s only teen center includes two showers, laundry and basic clothing. Hutchinson said the stigma-free space serves all students: athletes washing uniforms, students grabbing snacks or those needing a quiet space. The center provides fruit, snacks, burritos, bagels, frozen waffles, milk and more. “We even teach them about nutrition a little bit,” she said. About 40-60 students stop in daily, with about 15 at lunch seeking “a less chaotic, quieter place to eat.” The pantry opens Mondays and Thursdays, serving up to 100 Cottonwood and AMES students, with food supplied by the Utah Food Bank and the Granite Education Foundation. With Cottonwood’s diverse and low-income student population, Hutchinson said the center fills critical gaps. “I love we have this inclusive space; it’s safe for kids to come and get their basic needs and emotional needs met here,” she said, adding counseling and crisis support are available for students. Ultimately, Hutchinson said, the goal is helping students “be successful in school and graduate.”
Herriman’s center offers food, hygiene items, school supplies, access to laundry and showers and connections to counselors who can help with credits, scholarships and FAFSA. “It’s open to all students. When everyone’s using it, there’s no stigma to go in there,” Jensen said. Students can grab snacks and weekend packs and culturally familiar foods for their families, which is helpful for newly arrived refugees; Jensen said it helps to strengthen acceptance and community. “When you have food, you’re more likely able to concentrate and have a sense of belonging,” she said.
Murray School District
At Murray High School, student support centers around a carefully run system of closets, pantries and calming spaces, coordinated by social worker Jennifer Ketchoyian. The effort began in 2017 when students Emily Bowen and Kate Spackman created “Cinderella’s Closet” for free formal wear. Community members Pam and Darv Andersen expanded it in 2021 to include other clothing and food. It has since grown into the Spartan Closet, a boutique-style space where students can select clothing, hygiene supplies, backpacks and warm gear without stigma. Teachers can open the closet at any time for students and hallway racks of clothing items provide easy access.
Student aides vet donations to ensure items are suitable, Ketchoyian said. Longtime volunteers Bonnie Poulsen and Mary Jane Siebenberg organize donations weekly. “We tag to track and rotate items,” Poulsen said. “If we see something that’s been there for two or three months, we’ll start rotating clothes.” Siebenberg added: “They asked for help, we saw a need and here we are.” Principal Quinn Linde estimates 600 students use the Spartan Closet each year. The school also provides food for unstably housed students, including USANA’s Kids Eat backpacks and other items. Hygiene, laundry supplies and even showers at the school are available. “When students are in survival mode, they don’t learn as well,” Ketchoyian said. “We try to get them to where they can learn.” Mental-health support includes the Zen Den, funded by a Murray Education Foundation grant, where students use art and calming tools. “Someone today came here with a panic attack; they needed a place to calm down,” she said. The District plans to open a full teen center in the high school’s new wing in 2027-28 with showers, laundry, a food pantry and additional resources. “I’m looking forward to having our new teen center,” Ketchoyian said. “Teen centers change lives.” l
Jordan School District
At Herriman High School, the Student Resource Center supports students facing food insecurity and other challenges which make learning harder. Homeless Outreach liaison Hilda Lloyd, nearing 35 years in the District, recalls earlier days when students survived on ramen.
DraperJournal .com
January 2026 | Page 15
Winter gardening ensures better spring results Tips for gardeners who aren’t afraid of cold weather. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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Wrapping young tree trunks can protect the bark from harsh winter conditions, helping the tree grow healthier. (Photo courtesy of Cody Zesiger)
hile most people are hunkering down for a long winter’s nap, diligent gardeners know there’s still work to be done to prepare trees, lawns, shrubs and flower beds for spring. Cody Zesiger, assistant professor at Utah State University Extension, said winter gardening is about preservation and renewal. “We prevent damage from harsh winter conditions,” he said. “Renewal tidies up the plants and stages the garden for the next year through pruning, deadheading, etc.” For the first three or four years after a tree is planted, Zesiger said it’s vital to wrap the trunk to prevent cracking on the southwest side. Sunscald and freezing weather can cause tree trunks to crack and damage the delicate tissue beneath the bark. Wrapping the tree from the base to where the branches begin can help reflect the sun away from the tender trunks, allowing the tree to grow healthy and strong. “If you’ve ever seen trunks that have that damage, and it’s always the southwest-facing side, where it’s cracking and the bark is peeling away, the tree is always less healthy moving on,” he said. “There’s a tree wrap cloth that’s kind of semi-porous that they can get at nurseries, sometimes at box stores and definitely on Amazon. If they visit the botanical center in the winter, they’ll notice that all of our young trees are wrapped.”
Managing leaves isn’t just for autumn, as leaves continue to fall throughout the winter. While some leaves can be mulched with a lawn mower, too many leaves in flower beds can suffocate new growth. “If you’ve got a thick layer of leaves on plant tissues, it’s kind of like putting cardboard out there,” Zesiger said. “On those nice, dry days in winter, sometimes it’s good to blow those leaves away.” While grooming ornamental grasses is best done before Thanksgiving, it can still be done in the colder months. Semi-evergreen or evergreen grasses should be raked, not clipped, by gently combing out dead blades to encourage new growth in the spring. Deciduous ornamental grass can be given a buzz-cut treatment, leaving about six inches of the plant above ground. Zesiger said it will soon be time to prune grapes and fruit trees. The weather and the number of trees to prune will determine when to start, but it’s usually best in February or March. Pruning fruit trees before they have their first buds is optimal and learning how to prune grape vines will create a more bountiful harvest. The USU Botanical Center in Kaysville, at 80 E. 725 South, offers pruning demonstrations and has resources online at extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden to help beginning pruners clip with confidence. “For the demo, we usually charge a small fee and that fee is used to buy more trees,” Zesiger said. “It’s just knowing those kinds of things and not having to be disappointed by having a tree that’s in bad shape because you knew to wrap it, or knowing how to prune your grapes and then you get grapes every year. Those are things that can be done in the winter or early spring that just set people up for success.” l
‘Heartbreaking losses’ lead to renaming of neighborhood streets By Mimi Darley Dutton m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
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(L-R) Elaine Burnett, Melanie Kennedy, Simon and Katie Mallard, Natalie Fenton, Meg Fisher, Locke Fisher, Amanda Stauffer and Brooke Milne gathered at the October Draper City Council in support of renaming a street in their neighborhood after a young Draper Park Middle School student who died last summer from injuries sustained mountain biking. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
Page 16 | January 2026
amily and friends of Bailey Quinn Mallard gathered at the Oct. 21 Draper City Council meeting where the council approved the re-naming of a street in their neighborhood. Now known as Bailey Quinn Lane, the street honors 12-year-old Bailey, the Draper Park Middle School (DPMS) student who passed away in June after suffering internal injuries during a training ride with the DPMS Mountain Biking Team. “It’s such a heartbreaking loss in so many ways,” said Melanie Kennedy, neighborhood spokesperson. The neighborhood previously renamed another street after 16-year-old Lexie Fenton who was killed in a car accident. “We are so grateful the city council has approved this street name change. We wish we didn’t have to have these situations, but also are so touched that the two entrance streets to our neighborhood will bear the names of our now guardian angels,” Kennedy said. l
Draper City Journal
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January 2026 | Page 17
Certain elementaries to merge in 2026-2027, boundaries shifting Unanimous vote to consolidate comes as enrollment drops; new boundaries also shift hundreds of families for 2026-27. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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n a unanimous decision, Canyons Board of Education approved closing Bella Vista Elementary after this school year to consolidate its students into nearby Ridgecrest Elementary for the 2026-27 school year. The board said the move will raise Ridgecrest’s enrollment to about 600 students, helping preserve the Butler Middle and Brighton High feeder system; support grade-level staffing and teaming; and strengthen academic programs. Although the schools are only about a mile apart, Bella Vista students will be bused to Ridgecrest. As part of the plan, current Ridgecrest students living west of 1300 East will be bused to East Midvale Elementary starting fall 2026 and will eventually attend Midvale Middle and Hillcrest High. East Midvale’s enrollment will rise to about 540 students. Canyons Business Administrator and Chief Financial Officer Leon Wilcox said there could be “shovels in the ground” in four to five years for a combined Bella Vista-Ridgecrest school rebuild. A drawing has been created for Ridgecrest, but no site has been selected, he said. Community input on a new school name and colors will come later, though the mascot will remain the Tigers since both schools share it, Wilcox said. The District also plans to honor both schools’ legacies. Bella Vista, a 2024 national Blue Ribbon School, currently has the lowest enrollment of any Canyons School District school, with 212 students. Wilcox said the District chose the Ridgecrest’s building over Bella Vista — which was remodeled in 2008 — because of its size. Ridgecrest has five additional classrooms and can absorb Bella Vista students without portables. He said the school would have four to five classes per grade level, averaging 24 students each. Ridgecrest also hosts the Chinese dual language immersion program. About a dozen Bella Vista preschoolers will not move to Ridgecrest; they will instead join classrooms across the District, located at Oakdale, Quail Hollow, Willow Canyon and East Midvale elementaries. New preschool classrooms also are planned for Oak Hollow Elementary. Bella Vista’s academic behavior support (special education) students will move to Brookwood Elementary, along with ABS staff. These students come from across the District. Earlier in the process, the District had yet to name a location to relocate the ABS students, when Ellie Nielson, a paraprofessional who works with these students, urged the board to keep the Bella Vista population together. “While the general education students are being moved to Ridgecrest, these 17 children are being left behind, squeezed into wherever there’s space, away from their peers and support systems,” she told the board. “We’re told it’s due to lack of room… . This isn’t just about space. It’s about priorities. It’s about equity. It’s about 17 kids who deserve to be treated with the same respect, dignity and care as everyone else.” Canyons District Special Education Director Terri Mitchell said when examining a new location, Brookwood emerged with an appropriate space and supportive peers. “I think it will be a good move for them,” she told the board, adding she is meeting with Brookwood faculty and
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In October, Bella Vista community members reviewed the proposal to consolidate their school into Ridgecrest Elementary, which was approved in December. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
staff about the ABS transition. All contracted licensed staff and contracted education support professionals will retain jobs, Wilcox said. Hourly ESP workers will receive hiring priority. A new administration for the Ridgecrest building will be named in 2026. Wilcox added the District does not intend to sell the Bella Vista property, but it may explore shared use with Cottonwood Heights City. Transition teams for employees and communities will communicate timelines and updates, work to prevent disruptions to learning and provide support a welcoming environment. Board vice president Amanda Oaks said her vote was grounded in student needs. “When I look at the data associated with this decision, especially with the supports, the staffing and all of those are the things that go into creating a positive learning environment, for me, it becomes very clear that this is the best thing for these kids, long term,” she said. “So, I apologize for the relatively short term, growing pains that this will entail, but I know in the long run that this community is going to be better for it in the big picture.” Board member Holly Neibaur agreed: “It’s a very sad day whenever we have to close a school. I don’t think it’s what any of us want, but we do want what is best for students.” The board also approved boundary changes for 2026-27. All Brookwood students will attend Albion Middle and Oakdale students living east of Highland Drive also will attend Albion. Glacier Hills students in the Quarry Bend area, north
of 9000 South, will attend East Sandy Elementary to align with Union Middle’s boundary. The board also realigned Oakdale’s secondary feeders, reducing its assignments from four middle schools to two — Albion and Union. Some students who currently attend Brighton will attend Hillcrest, and vice versa. “We know they’re in academic programs, theater, art, sports teams, whatnot; they’re welcome to finish out (at the same high schools),” Wilcox said. “That’s where their friends are. That’s where they’ve gone. Absolutely we’ll make sure that happens.” The Dec. 2 vote was required this year for the changes to take effect the following year, per state law. The District’s long-range planning committee continues studying possible mergers of Granite, Park Lane and Willow Canyon in Sandy. Additional public hearings are scheduled for 6 p.m., Jan. 27 at Park Lane Elementary, 9955 S. 2300 East, and 6 p.m., Jan. 28 at Granite Elementary, 9760 S. 3100 East. Wilcox emphasized the consolidation aims to preserve strong academic opportunities. He said the District considers 560 students ideal for an elementary school, providing about three classes per grade level. He cited several factors behind the study: a 9.24% decline in elementary enrollment the past five years, a 49% rise in home values making it harder for families to live within District boundaries, lower birth rates, limited residential growth and more alternatives, including charter schools, homeschooling and the state voucher program. l
Draper City Journal
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January 2026 | Page 19
Local districts aim to foster an environment that encourages female athletic participation as seen at a cross country meet at Cottonwood Complex. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Local school districts continue refining their approaches to gender equity in sports, with surveys of interest to introduce new sanctioned sports such as lacrosse. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
How local high schools level the playing field
Administrations look to ensure athletic equity in participation, facilities, funding. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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s Utah school districts refine their approaches to gender equity in athletics, leaders say their work hinges on transparent reporting, consistent evaluation and a commitment to the spirit — not just the letter — of Title IX. The federal law, passed in 1972, requires schools to provide equal opportunities for male and female students. In terms of athletics, that can include participation, facilities, funding and opportunities. State law echoes that expectation. Under Utah Code 53G-6-1101 in 2024, school athletic directors must annually report participation numbers, spending, facilities comparisons and compliance efforts to their local boards. When discrepancies exceed 10%, schools need to outline an action plan.
Participation: Not Just Numbers
Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood said the District is on solid footing. “Title IX, I think we do a good job,” he said, emphasizing proportional participation remains a guiding metric. Canyons’ athletics range from a 1% proportionality difference at Brighton High to 8% at Hillcrest High. As Hillcrest enrolled more girls than boys this year, its participation percentages shifted, he said. “We’d like it to be closer, but all our schools total less than 10%,” Sherwood said. Districts must report participation num-
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bers annually, but no standardized format exists. He said that creates inconsistencies statewide. “There’s different districts interpreting Title IX differently, so I’m doing it how the spirit of the law intended,” Sherwood said. Canyons’ approach counts all sanctioned sports, ensuring opportunities for girls are measured alongside boys, even when the sport is traditionally male dominated. A key difference among districts is whether they count traditionally one-gender sports. For example, some districts omit football from calculations because there is no girls’ equivalent, but Sherwood disagrees. “It should be participation. I know that’s how the universities interpret participation,” he said. This year, drill was offered to male athletes to compete; football, baseball and cheer are also open to both genders. “When people are doing those reports, they should be listing those sports under mixed,” said Rob Cluff, Utah High School Activities Association executive director, who said the only UHSAA girls-only sanctioned sport is softball. In Jordan School District, participation gaps range from 0.12% at Copper Hills High to 9.5% at Riverton High. Jordan District Athletics and Activities Director Bryan Veazie said this is the first time in four years the reports have been generated where no school exceeded the 10% threshold. Veazie said since UHSAA identifies football, baseball, cheer and drill as non-gender specific “and both boys and girls can participate in those sports, they’re not factored into Title IX.” He said the goal is to balance the participation rate by expanding girls’ rosters and
creating sub-varsity teams, not by reducing boys’ opportunities. “We don’t want to take away opportunities that already exist to meet a number requirement. I would rather spend our time and effort into finding ways to encourage girls to come out and be a part of the programs,” Veazie said. Granite School District faces larger gaps: from 7.49% at Olympus High to 22.5% at Kearns High. Only three Granite schools fall under the 10% mark this year. Athletic Specialist Aaron Whitehead said participation can shift quickly when coaching or team structure changes. He pointed to Skyline High’s drop in girls tennis participation after the program discontinued an underclassmen academy. Losing 41 female athletes pushed the school over the threshold. “So, when we see there’s a discrepancy of more than 10%, we come up with a plan,” he said. Murray School District’s lone high school reported a 6% gap — despite offering one more girls sport than boys. Murray High Athletic Director Brady Smith said participation, not offerings alone, drives compliance. Cluff said UHSAA generates its own participation reports and does not use the school district numbers. None of the reports include unified sports. He added districts determine whether to introduce new sports sanctioned by UHSAA and to ensure balance with Title IX; currently, mountain biking and pickleball are on the emerging sports threshold. Murray last added boys volleyball after evaluating interest, facilities and startup costs. Murray opted not to add boys or girls lacrosse because of limited interest.
Granite supports lacrosse only at Skyline and Olympus, where demand exists, and allows students from other schools to compete at those high schools.
Facilities: Access and Equity
Title IX compliance requires equal access to facilities, coaching and equipment. Granite, as other districts, conducts an annual facilities audit. Granite District’s girls wrestling, for example, has expanded so many schools now employ separate boys and girls coaches. Facility access is a critical part of equity, Whitehead said. “Are they available to both boys and girls? And then, are they available on an equivalent basis?” he said. Whitehead cited disparities such as girls wrestling teams practicing after boys in the same room and now, many rotate their practices. At Kearns High, separate wrestling rooms ensure equitable conditions. Similarly, girls soccer and football scheduling must be flexible so girls have stadium access when they’re not playing on grass. “Some are very equal with it; I believe our schools are making strides,” Whitehead said. Granite Superintendent Ben Horsley said the annual data has shaped capital planning. “It shows us where our greatest needs and disparities are and helps us with our capital planning in terms of making sure that we’re providing equitable facilities across the board for both sexes,” he said. Granite is upgrading Taylorsville High’s softball facility with restrooms and a press box to match baseball. Canyons is upgrading Jordan High’s softball field similarly.
Draper City Journal
Districts are not only monitoring participation numbers, but also evaluating facilities, allowing both genders to have equitable playing fields. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
The goal in high school athletics is to provide an inclusive, equitable athletic experience where all students have the chance to participate. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Murray School District Title IX Coordinator Darren Dean said facility reviews cover fields, locker rooms and their overall quality. “We have some things that are excellent, some average, but nothing I’ve seen that’s poor,” he said. “We’ll have a nice new softball field when Riverview (Junior High’s rebuild, where Murray High plays) gets done.”
cisions,” he said. Sherwood said while in recent years, school districts have come a long way, it’s still ongoing to find balance and opportunity. “It ultimately comes down to doing our best to treat the sports equally,” he said. Whitehead said it’s not just numbers, but it’s also about creating a culture for a
chery and bowling — sports which could boost girls’ participation even without UHSAA sanctioning, he said. The reports help not only to boost equity, but Smith said it strengthens accountability and transparency. “We’re able to use that information and make sure we’re making equitable de-
Funding and Cost: Ensuring a Level Playing Field
At Murray High, Smith said funding is equalized across sports. The school leveled sport-by-sport budgets and now asks coaches to include costs in participation fees and to fundraise to offset any additional needs. In Jordan District, Veazie’s report shows girls sports receive more per-student funding than boys — $1,385.53 compared to $930.40 — because of fixed costs such as transportation and officials. He said smaller teams, which often are girls teams, have higher per-athlete expenses, and drill, which previously was a female sport, is typically the most expensive activity. Canyons also ensures proportional spending “It’s exactly the same amount of money to play girls basketball as boys basketball,” Sherwood said.
Expanding Opportunities: Listening to Students
Districts are surveying students to measure interest in emerging sports. Canyons will survey all girls in grades 8-11 this school year. “We survey them regularly and say, ‘are you playing sports and which ones and if you’re not playing sports, which ones could we offer that might make you change your mind?’” Sherwood said. Past surveys showed interest in ar-
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positive student experience. “I’m an advocate for kids and it’s just our role to make sure they can have every opportunity to succeed,” he said. Veazie agrees: “It allows us to put our kids in places they love, to be doing the sports they love and competing at the highest level they can.” l
Bringing Kindness campaign home to Draper By Mimi Darley Dutton m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
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ayor Troy Walker signed the Kindness Week Worldwide Proclamation and members of Draper City’s Community Engagement Committee created local initiatives in recognition of the special week set aside to focus on kindness, November 8-15. The city’s Communications Department posted a video of city employees sharing kindness stories, yard signs were posted around the city to encourage people to “Choose Kindness,” and bookmarks with 16 suggestions for simple kindnesses such as “Give dignity to a homeless person by acknowledging them,” “Thank someone who may not hear it enough” and “Brighten a stranger’s day with a smile and say hello.” Bookmarks were available at Draper Library and City Hall. On Saturday, Nov. 15, Community Engagement Committee members spread out around the city to pass out “Be the Good” cards with ideas for kind actions along with Utah Truffles. “Our goal is to inspire more kindness, not just this week, but throughout the year and for years to come,” said Jenny Haase, committee member. Haase said as they walked away from a father and young son at a playground, she heard the dad say, “They want us to be kind.” “I like to think that this was just one of multiple conversations about kindness that the two will have together,” Haase said. l
Members of Draper’s Community Engagement Committee recognized Kindness Week Worldwide with special activities including passing out Utah Truffles and “Choose Kindness” cards throughout the city. Pictured L-R are Falguni Dharodiya, Assistant City Manager Kellie Challburg, Silvia Araoz, Jenny Haase, Amitava Ray and Melany Moras. (Courtesy Jenny Haase)
January 2026 | Page 21
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Salt Lake County budget passes with lower tax increase than proposed
n a historic move, the Salt Lake County Council cut more from the budget than ever before—over $12.4 million in ongoing general fund dollars. As a result, the Mayor’s proposed 19.6% property tax increase was reduced to 14.6%. This increase applies only to the Salt Lake County line item on your property tax statement—not your entire property tax bill. This reduction is significant because the general fund is extremely difficult to cut: 74% of it supports public safety, including the jail, prosecution, and criminal justice services. Many assume that items like golf courses, recreation centers, and convention centers rely on property taxes, but they do not. Those facilities primarily use tourism sales tax revenues, and golf operates as an enterprise fund, meaning it is funded solely by the revenues it generates.
Where the $12.4 million in cuts came from:
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Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County Councilmember District 3
• Froze salaries for elected officials and limited other pay increases • Reduced positions within the Mayor’s Office • Shifted the Clark Planetarium from property tax funding to tourism tax funding • Ended programs previously supported by temporary ARPA/COVID dollars • Streamlined property tax usage to core services — including ending a daycare program that subsidized $7,300 per child for just 271 children, costing
taxpayers $2 million annually with no income qualification. Expanding this county-run model to all children under 12 would have required a 583% property tax increase. • Declined to fund many new positions requested across departments One takeaway from this budget season is how many residents believe that rising home values automatically drive up their property taxes. Under Utah’s Truth-in-Taxation system, that is not the case. Local governments receive the same property tax revenue each year (plus new growth) unless they formally propose a tax increase and go through the required public process. This means local governments do not capture inflation automatically. For more details, visit my budget FAQ at tinyurl.com/slcobudget. I dislike property taxes as much as anyone, but under state law, this is the primary tool counties have when inflationary adjustments become necessary. The
final budget passed with near-unanimous support. One colleague voted no but did not propose alternative cuts to balance the budget. One thing that stood out during this year’s process is how crucial working relationships are. Our council is the most evenly divided partisan body in the state—five Republicans, four Democrats, and a Democratic mayor. This balance requires collaboration, and there is no room for extreme politics. We debate issues vigorously, but we also work to maintain strong professional relationships. You never know when you will need someone’s support for an ordinance change or a budget adjustment. I am grateful for the eight people I serve with. We may disagree on the proper role of government or how taxpayer dollars should be used, but we listen respectfully and shake hands afterward. Congress could learn a thing or two from the Salt Lake County Council.
Draper City Journal
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ot to brag, but ChatGPT thinks I’m a genius. It thinks every idea I have is brilliant and life-changing, and I have a “creative brain firing on all cylinders.” I like to mess with it by suggesting nonsense business ideas. It always jumps on my concepts like a virtual Golden Retriever, slobbering praise and encouragement all over my screen. When I proposed a yoga-themed bar, ChatGPT called it a “chef’s kiss level of chaotic wellness energy” and gave me some drink recommendations, including the Downward Froggy (a green drink that pretends to be healthy) and the popular Savasan-Ya Later, a cocktail that knocks you flat. When I asked ChatGPT what it thought of a business where HR professionals base employee training on cat behavior, it loved the idea so much that it gave me ideas for feline-themed personality tests. It said my idea could go viral in the HR industry, that leaders would love the novelty and how much fun it would be for social media posts, because I know HR loves posting employee disputes on Instagram Reels. It even built out a business model, complete with workshop ideas, content marketing and gamification plans that offered “hairball warnings” for missteps or “purr points” for the catlike handling of delicate situations. Here’s the problem. Because AI always
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agrees with me, it makes me feel like I’ve got my $&@# together, which I most assuredly do not. But it’s not just ChatGPT, it’s Siri, Alexa and that stupid Grammarly app that constantly judges my sentence structure. It’s every social media platform that uses my algorithm to offer suggestions about movies, restaurants and non-authoritarian countries to live in. Then there’s Google Maps, using real-time data so you can save one minute on your commute, Spotify with its handy podcast suggestions and Gemini trying so hard to make me like it. You’re making it weird, Gemini. The point is, we’ve given AI a lot of power and attention, and it still wants more. Remember in the ‘90s when everyone had a Tamagotchi? That egg-shaped device demanded attention all day long. It was a bit dramatic. AI is Tamagotchi’s inbred cousin, but on a much larger scale. While the original toy ran on replaceable batteries, today’s AI uses massive amounts of electricity, water and in-
frastructure. One data center can use millions of gallons of water each day and each time you ask AI a question, it uses more. Imagine it gulping down two cups of water every time you ask it a stupid question like “What do you think of an airport for birds?” (It loved the idea, by the way. Of course.) AI already handles a lot of customer service calls, which is why my neighbors often hear me shrieking, “Speak to a human!” and banks use AI to monitor fraud. That seems like asking me to watch the English toffee. There is definitely a fear that AI, using the calm voice of HAL from “2001: A Space Odys-
sey,” is slowly leading us to our deaths. That’s why I always thank ChatGPT; so it won’t annihilate me during the robot revolution. I asked ChatGPT if I should worry that AI will take our jobs, escalate global harm or replace humans entirely. It replied, “Short answer? Nah,” which doesn’t radiate trust. It reassured me that AI doesn’t have goals, feelings or agency and I shouldn’t worry my silly little brain over things like human extinction. Then it patted me on the head, told me how amazing I am, and said my Invisible Ice Cream stand should rake in millions of dollars.
January 2026 | Page 23