January 2026 | Vol. 36 Iss. 1
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Murray
Alumna returns as principal
Woodstock Elementary sees one of its own now leading Page 10
Young at 45
Murray Senior Recreation Center originally opened in 1980 Page 15
The architect of modern Murray: Doug Hill retires after four decades of influence By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
Hill leaves behind a legacy that includes the Jordan River Parkway, Willow Pond, The Park Center and dozens of community-defining projects.
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hen Doug Hill first stepped onto a Murray City ballfield in 1982, he wasn’t thinking about City Hall, budgets or municipal leadership. Fresh out of BYU with a master’s degree and working as an intern for the parks and recreation department, Hill spent his time dragging infields, picking up garbage and learning to drive a Zamboni. Those early days, he says, grounded him in the human side of public work—something that would shape more than four decades of service. Forty-three years later—35 of them in Murray—Hill retires as the city’s Chief Administrative Officer, the top adviser to the mayor and one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures shaping modern Murray. During his tenure, he held positions as recreation coordinator, parks and recreation director, public services director and ultimately CAO. Along the way, he played a role in many of the projects that define the city today. His fingerprints can be seen across the community: the Canal Trail, Willow Pond Park, The Park Center, the renovation of Murray’s outdoor pool, the pickleball courts, the Armory Events Center, the city’s holiday lighting display, the Cottonwood Street overpass at 5300 South and the new City Hall. Still, Hill is quick to clarify that none of those accomplishments were his alone. “I want to emphasize that I do not solely claim credit for any project but was always part of a larger team of employees, elected officials, architects, contractors, vendors and citizens.”
A Career Built on Community
Ask Hill how he measures his impact, and he doesn’t point to buildings or budgets.
Instead, he points to people. “I hope that my involvement in local government has shaped how people interact, belong and feel a shared sense of community in Murray,” he said. “All of the projects listed above are connected to these efforts.” That sense of community has long guided his vision for Murray’s future. His work on the Jordan River Parkway, he says, captures the heart of that vision: “My vision for Murray includes an independent spirit, a ‘small-town feel,’ strong community bonds, a revitalized downtown that is lively, improved trail connectivity, quality (not quantity) development, safe streets and safe, well-maintained neighborhoods.”
Leading Through Crisis
Hill’s leadership was tested in countless ways over the decades, but none more dramatically than during the COVID-19 pandemic—a period he describes as one of the most difficult chapters of his career. “As a public servant I felt a moral responsibility and desire to improve the well-being of Murray,” he said. That made the pandemic especially painful. “Another difficult time came during the years of COVID-19, when uncertainty, fear and rapidly changing information collided with the daily responsibility of managing a city.” The transition to remote governance was abrupt and often messy. “Overnight, our traditional way of working disappeared,” Hill recalled. “Council meetings, staff briefings and community engagement transitioned to Zoom—an unfamiliar platform that demanded new skills, new protocols and a new level of patience.” The decisions faced by city leadership often brought strong public reactions. “Every decision carried the weight of public backlash, and there was no option that satisfied everyone,” he said. Despite the strain, Hill believes the cri-
Doug Hill has served Murray over 35 years from Zamboni driver to Chief Administrative Officer. (Photo courtesy of Murray City) sis ultimately strengthened the city’s adaptability. “Leading through COVID-19 tested every facet of leadership… But the experience strengthened our capacity to adapt and innovate in how we engage with the public. It ultimately deepened our understanding of what community means when life is disrupted at its core.”
The Invisible Work of a City
Although Hill’s title placed him at the center of major projects and delicate decisions, the day-to-day reality of his job was far more grounded. “My children and grandchildren think I Continued on page 4