December 2025 | Vol. 25 Iss. 12
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Sandy
Faith and farming
Volunteer farm grows food for the community Page 6
CSD awards
Ceremony honored 11 members of school district community Page 16
Sandy’s new recreation center will be community-focused By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com Groundbreaking ceremony officially starts construction of the project.
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t’s been a long time coming, but Sandy City broke ground on its new Sandy Community and Recreation Center. Located on the same spot as the 41-year-old Alta Canyon Sports Center (9565 S. Highland Drive), the new facility will become a centerpiece for residents to stay active while strengthening community bonds. Along with Sandy City officials, many honored guests attended the groundbreaking event, including Gail Miller, representing the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, which contributed a $2-million grant to the project. Others in attendance included Holladay Mayor Rob Dahle, South Valley Chamber President Jay Francis, Miller Family Foundation Executive Director Don Stirling, representatives from the Salt Lake County Council and Mayor’s Office, and State Rep. Tracy Miller. “We wanted to build a center for recreation, health and wellness in Sandy that we could be proud of, and live within our means, and we’ve accomplished that together,” said Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski. “This is a long overdue upgrade, but it’s thoughtfully designed and made for modern Sandy. From age 1 to 100, there’s going to be something for everyone in the new Sandy Community Recreation Center. You’ll all find something to love.” The new center will feature pickleball courts, a gymnasium, cardio equipment, free weights, an indoor track, expanded space for classes and a community room that can be used for meetings, workshops, events, socials, classes and other activities. Once the Sandy Community and Recreation Center is completed in January 2027, the city will reopen the outdoor pool next door. With a cost of $23.5 million, the project will be funded by Sandy City, with a $3-million grant from Salt Lake County’s Tourism, Recreation, Culture and Convention grant program, plus the donation from the Miller Foundation. “When I look around and I see so many partners, leaders and neighbors coming together for a shared purpose, it reminds me of how special a place Utah is,” Miller said. “It’s a special place because we have people who care deeply about their communities and are willing to do what it takes to keep them alive, vibrant and useful for the masses. This recreation center will be
so much more than just a building. It will be a gathering place. It will be a place for connection and for joy.” Zoltanski said the recreation center is the fourth major capital project the city has dedicated this year. The wetlands at Grandpa’s Pond, the public works fleet maintenance facility and fire station 31 join the recreation facility as a “proud lineup of accomplishments” that reflect Sandy’s values and focus. VCBO architects and Layton Construction will take the
lead on design and building, based on feedback from residents at town halls and public hearings. To see a virtual walkthrough of the Sandy Community Recreation Center concept, visit sandy. utah.gov/1828/Facility-Information. “It’s going to be a gathering space that’s reflective of our Sandy values, not extravagant, but practical and welcoming, and true to who we are as a community,” Zoltanski said. “This building that you will see is the product of decades of planning.” l
City officials and honored guests participate in the groundbreaking for the new Sandy Community and Recreation Center at 9565 S. Highland Drive. The facility is expected to be completed by January 2027. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)