Taylorsville City Newsletter | November 2021

City of Taylorsville Newsletter 2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

www.taylorsvilleut.gov

November 2021

‘A Living Room for the Community,’ Centennial Plaza is Now Open

Dear Friends and Neighbors, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am with our new Centennial Plaza, connecting City Hall and the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. Its opening, celebrated this past month, was a long time coming and took much Mayor Kristie S. Overson effort, years of planning and a shared vision of community and bringing people together. And the day is now here! From an idea sketched on a piece of paper, our beautiful plaza has become a reality. It is a place where we can gather, connect and celebrate all things Taylorsville with food, culture and fun. I hope you will take a stroll along its many pathways. View the beautiful sculptures placed in the plaza as part of our new Plaza +ART program. Take in the lovely greenery and arbors. Bring a lunch to eat in the pavilion or picnic areas. See the stage, concessions area and impressive waterwall signs at the entrance. The plaza sits on 19.6 acres that provide both a beautiful setting as well as a functional and versatile space where all kinds of community gatherings and celebrations can take place. We envision movies in the park, farmer’s markets, arts festivals, food festivals and outdoor performing arts here. Notice, too, the plaza’s symmetry and how it ties City Hall and the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center into one community-centric space. Spend some time exploring; I’m certain it will be well worth your time. This space was named “Centennial Plaza” earlier this year in reflection of our city’s historic roots and formation 25 years ago. Taylorsville is sometimes nicknamed “Utah’s Centennial City” because it officially came into existence in 1996 — or 100 years after Utah became a state. The name “Centennial Plaza” seemed to perfectly encapsulate where we came from and where we are going. The six wonderful sculptures placed at the plaza through our Plaza +ART program also are a nod to our recent history. The sculptures work in concert with the nine bronze statutes depicting veterans and their work that were installed outside City Hall in 2011 — further tying together our City Hall campus. The new sculptures add such an elegance and touch of splendor to this space. Some also bring a whimsy to enjoy. We envision some permanent art pieces, while others will rotate through the plaza as additional sculptures are featured. The artwork is all by local and area artists, whom you can read more about on Page 6 of this section. So, please enjoy. I can’t wait for everyone to experience our plaza’s many features and facets. I know that’s where I’ll be every chance I can get. –Mayor Kristie S. Overson

WHAT’S INSIDE – NOVEMBER 2021 Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2 Council Corner, Page 3 Getting to Know TVPD, Page 4 Heritage Remembrances, Page 7 Environment, Page 8

Centennial Plaza in front of Taylorsville City Hall is officially open. It was built as a gathering place — featuring walking paths and greenery, an outdoor stage, arbors and picnic areas, a concessions facility and several installation areas for public art. “It is a focal point, a true centerpiece, of our city,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “We anticipate the space will be a ‘living room for the community’ for all to enjoy.” Mayor Overson gave remarks at the grand opening on Oct. 15 and led those gathered down Centennial Way to the plaza’s entrance, where a ribbon cutting took place. After the ribbon was cut, the Centennial Plaza sign was lit, and water splashed down over its metallic letters. The beautiful ambience prompted oohs and aahs all around. “The campus is especially lovely at night with its lighted buildings and walkways,” Mayor Overson noted. “We are overjoyed with how it turned out.“ As part of the grand opening event, the city also unveiled several new public art pieces, launching its Plaza +ART program in which local artists and their work will be featured at the plaza on an ongoing basis. Several of the artists were on hand to talk about their work (see Page 6 of this section). The plaza was constructed by Hogan Construction and sits on 19.6 acres. “Our Centennial Plaza is everything we hoped it would be,” Mayor Overson said. “We look forward to enjoying this gathering space together for many, many years.”