What makes Parks and Recreation stand out, though, is that, for the most part, it is subsidizing itself and winning awards.

Most residents may not understand all that is under the Parks and Recreation Department’s jurisdiction. Henderson took the time to enlighten the public on that.

When it comes to trails, Parks and Rec have continued goals to create and maintain bike trails and sidewalk systems that connect all parts of Provo.

The plan is to manage a system of non-motorized trails and multi-use pathways that connect recreation facilities and encourage walking and bicycling as alternative modes of transportation as well as for recreation, according to Henderson.

“Park improvements are targeted along the Provo River to feature this important natural resource,” Henderson said. “A Master Plan is to be completed for Rock Canyon Trailhead and fundraising efforts are under way.”

He added that lands in Slate Canyon have also been acquired and that large, long-lived canopy shade trees are to be placed in parks and green spaces throughout the city.

“Parks and Recreation Projects select locations and tree species to provide long-term shade benefits to the community. Examples are Spring Creek Park and 500 West landscape designs,” Henderson said.

Parks and Recreation leads the city in sustainability practices, according to Henderson’s presentation.

“Parks and Recreation is an active partner with State and Federal land agencies in protecting and preserving natural spaces around Provo,” Henderson said. “In addition, the Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee works with UCAIR (clean air partnership), the Utah Valley Clean Air Task Force, The Nature Conservancy and the Natural Resource Conservation Service to preserve and enhance these kinds of natural resources in Provo.”

Henderson said his department has a goal of providing increased public access to natural amenities such as the Provo River, Utah Lake, Rock Canyon, Slate Canyon and Provo Canyon, as well as open mountain space.

The parks side of the department is increasing emphasis and efforts to enforce the watershed protection ordinance to ensure the protection of forests. They also will identify and evaluate the urban forest and habitat areas with the city and develop policies and ordinances that would protect plant life, encourage planting, maintain a green belt and preserve habitats for wildlife, according to Henderson.

“Parks and Recreation has received over $3 million in grant funding for trail improvements, $2 million for Delta Gateway Park development, and $4 million in materials for the Regional Sports Park project,” Henderson told the council.

When it comes to Provo’s involvement with Utah Lake projects, Henderson noted that Parks and Recreation is involved with the Wakara Way and Delta Restoration projects, which will provide public access to Utah Lake wetland.

They are also exploring opportunities to establish a recreational beach and other site improvements and amenities near the Utah Lake Boat Harbor.

Doug Robins, assistant director of Parks and Recreation, is continuing a relationship with the Utah Lake State Park to elevate their shared vision.

Robins will also work with projects to restore areas of the Provo River that have been neglected and misused. The goal is to ensure that Provo River is a year-round stream with protected flows that provide both spawning and rearing habitat for native fish species and seasonal sport species.

Parks and Recreation works annually to provide maintenance, improvements and safety enhancements to the Provo River corridor, according to Robins.

Another goal is the installation of a new solar powered, high-efficiency trail lighting system which expands the safe use hours for the trail.

During the presentation, Henderson reminded the council of the prestigious national honors the Parks and Recreation department had earned.

“Parks and Recreation received the National Gold Medal Award for excellence in Parks and Recreation Management,” Henderson said. “Parks and Recreation leads the nation in efficient delivery and operation of Parks and Recreation facilities. As demonstrated by our National Gold Medal Award.”

Parks and Recreation is currently engaged in the planning efforts with the Olympic Committee for the bid to host the Winter Olympic Games in 2030 or 2034.

Our facilities have a long résumé of regional and national events,” Henderson said. “Currently under construction, the Regional Sports Park will be a unique attraction in our community to draw regional and national tournaments with an impact of over $30 million of local spending annually.”

Timpanogos Golf Club

“Timpanogos Golf Club is operating in financial self-sufficient proforma, achieving record revenue and use milestones,” Henderson noted.

Henderson said the redevelopment of Timpanogos Golf Club was a “rare win-win scenario created by the administration and council. It was a reinvention of the entire facility. We are changing the way municipal golf is operated.”

The East Bay Golf Course, now Timpanogos Golf Club had a $500,000 starting subsidy. Now it’s at $0, Henderson added.

Provo Recreation Center

“Benchmarking shows the Provo Recreation Center as the most successful recreation center facility based on use and financial metrics,” Henderson added.

These major recreation and sports facilities are paying their own way and are no longer needing to be subsidized by the city, in fact, the department is giving back to the general fund close to $500,000.

Because of the high citizen use, revenues cover operation costs and future needs, according to Henderson.

One of the most successful programs of the Rec is the Triple Play membership. The membership allows play at all of the recreation locations, the Rec center, golf course and ice arena.

As for things on the department’s short-term docket is dealing with hiring part-time seasonal workers, which is a tough market currently, according to Henderson. There is the cost of operations due to inflation to be concerned about as well.

That is not stopping Henderson and his team from moving forward with new projects. One such project is the reinventing of the senior programming. COVID-19 basically shut down senior programs and now the department is planning on opening up the senior programs and invite former participants to return and new participants to join.

Cemetery

The Provo Cemetery offers the most diverse interment options in the region. Cemetery conditions match the respect felt for those buried there, Henderson said.

Peaks Ice Arena

“This is the most successful Olympic venue and is self-sustaining,” Henderson said. “This is Utah County’s only future venue for the next Olympics.”

Henderson said they are rising from the political ashes and are seeking state funding for day-to-day and Olympic future. They want to create the Olympic experience for every visitor.

“We want to represent Provo at the highest level internationally,” Henderson said.

The Peaks Ice Arena had an $800,000 starting subsidy. According to Henderson, it’s now at $0.

Covey Center for the Arts

The center touts a 90% main hall booking level, but on the horizon it will need to be brought up to pre-COVID staffing levels. The center is also needing to go through some facility refurbishment.

“RAP Tax has supported improvements to performance lighting and sound systems at the Covey Center for the Arts,” Henderson said. “The Parks Department currently administers to the Pioneer Museum and Pioneer Village at North Park. An arts grant program was implemented in 2018 to support expanded culture opportunities.”

The Covey Center has a $750,000 starting subsidy. That has been lowered to $335,000, a $415,000 difference.

“The benefits of a well-run Parks and Recreation Department’s shows at the $3.2 million in total general fund savings,” Henderson said. “This is to be enjoyed perpetually every year from now on.”

Henderson noted the financing coming into place for the 100-acre regional sports park to be built near the Provo Municipal Airport. It will be the largest sports park of its kind in Utah and will be able to bring in regional competitions as well as provide walking paths, playgrounds and other amenities.

Even with the national recognition and great facilities and park offerings in Provo, Henderson said, “Even with all this, we realize that our Department is not perfect, but with continued support of the Administration and Council we will continue to rise up to attain future visions.”