Murray City Newsletter | June 2025

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FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS

Attorney 801-264-2640

Business Licensing

801-270-2425

Cemetery ................................ 801-264-2637

City Council

801-264-2603

Finance Department 801-264-2513 Passports 801-264-2660

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Administrative O ce .......... 801-264-2781

Non-Emergency Calls 801-840-4000

General Information ................ 801-264-2525

Human Resources.................... 801-264-2656

Library 801-264-2580

Mayor’s O ce 801-264-2600

Municipal Court....................... 801-284-4280

PARKS AND RECREATION

Administrative O ce .......... 801-264-2614

Recreation Division 801-264-2614

Museum 801-264-2589

Murray Outdoor Pool 801-290-4190

Murray Parkway Golf Course.... 801-262-4653

The Park Center 801-284-4200

Senior Recreation Center ......... 801-264-2635

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Administrative O ce .......... 801-264-2673

Animal Control/SL County 385-468-7387

Code Enforcement 801-264-2673

Non-Emergency Calls ......... 801-840-4000

POWER DEPARTMENT

Administrative O ce .......... 801-264-2730

After Hours Emergency 801-264-9669

PUBLIC SERVICES

Administrative O ce 801-270-2440

Building Inspection 801-270-2431

Green Waste Trailers ........... 801-270-2440

Planning and Zoning 801-270-2430

Solid Waste 801-270-2440

Water, Sewer, Streets .......... 801-270-2440

Zoning Enforcement ........... 801-270-2426

UTILITIES

After Hours Emergency 801-264-9669

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Every year as the Fourth of July approaches, I nd myself re ecting on what it means to be part of a community. Murray is a place that values family, history, and everyday neighborliness. Our 4th of July celebration, called Murray Fun Days, is more than just another holiday because it brings those values to life. It honors our past, strengthens our connections, and reminds us why Murray is such a special place to call home.

Honoring Our Roots

Independence Day always reminds me of my dad and how much this day meant to him. I remember our last Fourth of July together in 2011, now 14 years ago, when he held his nal ag ceremony at his home in Magna. A World War II veteran, he stood tall that day with his hand over his heart, proud of the country he loved and the ag he defended. That was the last time I watched him raise the Stars and Stripes, and I’ll never forget it.

My dad loved people unconditionally. He taught me what it meant to serve, to show up for others, and to nd joy in the little things, like waving the ag or standing with your hand over your heart during the national anthem. That’s the kind of spirit we honor on the Fourth of July.

• Games & Activities • Car Show • Food Trucks • Bingo Tent • Balance Bike Race for Kids

Evening & Fireworks

MAYOR’S OFFICE

Brett A. Hales -Mayor mayor@murray.utah.gov 801-264-2600 10 East 4800 South Murray, Utah 84107

8:30 PM to 10:00 PM – Concert by The Monkee Men at the Murray Park Softball Field

10:00 PM – Fireworks Show lights up the Murray sky

Bring a blanket, your loved ones, and your best sing-along voice!

A Look Back: The Murray Museum Opening and Block Party

Before we look forward to Fun Days, I want to pause and re ect on something that made me so proud to be mayor: the recent Murray Museum Grand Opening and Block Party.

That day was nothing short of magical. Hundreds of residents gathered to celebrate our city’s heritage in the beautiful Murray Museum in the award-winning restored John P. Cahoon Mansion. The energy was conta-

It’s also the spirit that lives on in our community traditions. This year’s celebration marks 67 years since Mayor Ray P. Greenwood rst brought Fun Days to life in 1958. It began as a simple idea to bring neighbors together on Independence Day and create lasting memories. Since then, it’s blossomed into a full day of family-friendly events, laughter, patriotism, and plenty of good food, all centered in and around the heart of our city, Murray Park.

A Day Packed With Fun

Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, Murray Fun Days 2025 has something for everyone. Here’s a look at what you can enjoy on Friday, July 4:

Morning Events

6:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Chalk Art Contest outside the Murray Armory (pre-registration required)

6:30 AM to 10:00 AM – Rotary Club Community Breakfast at Pavilion #5 (modest fee required)

7:00 AM – Sunrise Service at the Murray Park Amphitheater

7:00 AM – Check-in for the 5K Walk/Run & Children’s Race at Constitution Circle

8:00 AM – 5K Walk/Run begins

8:30 AM – Parade starts at Fashion Place Mall and winds down to Murray Park

9:00 AM – Children’s Race kicks o

gious. People laughed, hugged, shared stories, and danced under the lights with music in the air. Children played games and ate treats, parents chatted with neighbors they hadn’t seen in a while, and volunteers greeted guests with warmth and pride.

The museum, lled with treasures from Murray’s past, serves as both a time capsule and a reminder of our roots. It’s a place of remembrance that also points us toward the future. At the ribbon cutting, I shared what continues to guide our work in Murray: we don’t just preserve history, we build on it.

The block party brought the city to life in a way I haven’t seen in years. People stayed late, lingered long, and walked away with smiles. That’s exactly what we hope to recreate again on July 4. These shared experiences remind us that Murray is more than a place. It’s a people.

This July 4, you’re invited to experience Murray Fun Days not just as an event, but as a homecoming. Bring your family. Meet your neighbors. Laugh with strangers who quickly become friends. Whether it’s pancakes at sunrise, chalk art outside the new Murray Armory, or reworks under the stars, I promise, this day will feel like Murray at its best.

We’ve already shown what it looks like to come together. Let’s do it again. Let’s celebrate our city, our country, and each other.

I’ll see you there.

Billing Questions 801-264-2626 murray.utah.gov

Midday Fun:

11:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Live Daytime Entertainment at the White Gazebo Throughout Murray Park:

With pride and love, Mayor Brett Hales

Jimmie L. Hales, father of Mayor Brett A. Hales, proudly raises the American flag at his home on the Fourth of July—a cherished family tradition.

MESSAGE FROM THE COUNCIL

Twenty- ve years ago this month, I received a phone call that would change the course of my family’s life. My job in Vancouver, Washington, was being relocated, and I was told I would need to transfer to another area. The silver lining?

We could choose anywhere in the United States. That moment sparked an exciting conversation between my wife and me. Where should we go?

What kind of life did we want to build?

We talked about cities and states, dreamed about possibilities, and considered our roots. Though I was born in Argentina and raised in Idaho after my family moved to the U.S., my father was a fth-generation Utahn. That connection drew us in. After careful thought, we chose Utah as the place to begin our next chapter.

I was assigned to a position in Salt Lake City, so we began searching for a home within a 15-mile radius. We scheduled a house-hunting trip and connected with a real estate agent who guided us through neighborhoods from Bountiful to South Jordan. For four days, we toured dozens of homes. Some were beautiful, a few were even tempting, but none felt quite right. Nothing said, “This is it.”

By the fourth day, our agent was nearly as worn out as we were. That’s when he mentioned a house that had just come on the market the day before. It was located near the Jordan River Parkway, in an area he thought we might like. The next morning, we drove out to see it.

As we turned onto 1070, our eyes lit up. It was the greenest stretch we’d seen in days. The house was just a block away from the Jordan River Parkway, surrounded by trees and open space. The moment we stepped inside, my wife gasped—it was exactly what we had hoped for. Spacious, bright, and inviting. We made an o er immediately, and within a week, the house was under contract.

We moved in with our three young children, and not long after, we welcomed two more into our family. We’ve now lived in that same house for a quarter of a century. Over the years, many things have kept us rooted here—our wonderful neighbors, a central location, and of course, the Jordan River Parkway.

The Parkway has been a part of our daily life from the very beginning. Our children learned to ride their bikes on its trails. Later, they used it as a

shortcut to visit friends. I’ve turned to it time and again for peace, re ection, and the calm that only nature can provide. It’s more than just a walking trail—it’s our refuge.

But it hasn’t always been this way. The Jordan River had a troubled past. In the mid-20th century, it was far from a destination. Pollution and neglect had taken a toll. Fortunately, restoration e orts began in the 1950s. The river was dredged in places to prevent ooding, and water treatment plants started cleaning up sewage and pollutants. Originally a cold-water sh habitat with 13 native species, it has since shifted to a warm-water ecosystem, now mostly home to carp. Despite the changes, the river remains a critical resource—along with Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake, it provides a vital stopover and breeding area for over 200 species of birds. This biodiversity attracts bird watchers, families, and nature enthusiasts from across the state.

The Jordan River Parkway was proposed in 1971, not just to control ooding, but to create a community asset. Plans included restoring wetlands, building parks, and creating trails for walking, biking, and canoeing. By 1986, $18 million had been invested to acquire land, build the Murray Golf Course, and develop miles of trails and parks along the river. By 2010, most of the envisioned 40-mile continuous trail—from Utah Lake to Davis County—was complete.

Murray was one of the rst cities to embrace the Parkway vision, and it shows. The city continues to maintain the area with regular cleanings and repairs. Along with the many other cities that share the river, there are future plans of continuing to improve the Parkway. It’s more than a park or a trail; it’s a living, evolving space that connects neighborhoods and communities. Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate that we found our home where we did. We came for a job, but we stayed for the people, the place, and the peace that the Parkway brings. It’s woven into the fabric of our lives and continues to o er joy, beauty, and connection.

If you haven’t visited the Jordan River Parkway recently, I encourage you to do so. Walk its trails, listen to the birds, and take in the scenery. And if you happen to see me out there, don’t hesitate to say hello. I’d be happy to share more about why this place means so much to me—and why it’s one of the best parts of living in Murray.

CITY COUNCIL

City Council District #1

Paul Pickett

801-743-0911

ppickett@murray.utah.gov

Council District 2

Pam Cotter

801-541-8364

pcotter@murray.utah.gov

Council District 3

Scott Goodman

801-699-6631

agoodman@murray.utah.gov

Council District 4

Diane Turner

801-635-6382

diane.turner@murray.utah.gov

City Council District #5

Adam Hock

801-557-1346

ahock@murray.utah.gov

Executive Director

Jennifer Kennedy Office: 801-264-2622

jkennedy@murray.utah.gov

Telephone Agenda Information 801-264-2525

JUNE

2025

Murray Senior Recreation Center

10 E 6150 S, Murray, Utah 84107 • 801-264-2635 mcreg.com • seniorrec@murray.utah.gov murray.utah.gov/140Senior-Recreation-Center

Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Thurs 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. • Closed Sat and Sun

Check our website for updated information.

CHEF OMAR LIMON

DAILY LUNCH

Date: Tuesday through Friday

Time: 11:30 a.m. – noon

Cost: Cost is $5; prior reg. not required CLASSES

CERAMICS

Date: Tuesday and Thursday

Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon

Cost: $2 each class plus cost of supplies GRIEF SUPPORT

Date: Friday, Jun. 13 and 27

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free

FUNERALS OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS:

Babe Ruth

Date: Thursday, Jun. 26

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free

VITAL AGING: STRESS MANAGEMENT

Date: Friday, Jun. 27

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

DANCE

BEGINNING LINE DANCE INSTRUCTION

Date: Tuesdays

Time: 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Cost: $5 for the month; register now

THURSDAY EVENING SOCIAL DANCE

Live Music provided by Tony Summerhays

Date: Thursdays

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Cost: $5

FITNESS: Daily Fitness Classes – check our current newsletter for the schedule and fees

PROGRAMS

BINGO

Date: Wednesdays and Fridays

Time: 12:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Cost: Free, donations are appreciated

BRIDGE LESSONS

Date: Mondays

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

HAND AND FOOT CARD GAME

Date: Mondays

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOS GAME

Date: Thursdays

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

HEALTH SERVICES

HAIRCUTS

Date: Wednesdays

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: $12; advance appointment required CLUBS

THURSDAY QUILTERS

Date: Thursday, Jun. 12

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

DETAILS AND MORE ACTIVITIES AT:

SUMMER AMPHITHEATER SEASON

Get ready—our summer amphitheater season is almost here! This year, you’ll be able to choose your seats in advance, so be sure to get your tickets early for the best selection. Join us for a season of unforgettable performances!

Tickets are available online at the link below, or in person at the Parks and Recreation Office, Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM, located at 296 E Murray Park Ave, Murray.

GET YOUR TICKETS AT: showpass.com/o/murray-park-amphitheater

MURRAY FUN DAYS

July 4th Activities

Rotary Club Community Breakfast

6:30 - 10:00am - Murray Park Pavilion #5 $10 Adults/ $7 Child (12 and under)

Art Contest

Plein Air Contest

and Kids Race

THE PARK CENTER HE

Youth outdoor Soccer outh

June 3 - 24 (Tues/Sat)

Boys Ages 3-4

Girls Ages 5-6

$45/res & $55/non-res

Girls Ages 7-8

Coed Ages 11-13 & 14-16

$50/res & $60/non-res

T-Ball -Ball

June 9 - 25 (Mon/Wed)

Coed Ages 3-4

Coed Ages 5-6

$50/res & $60/non-res

June 5 - 26 (Thurs/Sat)

Girls Ages 3-4

Boys Ages 5-6

$45/res & $55/non-res

Boys Ages 7-8

Coed Ages 9-10

$50/res & $60/non-res

Coach Pitch oach

June 10 - 26 (Tu/Th)

Coed Ages 6-7

Coed Ages 8-9

$50/res & $60/non-res

Track & field rack

June 4-July 19 (Tues-Thur)

5:30-6:30pm Murray High

Ages-Born 2011-2019

$67/res & $77/non-res baseball aseball

June 10 - 26 (Tu/Th)

Coed Ages 10-12

$50/res

$60/non-res

July 4 5K & Kids Race th

8am 5K Race & 9am Kids Race

5K Race begins in Murray Park

$30 Resident / $40 Non-Resident

Kids Race (Ages 4-9) stays inside Murray Park

$12 Resident / $17 Non-Resident

June 7-Aug 17

Aug 23-24

Aug 30-Sept 1

Hours 12-6PM DAILY ADMISSION

Under 1 = Free

Ages 1-2 = $1

Ages 3-17 = $4

Ages 18-59 = $5

Ages 60+ = $3 OUTDOOR SWIM

WEEKLY SESSIONS MON-THURS 9AM-11:50AM 8 LESSONS/SESSION

$40 Residents | $50 Non-Residents

Thursday Evening Games

Murray Adult Softball Field Begins June 12 - $340/team

Adult Softball ult

Monday Evening Games

ADult Kickball t Register online mcreg.com

Murray Adult Softball Field Begins June 9 - $375/team

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