Riverton City Newsletter | May 2024

RIVERTON REVIEW

Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government

Grand Reopening of Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center and City Hall Plaza

By Mayor Trent Staggs

I am pleased to announce the reopening of the Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center and the debut of the newly constructed outdoor plaza behind City Hall. A grand opening event for the public will be held on Monday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m.

The Riverton Jazz Band will be on hand to perform with refreshments provided. We invite you to bring your families to tour the renovated community center, explore the new plaza, and enjoy a refresh of Riverton history.

been made throughout the facility. These include the installation of additional electrical outlets, energy-efficient LED lighting, new flooring, refreshed paintwork, new kitchen amenities, and restored restrooms.

The community center and plaza will be available for public reservation starting June 1, 2024.

City Hall Plaza

The City Hall Plaza project is one that has been in the works for several years.

Through the efforts of Riverton City facilities employees, we have been able to keep the costs within budget. Using in-house resources, Riverton Public Works crews completed the demotion portion of the project and were able to replace old piping at the same time.

“Through the efforts of Riverton City facilities employees, we have been able to keep the costs within budget.”

The Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center has long been a hub for a variety of events, including wedding receptions, dance recitals, and musical productions. In response to the evolving needs of our community, the decision was made, with approval from the city’s elected officials, to undertake renovations while aiming to retain its historic charm.

Since the work began in March 2023, significant upgrades have

What was once a bumpy parking lot, Riverton residents will soon be able to enjoy major enhancements to the pre-existing City Hall Park.

The new plaza features a small outdoor amphitheater with two-tier seating, a brick restroom, additional benches, a large pavilion, new landscaping, and large bronze tigers that were generously donated by the family of longtime Riverton resident, Dollores B. Shelledy.

In 1930, Riverton City Hall served as a school for elementary and

junior high students. A long concrete sign that read ‘Riverton School’ was placed below the flagpole in the front of the building when the construction of the gymnasium, shop, and cafeteria was completed. That 23-and-a-half-foot-long sign will now be used as a place for parents to sit and watch their children play on the playground.

Financing

The total cost of these projects amounts to $2.6 million, with $1.7

million going towards the plaza, and just under $900,000 to the community center. Through collaborative efforts involving the City Council, city staff, and $1.2 million in grants, we have successfully managed to keep expenditures within budget.

Riverton City thanks our Salt Lake County elected officials for the generous grant, and we want to thank all our partners who helped make this project possible.

Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center

The newly constructed outdoor plaza behind City Hall will hold a grand opening event for the public on Monday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Trent Staggs - Mayor

Andy Pierucci - District 1

Troy McDougal - District 2

Tawnee McCay - District 3

Tish Buroker - District 4

Spencer Haymond - District 5

UPCOMING

CITY COUNCIL

MAY, 7 & 21, 7 p.m.

PLANNING COMMISSION

MAY, 9 & 23, 6:30 p.m.

801-254-0704

Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report

COUNCILMEMBER MESSAGE

It’s Time for a Celebration!

By Councilmember Tish Buroker

It’s time for a celebration! Final improvements have been completed to the Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center, and the adjoining plaza. The community center is located at 12830 S Redwood Road, just west of the historic school building which houses Riverton City Hall.

This two-story brick building was built in 1930. It was originally a gymnasium, auditorium, cafeteria, and additional classrooms. The original auditorium remains much as it was when it was built. The space has always been in continual use. It has hosted sporting events, movies, school programs, town meetings, club meetings, funerals, receptions, spook-alleys, school fairs, family parties, and the Riverton Arts Council in its 94-yearold history. It truly is a community center.

The old school playground behind City Hall was home to school field days, a massive slide, and other playground equipment. Most recently, it has been a parking lot for city employees. It was full of potholes, broken pavement, and was collapsing in spots.

I recently toured this site with one of my brothers, and we both remembered exactly where we were standing at recess when we heard the news that President Kennedy had been killed.

Former Mayor Sandra Lloyd was instrumental in ensuring the school and community center were retained by the city when a new elementary school was built in 1994. As former Mayor Lloyd

stated, “There is a sense of community that comes when entering a historic building. A sense of awe as we feel the spirit of the old. These feelings connect us to our past, thus giving us a sense of our identity. This in turn strengthens our future.”

Recently, money was set aside by the City Council to update the Sandra Lloyd Community Center, and to remedy the longstanding concerns with the parking lot on the west side of City Hall. The goal was to transform this area into something special that could continue to be relevant, while respecting its 94-year history.

of sculpture through the generous donation of the Shelledy family, a large, bronze statue, Mother and Cub, honoring Dollores Shelledy, a local, respected artist.

Now, the work is complete. The outside plaza and the Sandra Lloyd Community Center are multi-purpose spaces for showcasing the arts, the history of Riverton, and providing space for recitals, family gatherings, and business meetings. We even have our first piece

To celebrate and showcase these improvements, there will be a grand opening on May 13, at 6:30 p.m., followed by an open house of the Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center and outside plaza.

It is the hope of your Council that this building and plaza will continue to be a place of community. Rates for renting space have purposely been kept low so that residents can enjoy this space without extreme costs.

The mayor’s article shares how these improvements were paid for without a bond or increase in taxes.

As always, the mayor and all the City Council are committed to ensuring the best possible use of tax dollars while ensuring the highest quality of life.

Much of the information for this article comes from Langford Lloyd and the History of Riverton, written by Scott Crump and Mel Bashore. I would like to personally thank them for making Riverton history accessible through their many hours of volunteer service.

Dollores Shelledy’s Mother and Cub, sculpture is a welcomed addition to the

PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE

Emergency Preparedness Resources

When disaster strikes, having a plan and being prepared can make all the difference. Riverton City’s Emergency Preparedness webpage is a valuable resource designed to help you and your family stay safe during emergencies. This comprehensive guide covers four essential sections: Build a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed, and Get Involved.

Build a Kit

Emergency kits are crucial because they provide essential supplies during disasters when access to basic amenities may be limited. These kits can sustain individuals and families until help arrives, increasing their chances of survival. Being prepared with an emergency kit can reduce panic and stress during a crisis, allowing for a more organized and safer response. Having a well-stocked emergency kit in various locations is a proactive way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community in times of need.

Make a Plan

Emergency preparedness plans are vital as they outline clear steps to follow during disasters, ensuring a coordinated response. These plans help allocate resources efficiently and minimize confusion and chaos in emergency situations. By having a plan in place, cities can reduce the impact of disasters on residents and infrastructure. Preparedness plans also promote community resilience, fostering a sense of unity and support among residents. Use the steps provided on the webpage to draft your own emergency preparedness plan.

Be Informed

Being informed during a disaster or emergency is crucial as it allows individuals to make informed decisions to protect themselves and their families. Timely and accurate information can help people understand the risks and take appropriate actions. Being informed also

enables residents to stay updated on emergency response efforts and know when it is safe to return to normal activities. Additionally, being informed promotes community solidarity, encouraging neighbors to help each other during challenging times.

Get Involved

Getting involved in emergency preparedness is essential as it empowers individuals to contribute to the safety and resilience of their community. By actively participating in preparedness activities, individuals can learn valuable skills that can save lives during emergencies. Involvement in preparedness efforts also fosters a sense of responsibility and community spirit, strengthening the overall resilience of the city. Ultimately, being involved in emergency preparedness helps create a community that is better equipped to face and recover from disasters.

Visit Riverton City’s Emergency Preparedness webpage today at rivertonutah.gov/preparedness to access valuable resources and information that can help you and your family stay safe during emergencies. Prepare now and be ready for whatever challenges may come your way.

FREE MY COUNTY REC PASS

Salt Lake County residents 5-18 are eligible for a free pass to access and use Salt Lake County operated recreation centers and amenities including: 18 swimming pools including the Riverton County Pool, 3 ice centers, 2 climbing walls, gyms, weight rooms, fitness areas, and walking tracks. Visit slco.to/my-county-rec-pass for complete details.

* Visit rivertonutah.gov/beautiful for details on electronics recycling.

• Riverton residents only - must provide proof of residency.

• No business recycling.

• No hazardous materials.

• Residents are responsible for emptying their own vehicles.

Thursday, May 16 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Riverton City Park 1452 W 12600 S

For more information, visit: rivertonutah.gov/beautiful

UPCOMING EVENTS RIVERTON

Become a Member of the Youth Council

Riverton City is accepting applications from youth age 14-18 years old or in grades 9-12 to serve on the Riverton Youth Council and in executive board positions. • To learn more, or apply, visit rivertonutah.gov/youthcouncil.

Registration is now open for Riverton City’s youth Fall Baseball league. Flag Football league registration opens on May 12. Register online at rivertonutah.gov/youth

Riverton City’s flexible tennis league is for all abilities, with one match played per week on your own schedule.

Join Riverton City’s pickleball league to play in a fun, social and competitive environment. Partners rotate weekly.

• Register at rivertonutah.gov/pickleball Sessions run from May - Sept. Register: Flexible Tennis League Register: Fall Baseball & Flag Football Register: Pickleball League

Register: Town Days Country Races Town Days Parade Entry Applications

Come join us for a Town Days family tradition. General registration is now open for the 10K, 5K and 1-Mile Town Days Races. Register at rivertonutah.gov/countryraces

Get your business or organization signed up for an entry in the Riverton Town Days Parade. Apply online at rivertonutah.gov/parade

• Fall Baseball Begins August 1, Flag Football Begins September 5

• Register at rivertonutah.gov/tennis Offered monthly, May-August

• Race Tuesday, July 4, 7 a.m. (10K), 7:15 a.m. (5K), 8:30 a.m. (1-Mile)

• Application Deadline: Monday, June 14, Parade: Monday, July 3