Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent citywide survey! Your feedback is so important as we work together to make Taylorsville an even better place to live, and I’m happy to share that the results are overwhelmingly positive.
This is the seventh year that Utah pollster Y2 Analytics conducted this annual survey as a way to measure the health and wellness of our city and its services, and once again, Taylorsville earned high marks. Residents gave the city an average score of 75 out of 100 for quality of life, with consistently high ratings across all council districts. A majority — 55 percent — also said Taylorsville is headed in the right direction, up ve points from last year.
It’s also wonderful to know that residents feel safe in their neighborhoods and that you see our police department in a positive light. You gave high marks, too, to our walkable neighborhoods and the availability of parks and open spaces — all things that contribute to making Taylorsville such a great place to call home.
In fact, when asked how you would spend a hypothetical city budget, it was parks, trails and open space that received the most support — both in the share of funding and the average amount you would allocate. We’re proud of the beautiful recreational areas in our city, including most especially our new Taylorsville Park and brandnew Summit Park, both of which we celebrated this past month with grand-opening events.
See the accompanying article about the completed first phase of Taylorsville Park, which now features a new skate park, pickleball courts, basketball courts, a new playground and other amenities. Summit Park is also now open with four new pickleball courts, a new playground and more. Your input shows how much you value these places to gather, play and enjoy the outdoors.
We also loved reading your comments about what you enjoy most about Taylorsville. Many of you mentioned the city’s central location and how easy it is to get to shopping, entertainment and other parts of the valley. Find additional details about the survey on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov under the News section, or on these pages in next month’s Journal.
Your participation helps guide our priorities for the future — from budget decisions to service delivery — and ensures that we focus on what matters most to you. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. Your voice truly makes a di erence as we build an even stronger, safer and more connected Taylorsville.
—Mayor Kristie S. Overson
WHAT’S INSIDE – JULY 2025
Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2
Council Corner, Page 3
TVPD News, Page 4
Heritage Remembrances, Page 7
Environment, Page 8
Taylorsville Park: New Amenities Completed in Renovation's 1st Phase
Taylorsville Park has received a stunning makeover, with the rst phase of its major renovation now complete.
New amenities include a play area and playground, new restrooms, basketball court, a large pavilion, connection to trails and additional parking. But the cherry on the top is a new skatepark, with ramps at each end, banked curves and “rooms” featuring various elements.
Four new pickleball courts near the Taylorsville Senior Center also were completed last year, and a new road has been installed into the park, connecting entry from Redwood Road to the Senior Center and signi cantly boosting “curb appeal.” The park sits on 7 acres at 4721 S. Redwood Road.
"This is a milestone moment," Mayor Kristie Overson said of the newly renovated park and highly anticipated skate park. "We can feel the energy and enthusiasm of the community about these new additions, and we share that excitement. Seeing so many smiles, that’s what it’s all about."
Starry Nights @the Plaza. The food trucks arrive at Centennial Plaza at 5:30 p.m. and most music starts at 6:30. See www.taylorsvilleut.gov for the full schedule and details about what’s happening each night.
Every Tuesday starting July 8 through Sept. 30 – 5 to 9 p.m.
Taylorsville Farmers Market at Centennial Plaza. In addition to fresh, locally sourced produce and depending on the night, wares may include baked goods, jams and jellies and variety of other artisan products.
July 4 – All Day
Independence Day. City O ces are closed for the holiday and will reopen on Monday. Have a very happy and safe Fourth of July!
July 8 and 22 – 6:30 p.m.
Planning Commision Meeting. The Planning Commission meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. A work session begins at 6 p.m., followed by the commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. Agendas can always be found online.
July 9 – 6:30 p.m.
City Council Meeting at Taylorsville City Hall. Address the Council during Citizens' Comments. Agendas are always available on Taylorsville's website.
July 14 through 19 – 7:30 p.m.
Annie, the musical. The Taylorsville Arts Council is putting on the show over six nights at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center.
July 24 – All Day
Happy Pioneer Day! We hope you have fun celebrating Utah's beginnings. City O ces are closed on Thursday for the holiday, reopening on Friday.
COUNCIL CORNER
By Council Member Bob Knudsen
Remembering Dan Armstrong, his Example, Friendship and Life of Service
interaction, he treated me as an equal to himself, despite there being a gap of nearly 33 years between us.
Taylorsville City lost a dear friend and resident, Daniel Jon Armstrong, from issues with his heart. Dan, who would have celebrated his 73rd birthday on July 3, was a man who had a large heart, full of love and caring for his fellow man, one of the largest hearts that I have ever seen.
My experience with Dan started many years ago, when he moved his family into our neighborhood, and at that point in time, he was simply my friends’ father. Over the years, I observed Dan serving in many capacities; he gave so much to the kids in my area and was a strong example to so many on how they could, and should, treat one another.
When I graduated from Taylorsville High School, I had a chance to observe Dan even closer, seeing just how much he put into every detail that he could consider in helping those around him — particularly the upcoming generation. He was always willing to give of everything he had, working to lead by example. Throughout the years, I was able to see Dan as more than my friends’ father. He became a dear friend who was willing to treat all with caring and respect. In every
Eventually, Dan decided to run for the opening seat with the Taylorsville City Council when then-Council Member Larry Johnson decided to run for the seat of Taylorsville City Mayor. Knowing what my friend brought to my neighborhood, I was excited at the prospect of what he would bring to the entire city if he were chosen to take that seat. Dan was elected, and re-elected, and I was impressed with every aspect of his character on the City Council for his two consecutive terms.
In 2021, Dan told me that he decided that he was looking to step down from the City Council so that he could plan to retire and spend more time with his sweetheart, in serving in the way he did best. He felt that I could do well with the Council, so he asked me to consider running for the seat that he was opening up. Despite leaving the City Council, Dan still wanted to help our city, so he was appointed to the Citizens’ Advisory Board (CAB), where citizens review police action as an independent body.
Every day, in every way, my friend worked to serve those around him. He did so with little regard or care for recognition. I am grateful that I was able to learn so much from my friend. So much of who I am today, I can trace back to lessons learned from Dan Armstrong. His example has reminded me that we may never know who is watching us and learning from what we do. As such, we should work to ensure that we are being the best version of ourselves that we can, at all times.
Taylorsville Farmers Market Returns This Month at Centennial Plaza
Fresh produce, handmade goods and local avors are back as the Taylorsville Farmers Market returns this month. The market is open every Tuesday, from 5 to 9 p.m., starting July 8 through Sept. 30 at Centennial Plaza, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd.
Operated by Good4Life Markets, the Farmers Market o ers a variety of locally sourced fruits and vegetables, along with other items that may include baked goods, jams and jellies, herbs, essential oils, soaps and other artisan products.
A few food trucks and musicians are also expected to add to the atmosphere on select Tuesdays. The Farmers Market complements Taylorsville’s Starry Nights @the Plaza happening on Fridays, also at Centennial Plaza and which features a full lineup of food trucks.
“The Farmers Market is the perfect place to stop by after work on Tuesdays to grab some fresh produce or other items for dinner or the rest of the week,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “It’s convenient, fun and a great way to support our local vendors while enjoying a summer evening at Centennial Plaza.”
Now in its second year, the Farmers Market was created in response to feedback from residents, who expressed a strong interest in having such an event in Taylorsville through recent citywide surveys.
The market adds vibrancy to the plaza and helps build community by bringing people together in a casual, welcoming environment, Mayor Overson said. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy!”
Every day, we must decide who we will be. Will we work to improve things for ourselves only, or will we work to help our friends and neighbors? When I think back on my dear friend, I am reminded of a quote from Fred Rogers that personi es Dan’s life, “It’s not so much what we have in this life that matters. It’s what we do with what we have.”
I encourage all of us to work to do everything we can, with what we have (our time, talents, etc.) to help our friends and neighbors all around, building the best neighborhoods possible.
2600
Bring the whole family to shop at Taylorsville’s open-air market. Find fresh, local and seasonal goods from small regional farmers and local ar tisans. Enjoy local enter tainment.
LEFT TO RIGHT:
Bob Knudsen, Vice Chair (District 5), Curt Cochran, (District 2), Anna Barbieri, (District 3), Meredith Harker, Chair (District 4) and Ernest Burgess (District 1)
W. Taylorsville Blvd.
Paws on Patrol: TVPD’s K-9s Make the Grade with Local Students
With the wrap-up of the school year, TVPD’s K-9 team visited all eight Taylorsville elementary schools before students left for summer vacation.
O cers met with fth-grade students and spoke about the role of K-9s in law enforcement. They also gave students the chance to see K-9s Turbo, Ghost and Koda in action.
The o cers explained how police dogs are specially trained to track suspects and help keep the community safe. Students were eager to see the dogs’ remarkable obedience as the K-9s followed their handlers’ commands with precision and enthusiasm.
We appreciated the opportunity, too, to connect with Taylorsville students and sta . A huge thank you to all our dedicated teachers, and thank you, as well, to Mayor Overson for joining us.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to Stephanie Snow, who has been named TVPD’s latest Employee of the Month. Stephanie has been a dedicated member of Taylorsville City’s team for 10 years, serving as both the Human Resources Director and Senior Accountant. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and brings a broad skillset to her dual role.
Her responsibilities cover a wide range of tasks, including posting job announcements, managing employee bene ts, handling phone inquiries and processing payments. Stephanie describes her work as simply “anything to help,” re ecting her handson approach and versatility in supporting both city employees and residents.
Taylorsville City is the rst municipal employer for Stephanie. During her time here, she has gained valuable experience and is an essential part of the city’s administrative operations.
She was nominated for TVPD’s Employee of the Month by K-9 O cer Moore, who was injured in the line of duty. O cer Moore shared that Stephanie reached out to him immediately following his injury to check on him. Over the following weeks, she maintained constant contact, managed communication with workers’ compensation and coordinated with the hospital, Uni ed Fire Authority and Work Med —answering all his questions promptly and ensuring he received the care he needed.
While this may seem routine on the surface, O cer Moore said that in his 18 years of law enforcement service, this was the best support he had ever received from any HR department. He also acknowledged that he knew his case took a lot of Stephanie’s time and truly appreciated her dedication, not just to him but all Taylorsville employees.
Michael & Anna Kay Waddoups
TAYLORSVILLE PARK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
A Grand Opening to celebrate completion of the project's rst phase was held this past month. In addition to a Ribbon Cutting by city leaders, local skateboarders showed o their skills to mark the o cial opening of the new skate park. Speci c features of the skate park include a bowl with a 4-foot shallow, 6-foot depth and 1-foot extension, down ledges, down rail, pole jam, mini-ramp, euro gap, slappy curbs, hip, quarters and quarter hip and ledges.
The improvements at Taylorsville Park are possible thanks to funding from Salt Lake County’s Tourism, Recreation, Culture, and Convention (TRCC) program with matching funds from the city.
Also o cially open is the brand-new Summit Park at 6200 S. 3200 West. The now-completed rst phase of that project was celebrated this past month as well and includes a new playground, four pickleball courts, a pavilion, restrooms, new landscaping and parking. Look for pictures of Summit Park’s Grand Opening on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov, or on these pages in next month’s Journal.
Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES
Early Taylorsville Resident
‘Chose the Kitchen as her Fortress’
Our July article highlights the life and history of Georgiana Webster.
Born in March 1870, Georgiana (“Georgana”) Webster lived all of her life in Taylorsville. She was one of 12 children born to John Webster, a Scottish-born blacksmith and early Taylorsville postmaster, and his wife Mary Ann Wright Webster. At the time of her birth, the Taylorsville area was part of the Utah Territory.
Georgiana lived in their same family house, “the old home in Taylorville,” until her death in 1929 and was laid to rest in the Taylorsville City Cemetery, alongside members of the Webster family.
According to her life history that can be found at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, she “frequently chose the kitchen as her fortress” and she was often “charged with washing all of the luster off the dishes and scouring holes in the ‘carten ware.’” (Interestingly, Carlton Ware (sometimes pronounced “carten ware”), was a well-known line of English pottery from the late 1800s. In its early years, the company produced a range of decorative earthenware and by the early 20th century, Carlton Ware had become especially popular for collectible crested china sold to tourists).
Georgiana’s history states that she and her brothers, James, George and Dan, often had to pull and “top o ” the carrots from their family’s farm. They would spend hours harvesting the carrots and then cutting the green leafy tops from the orange vegetables. “Dig and top, to dig and top, dig and top,” her history states. “With each pile, tops and carrots grew bigger and we grew tired and [more] tired. By midday, we were about to pass out from exhaustion.”
Her life history also states that Georgiana taught school at the “old rock house” and Plymouth School, as did her sister Emma Jane.
You can learn more about Georgiana Webster and the Webster family, as well as the histories of other families in Taylorsville, at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, 1488 W. 4800 South. Drop on by!
Don’t Miss These Library Events
The Taylorsville Library has planned several programs during the month of June. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events:
ANIMAL CLOSE-UP MATCH — Monday, July 7, through Saturday, July 12. Fur, feathers and scales. Can you match the image to the correct animal? Find one match. Return to the Info Desk and earn a small prize.
SCIENCE ADVENTURE — Wednesday, July 9, 10:30 a.m. Conduct hands-on experiments and learn about science with students from the Westminster College Chemistry Program.
ILLUSION EXPLORATION: MAGIC & MAYHEM WEEK — Monday, July 14, through Saturday, July 19. Discover the magic of optical illusions through an interactive adventure.
VIRTUAL LECTURE | COLOR MIMICRY IN INSECTS — Monday, July 14, 7 p.m. Insects are masters of disguise! Discover the fascinating world of mimicry in bees and wasps, and how they survive by looking like something they're not! Register at: thecountylibrary.org/ LectureSeries.
I SPY: VIDEO GAMES — Monday, July 21, through Saturday, July 26. Celebrate National Video Game Day this month with the library's I Spy activity. Return to the Info Desk with the answer and earn a small prize.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE — Monday, July 28, 10 to 4 p.m. Give blood to help others. Schedule your appointment: redcrossblood.org or 1.800.RED.CROSS
LIBRARY CLOSURES | FOURTH OF JULY — Friday, July 4, all day. Pioneer Day — Thursday, July 24, all day.
Defensive Driving Class: The Taylorsville Senior Center is hosting an AARP defensive driving class on Friday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 385-468-3370 to register. The program costs are as follows: $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. Please pay by cash or check only and pay directly to the AARP instructor on the day of the class.
Find the center’s full calendar and Senior Scoop Newsletter online at saltlakecounty.gov.
ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY
JULY UPDATES
Green with E-Bills!
Did you know you can sign up for automatic payments and/or paperless billing (e-bill) for your Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District bills through Xpress Bill Pay?
It all starts with reduction. Reduction is the foundation of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Help WFWRD reduce paper waste by signing up for e-bills today. Switching to e-billing is a simple way to reduce waste and help your service dollars go further. By going paperless, you’re saving paper, reducing delivery fuel use, and helping keep costs down; every little bit makes a di erence! Signing up is quick and easy:
1. Visit www.wasatchfrontwaste.org and click the Xpress Bill Pay link, or download the Xpress Bill Pay app.
2. Log in or create an account.
3. Click "View Bill."
4. Turn on "Paperless (On)."
That’s it, you’re all set! Join your neighbors in going paperless. It’s simple, sustainable and smart.
Firework Safety & Disposal Tips
As WFWRD gears up for a fun- lled July full of reworks and celebration, please keep in mind a few important safety and disposal guidelines:
• Cool before you toss. After use, place spent reworks in a re-safe container and allow them to cool completely. If possible, soak them in a small bucket of water to prevent accidental are-ups.
• Do not recycle. Firework casings, even cardboard ones, cannot be recycled. They contain chemical residues and are often made from multiple materials. Once cooled, place them in your black garbage can.
• Save or repurpose. If you have leftover, unused reworks, consider saving them for Pioneer Day or repurposing them responsibly.
• Think green. Explore environmentally friendly alternatives to reworks, like laser light shows or LED displays.
Propane Tank Disposal
Summer means more time spent grilling and camping but what should you do with empty propane tanks?
All propane tanks, whether large grill tanks or small 1-gallon green camping canisters, are considered Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and should never be placed in your garbage or recycling can. These tanks pose serious safety risks during collection and processing due to the potential for explosion. Instead, drop them o at your nearest HHW facility for proper recycling and safe disposal. These sites are free to use and ensure that hazardous materials are handled correctly.
Need help nding a location? Visit the “How to Recycle” page on WFWRD’s website and scroll down to “Household Hazardous Waste Disposal” for a list of nearby drop-o sites.
Do You Have a Hidden Leak?
Is your sprinkler stop-and-waste valve leaking? Do your toilet tanks keep lling over and over? Is your kitchen faucet doing the dreaded drip … drip … drip?
These could be signs of a water leak that is quietly wasting water — and costing you money. If you noticed a message on your latest bill, it means your water meter has detected continuous water ow to your property for more than 15 consecutive days. This often indicates a leak somewhere in your plumbing system, big or small.
Take a few moments this summer to check for and repair any leaks around your home. Fixing them not only helps conserve water but can also lower your monthly bill. Questions? Visit TBID's Continuous Flow page for more tips and information: tbid.gov/information/continuous_ ow_info.php
TBID is Recognized for Great-Tasting Water
The American Water Works Association has awarded Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District second place in its annual Best of the Best Water Taste Test award.
Competing among utilities from across the United States and Canada, TBID’s water stood out for its clean, refreshing taste and high quality. This recognition is a testament to the district’s commitment to providing safe, reliable and great-tasting drinking water to Taylorsville’s community every day.
TBID is grateful for the dedicated e orts of its sta and the ongoing support of valued customers, who make achievements like this possible. TBID will continue working hard to ensure every drop meets the highest standards!
If you have any questions, please contact Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District by calling 801-968-9081 or visiting www.tbid.org. Follow TBID on Facebook and X.
