City of Taylorsville Newsletter 2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400
MAYOR'S MESSAGE
www.taylorsvilleut.gov
October 2021
Enjoy Centennial Plaza, Opening this Month
Dear Friends and Neighbors, We are so pleased that the Shop Local program is returning for another year. Last year, we launched the program in conjunction with ChamberWest, and it was such a success that we wanted to try it again this year. With the program, residents receive two $15 certifiMayor Kristie S. Overson cates to spend at participating businesses in Taylorsville. This year’s program runs Sept. 15 to Nov. 12, or until funds run out. So spend your Shop Local bucks. It's a great way to support our local businesses, and who doesn't love free bucks that they can spend in Taylorsville! A list of participating businesses, and details about the program from ChamberWest, can be found at www.chamberwest.com. You can also find information there if you are a business and would like to participate in the Shop Local program. As many as 100 businesses are expected to participate this year, and postcards were mailed to 20,500 households in Taylorsville in mid-September. The cards were printed in several different languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese. ChamberWest also will be posting a thermometer to let residents know how much of the funds have been spent. The Shop Local program is being funded through a $180,000 grant from the city. Like last year, any unused funds will be returned to the city. In addition to Chamberwest, Localfluence is a program partner and is posting the amazing deals that businesses are offering as part of the program on its website, www.localfluence.com (Enter your zip code to see local offers). Pointing to the program’s success, we received many positive comments from residents last fall, such as: • We used both of our bucks in fun family memories getting treats we normally don’t get at local businesses. • We got a haul from Great Harvest with ours! • PEOPLE!!! USE THE FREE MONEY!! Support local. • Thanks so much! We enjoyed our sandwiches. • Very cool idea, and thanks for sending them. • THANKS T-Ville, what a great gift! We hope residents enjoy the Shop Local program again this year and that everyone will support our local businesses year-round. Happy shopping and have fun spending your bucks. I know I will. First stop, Leatherby’s! –Mayor Kristie S. Overson
WHAT’S INSIDE – OCTOBER 2021 Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2 Council Corner, Page 3 Business, Page 5 Heritage Remembrances, Page 7 Environment, Page 8
After about a year of construction, Centennial Plaza officially opens this month. Featuring a beautifully landscaped area of trees, shrubs, flowers and greenery, the plaza was built as a gathering space connecting City Hall and the new Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. “We are overjoyed with how it turned out,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “It will be a wonderful gathering place, with the Performing Arts Center and City Hall joined with walkways, landscaping and green space. We are very much looking forward to enjoying it at planned events and in quiet leisure.” A Ribbon Cutting was set for Oct. 15 to mark its grand opening. As part of the event, the city also planned to unveil 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. With the Plaza +ART program, some of the sculptures on display at the plaza will be changed each year. Constructed by Hogan Construction, the plaza includes water-wise landscaping, a kitchen, stage, restrooms, green space and arbors, and waterwall signage, in addition to the places for public art. “The campus is particularly lovely at night with the lighted buildings and walkways,” Mayor Overson said. Among the main goals for the 19.6 acres is the creation of a beautiful, functional and versatile space that is conducive to community gatherings and celebrations. Programming will include movies in the park, farmer’s markets, arts festivals, food festivals and outdoor performing arts. View a photo gallery of the plaza on Page 6 of this section.