Parks and recreation

Special districts are an American institution dating back to 1790, when the first special district came together to ensure prison services. A century later, Utah’s first special district formed to provide library services.

Districts have grown in importance throughout Utah’s communities to provide services including fire protection, mosquito abatement and water conservation. This led to the formation of the Utah Association of Special Districts. Within the association, member districts join to preserve a system that ensures a high quality of life for all Utahns.

Among our missions at UASD, which monitors legislative issues that affect special and local districts, is educating Utah citizens about our member districts and their functions. In this installment of our blog, LeGrand W. Bitter, executive director of UASD, offers some insights into our state’s parks and recreation districts and explains why they’re so special:

• Utahns enjoy the outdoors. They like physical activities and recreation. It’s really a core part of what we do as families.Many parents seek ways for their children to get away from TV, video games and phones. They prefer that their children stay physically and mentally active instead of being consumed with electronics.
• Our parks and recreation districts provide focus and efficiency in offering outdoor programs to the public. In Utah, we hold family and community in high esteem. Our community relationships allow us to offer the wholesome recreational activities people want. These districts provide opportunities to get out and socialize.
• Parks and recreation districts are a response to the desires of the people, and they contribute to our quality of life. Together, we create fun sporting events that teach children and others valuable lessons, good sportsmanship, the thrill of accomplishment and the added benefits of improved health and lifestyle.

By working together, listening to people in our community and responding with programs that meet their needs, we uphold the family values we greatly admire.