Cottonwood Heights

Cottonwood Heights takes a hands-on approach to fostering wellness and community connection. Residents of all ages can engage in a wide range of recreational opportunities, from swim and skate lessons to tennis and pickleball, as well as community fitness events like the annual Thanksgiving 5K. The city encourages healthy eating through educational programs, seed exchanges, and gardening classes, while promoting mental health through safe medication disposal initiatives and ongoing suicide prevention training. Together, these efforts reflect Cottonwood Heights’ commitment to empowering residents to live healthier, more active, and resilient lives.

HEALTH STRATEGIES

Active Living

• Offered free and low-cost sports programs, including swim, skate, tennis, and pickleball lessons, with free events during holidays.
• Organized the annual Thanksgiving 5K with water stops, police escorts, and finish medals.

Access to Healthy Food

• Hosted seed exchanges and educational classes on gardening, composting, and seed starting at Whitmore Library.
• Adopted ordinances allowing backyard poultry and animal husbandry, giving residents access to fresh eggs.

Mental Health

• Implemented safe medication disposal strategies, including National Take Back Day (collecting 76 lbs of unused medications) and a year-round drop-off box.
• Trained community members in suicide prevention through QPR sessions offered on an ongoing basis.