From August 2023 to December 2024, West Valley City’s Healthy West Valley Committee took part in the Active People, Healthy Utah Demonstration Project. This project, funded jointly by Get Healthy Utah, the One Utah Health Collaborative, the Utah Department of Transportation, and the Wasatch Front Regional Council, connected three Utah communities with active living experts to promote physical activity and healthier lifestyles. In West Valley City, the committee focused on improving access to and awareness of the Jordan River Trail and Decker Lake loop on the east side of the city.

One of the key goals was to make the area more appealing for residents to get outside and be active. With this in mind, the committee installed picnic tables, pickleball courts, and improved the ADA accessibility of Decker Lake to make the area more welcoming and user-friendly. These small but impactful upgrades support residents of all ages and abilities in spending more time outdoors.

To raise awareness and engage the community, the committee launched the “West Valley City Birds and Bikes” summer campaign. Activities included a summer-long scavenger hunt, a sticker collection challenge, and family-friendly events that encouraged people to get active outdoors. 

During the demonstration project, West Valley City also received a $7,500 grant from Nature and Human Health – Utah. These funds will be used to install nature signs along the Decker Lake Trail. Designed in partnership with the Tracy Aviary, the signs will provide information about the migratory birds that visit Decker Lake and the local species that call it home. 

At the conclusion of the project, the Healthy West Valley Committee successfully improved the Decker Lake infrastructure to promote health and well-being through connection with nature and movement. Interested in learning more? You can read West Valley City’s final report HERE.