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West Valley City continues to step up its trail system

Aug 02, 2021 11:35AM ● By Darrell Kirby

This section near 3500 South is part of West Valley City’s network of 27 miles of walking and biking trails. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

By Darrell Kirby | [email protected]

July was declared “Use the Trails Month” by the West Valley City Council. 

While the proclamation itself was routine, it serves as a reminder to residents, many of whom are unaware, that West Valley City has a network of 27 miles of walking and biking trails available to get around the city. It’s also a good way to stay in healthy  physical and mental shape as gas prices rise and minds and bodies emerge from the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The proclamation states, “Outdoor activity has numerous health benefits for public health and personal well-being, including increased vitamin D levels, physical activity, mental clarity and mood enhancement.”

West Valley City Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Day said the trails are a popular recreation amenity in the city. “When we did our needs assessment right before COVID hit, our community wanted to see more green space and more trails. The community loves them.” 

A typical day will find a variety of walkers, runners, bicyclists, parents pushing strollers, and any number of other people traversing the concrete and asphalt paths. The trails largely run through residential areas and connect many of West Valley City’s 27 parks. 

Day said the city isn’t stopping at 27 miles of pathways as it seeks greater connectivity from the city to the Jordan River Parkway, and Mountain View Corridor trails. “We have more coming. We’re not quite done yet.” 

For a map of the trail system, including distances from one point to another, visit the West Valley City Parks and Recreation website at wvc-ut.gov/214/City-Parks and click on Interactive Parks and Trails Map. 

“If we can educate people on where that’s at and how to use it, that will be really beneficial,” Day said.