Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

More than 2½ hours of public comment stretched late into the night Feb. 4 as residents packed the historic American Fork City Hall for a Planning Commission hearing on proposed zoning changes.

Some attendees said the room filled 30 minutes before the 6:30 p.m. meeting began. By start time, every seat was taken. People stood in the aisles. Both staircases were lined shoulder to shoulder. Others spilled into the main floor entry, straining to hear.

“It really was,” resident Tom Clark said when asked if it was a packed house. “I counted … 25 people” just on one stairwell, he said, estimating “over 50 people there” between both staircases, not including those seated or standing in the chamber.

From where he sat, Clark said, “I couldn’t even see where the line was to go up and make comments and let alone be able to make my way over there because people were standing in the aisles in front of me.”

The turnout came despite a city Facebook post stating, “Most property owners will not be impacted by these updates.”

Several residents said that statement didn’t match what they were seeing or feeling.

High density and property rights concerns

The hearing centered on proposed updates to the city’s zoning code and general plan. Residents raised concerns about high-density housing in downtown areas, changes to agricultural zoning and new restrictions affecting private property.

Clark argued the draft code “creates special exceptions for developers to build on smaller, narrower lots to ‘infill’ neighborhoods,” while prohibiting detached accessory dwelling units, or ADUs.

“External Accessory Dwelling Units are prohibited,” Clark wrote in a Facebook post referencing Section 14.12.080 of the draft code.

He also warned of shrinking buildable space for homeowners, citing increased side setbacks and the removal of corner lot exceptions. “You are being ‘downzoned’ without even knowing it,” he wrote.

At the hearing, multiple residents echoed concerns about density increases in established neighborhoods, including areas south of the golf course and near the FrontRunner station. One resident described streets where cars already park on both sides, making two-way traffic difficult.

Others focused on agricultural impacts. Kip and Kris Bromley addressed the commission about land proposed to be designated as “civic” in the general plan.

“Designating large swaths of land as public or ‘civic’ greatly reduces options for land owners in the future — allowing them to sell only to city … which greatly reduces the value when buyers understand the restrictions placed on properties,” the Bromleys stated  .

They added, “It is my sincere hope that going forward — peoples rights, especially those that have purchased larger pieces of property for animals or other building expansion plans for children or aging parents, will be respected”.

The Bromleys also cautioned against rezoning being used to “implement or set up future land grabs or eminent domain situations”.

Because commissioners repeatedly asked speakers not to repeat prior comments, it was difficult to gauge how many residents shared identical concerns. The line to speak appeared to stretch beyond view from parts of the chamber.

One attendee later observed, “having just one person speaking per issue at a hearing doesn’t tell the City if 10 people or 1,000 people share the same concern.”

Questions about process

Beyond policy specifics, several residents questioned the process itself.

Clark said he emailed city officials, including the mayor, City Council members and Development Services Director Patrick O’Brien, expressing that he was “very unhappy with the zoning, proposed zoning changes.”

He said Council Member Ryan Hunter responded briefly: “received thanks Tom.” O’Brien responded that staff were sharing his information with others and thanked him for his involvement.

“They have received response indicating that I’m being heard,” Clark said. “But that doesn’t really tell me that I’m having any influence. … We need a two way communication where we know whether not just that we’re being heard, but that they’re considering making changes.”

In a Facebook post, Clark described what he called an “Outsourcing Problem,” writing that the city appears to be using regional grant funds through the Mountainland Association of Governments and has hired a consulting firm to draft the code.

“The Risk: Large consulting firms frequently use ‘standardized templates’ designed for developer efficiency, not for our specific community,” he wrote.

He added, “Public comment isn’t a dialogue. If we catch errors, we have no way of knowing if the City is hearing us.”

Planning Commission member Rod Martin thanked attendees after the meeting.

“Sorry there wasn’t more room to seat everyone,” Martin wrote on Facebook. “The comments overall were very helpful and we are so glad as a commission to have the citizens of American Fork help in the process of deciding what we want the future to look like here.”

Martin acknowledged communication gaps. The proposed maps and documents “were meant to be a draft and not ‘how it’s gonna be,’” he wrote. “I don’t think that was communicated effectively to us as a Commission and for sure to the citizens at large. This created un-needed angst and worry in my opinion.”

He also said, “The City can (and is trying, however clunky) do a better job at fostering trust.”

One attendee expressed their opinion that “the planning commission listened to our concerns but seemed to be under informed on all of the different areas affected”.

Christine Anderson, chairwomen of the planning commission, told the American Fork Citizen, “We were inspired by the large number of residents who attended the City Planning Commission meeting to share their views and perspectives. Public engagement and feedback is a vital part of the process, and we welcome the public’s continued involvement as we proceed.”

She encouraged residents to attend meetings and sign up for notifications on the city website.

What’s next?

The meeting lasted about 2½ hours. Many left unsure what comes next.

“I honestly didn’t know how to respond” when someone asked how to stay informed, Clark said. He added that a staff member indicated the city hoped to move quickly on the changes, though he said he is “hoping that she’s misinformed.”

For residents who filled the staircases and lined the aisles, the night signaled more than routine code updates. It reflected a deeper concern about density, property rights and whether their voices carry weight.

The crowd alone suggested one thing clearly: many residents believe they will, in fact, be impacted.

Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

American Fork residents will see another increase on their utility bills beginning in January 2026, as higher sewer rates from the Timpanogos Special Service District and a higher city storm drain fee take effect at the same time.

For many households, the combined changes won’t feel isolated. They will add to several years of steady sewer rate increases and come as the City Council continues to debate separate changes to water billing in the first half of 2026.

The sewer portion of the bill is primarily driven by decisions made at the regional level. The Timpanogos Special Service District, which treats wastewater for much of northern Utah County, approved a long-term rate plan in 2023 based on a detailed financial study prepared by Zions Public Finance.

That plan has already reshaped monthly bills.

Sewer rates jumped 40% in 2024. Then rose again by 15% in 2025. Another 15% increase is scheduled for 2026. This pattern of increases is anticipated to lead to an over 100% increase in the TSSD sewer bill over the course of four years, and it has caught the attention of residents and users.

According to the Zions study, the increases are tied to a combination of rapid growth, inflation-driven operating costs and a massive slate of capital projects needed to expand and modernize the sewer system. The district is managing hundreds of millions of dollars in planned construction over the next several years, along with long-term debt obligations that stretch into the 2040s.

The TSSD board is using rate table six in the Zions study, which shows that the increases won’t stop in 2026. Under the option the district has been following, sewer rates are expected to rise another 15% in 2027. After that, the study anticipates more modest increases of about 3% per year to keep pace with costs and maintain required financial reserves.

For the average household, those percentages translate into noticeable monthly changes. The Zions analysis shows the typical residential sewer bill rising from roughly $18 a month before the increases to more than $39 a month by 2027, even before more minor annual adjustments in later years.

City officials stress that American Fork does not control the district’s sewer rates. The city acts as a billing agent, collecting sewer charges on its utility bill and passing them through to TSSD.  The city, however, does have an appointed representative who is a voting member of the TSSD board.

Still, the impact shows up on the same statement residents open every month.

At the local level, the City Council has also approved an increase to the storm drain fee, which helps fund maintenance and upgrades to pipes, channels and flood control infrastructure throughout the city. That higher fee will also begin in January 2026, adding another layer to utility costs.

Storm drain fees are intended to cover expenses that general taxes do not. City staff have pointed to aging infrastructure, stricter stormwater regulations and increased runoff from new development as reasons the system needs more dedicated funding, according to the council’s December 11 city council packet.

The timing is what concerns some residents.

The storm drain increase arrives as sewer bills continue to climb, and before the council finalizes any changes to water rates. City leaders are actively studying how to shift secondary water customers from a flat fee to a usage-based model, a move that could significantly alter summer bills for households with large lawns or irrigated landscapes.

Those potential water changes are not included in the 2026 sewer or storm drain increases. But taken together, they raise questions about affordability and long-term planning.

Beyond sewer and storm drain rates, residents may also face future, still-undefined rate hikes tied to a proposed $50 million bond to build a new public works complex. The plan was brought to public light for the first time at the December 11th City Council meeting and would not require a vote of residents.

City documents show the maximum annual cost to service the debt would exceed $3 million, with an undefined portion expected to come from user fees rather than property taxes, leaving unanswered questions about which fees could rise and how much additional pressure the project may place on monthly utility bills.

As January 2026 approaches, American Fork residents may want to plan. The sewer increase, the higher storm drain fee, the unresolved question of water rate restructuring, and potentially paying for a $50 million bond are all converging into a broader conversation about how the city pays for growth, infrastructure and the systems most people only notice when the bill arrives.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

As one of the biggest libraries in North Utah County, the American Fork Library has served as a gathering place for families and the community since 1923. This year, the library was presented with an award from the Utah State Library Division recognizing its excellence in services provided at the library.

The library was first established in 1923 through a Carnegie Grant, special funding given to libraries. The original building was smaller and more basic, while the current building was constructed in 2000 to hold more books and resources.

“We get a lot of visitors from other parts of the county,” said Cassandria Crane, director of the library. “It’s a great place to be.”

In addition to books and other media resources, the library also provides many free services to help the community. An academic lab in the basement provides one-on-one tutoring in reading and math, various programs involve people in Dungeons & Dragons, and various events held at the library cater to all interests and age levels. During election season, the library also serves an important function as a polling place and a location to drop off ballots.

Storytimes remain among the most popular activities, providing a fun environment for kids ages 0-5. Similarly, the Summer Reading program is always popular with the community. The activity provides an opportunity for residents of all ages to continue reading and earning prizes during the months off school.

“We try to make most of what we do very adaptable to what anyone’s situation is,” Crane explained. “We provide programs and resources that serve our community and are completely free. There is a rare occasion that we would ever charge.”

In the coming months, the library will have Christmas in the Rotunda, a tradition including choir performances, music rooms and sometimes special performances of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

To celebrate their achievements as a library, the Utah State Library Division gave the American Fork Library the Quality Library Award. The award is given based on a recertification process that the library completes every year. The award is given each fall at the Director’s Summit Event to a library that goes “above and beyond” with basic services.

Not only does the library host various programs, but it also tries to listen to the community and its needs.

“We recently did our strategic plan. A year ago, we started asking our community what their needs are, polling them and talking to different shareholders in the community. That is really how we become a quality library, not just in name but in reality,” Crane said. “Since we are owned by the public, we really care a lot about what their changing needs are and what our community is becoming.”

The research the library has done in the community has changed many things, most notably getting rid of book fines. To help widen their scope of books, the library also participates in a co-op program with the Pleasant Grove and Highland libraries, where books are shared between the facilities.

“Reading is the gateway to information. It’s knowing things and being skilled at school and at work,” Crane shared. “It’s the first step to literacy of any kind. … We are very committed to that and making it fun.”

In the future, the library also hopes to develop a Winter Reading Program starting in January. Author visits and other various events will also be held at the library in the near future. For more information about the award or to see a list of libraries awarded, visit www.library.utah.gov/quality-library-awards/. For more information about AF Library and its services, visit www.americanfork.gov/203/Library.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

The American Fork High School girls volleyball team played true to seeding in the 6A state tournament. The Cavemen received the No. 7 seed in the final RPI rankings and advanced to the quarterfinals in the playoffs, finishing their campaign with an 18-11 record.

Oct. 29: American Fork 3, #10 Lehi 1

The Cavemen played crosstown rival and Region 3 stablemate Lehi to start the tournament in the second round after a bye. The Pioneers put up a stiff fight at the start and American Fork needed extra work to pull out the first set 28-26.

Lehi claimed the second game 25-21 but the Pioneers weren’t able to sustain the momentum as the Cavemen won the final two sets comfortably 25-14, 25-16 to secure the match.

Junior outside hitter Macy Melville led the effort with 14 kills, four combined blocks, 10 digs and 30 serve-receives. Junior hitter Destinie Hampton added 10 kills and four aces while sophomore hitter Alivia Lemon posted seven kills with four combined blocks.

Junior setter Brynn Murray served six aces to go with 10 digs and 16 assists. Senior libero Halle Smith was tops in digs with 21 and also took 17 serve-receives. Senior setter Ellie Dickey provided 11 assists.

Oct. 29: #2 Corner Canyon 3, American Fork 0

The Cavemen advanced to the quarterfinals only to face another Region 3 team, the second-seeded Chargers. American Fork competed hard but Corner Canyon won the battle 25-21, 25-19, 25-16 and went on to capture the 6A title.

Melville tallied 10 kills, four aces and 31 serve-receives. Hampton scored eight kills with seven digs and six serve-receives. Senior outside hitter Rachel Hale registered five kills while Murray made four kills, three aces, 10 digs and 14 assists.

Smith dug eight times and took 10 serve-receives. Dickey dished out 13 assists and senior libero Mele Latu picked up 12 serve-receives.

“This year our team was extremely driven and determined to grow,” said Coach Melissa Guymon. “We focused on our values and worked to deconstruct our beliefs. This helped us to show up to practice each day with the process in mind.

“Because of that foundation and journaling every single day, we started making changes and improvements so quickly,” she continued.

“We experienced some adversity and struggle towards the middle of our season and it really helped us continue to grow and peak at the right time: the state tournament,” she said.

“We went from entering the tournament as the #16 seed the last three years and losing our first round match to entering ranked #7 this year and winning in the first round.

“I am so proud of this team. I am honored to coach them and love representing American Fork High,” Guymon concluded.

The team graduates just four seniors so the future is looking promising for the program.

Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

Former City Councilman George Brown is challenging incumbent Brad Frost, who’s seeking his third term as mayor. Brown says the main reason he’s running is to help prevent attacks in the community. Frost defends his record of managing growth.

Both candidates sat down with the American Fork Citizen to answer reader questions. They each got 15 questions with one minute to respond, tackling topics from road funding to taxes to immigration enforcement. This article highlights the key points; however, you can watch the full interviews on YouTube to gain a more comprehensive understanding (see the links at the end of the article).

Growth and density concerns

High-density housing emerged as a flashpoint. The 2024 city survey showed 61% of residents expressed concerns about density.

Brown opposes additional high-density development. “I am not in favor of having more density, high-density housing in American Fork,” he said. “I think we’ve got enough high-density structures now.”

Frost defended the city’s approach. He said American Fork purposefully designed density around transit access and I-15. “We have, in a very purposeful way, designed it in and around areas that have easy access,” Frost said. But he drew a hard line on commercial zones. “We are done as far as giving up other spaces for the density.”

Road infrastructure challenges

Both candidates acknowledged problems south and west of the freeway. Growth has outpaced road development in the transit-oriented area.  Candidates were asked about immediate solutions for this area.

Frost pointed to regional solutions involving UDOT and UTA. “We have the funds in place to finish 200 South,” he said. “We have other things, but they will take time to have it built out into a grid that will connect it over to the boat harbor road.”

Brown offered fewer specifics. “I don’t think there’s a way of saying immediate,” he said. He’d sit down with the City Council to discuss problems and move forward with their support.

On general road policy, Brown drew from his National Guard engineering experience. “They taught me about roads, they taught me how important the crown of a road is,” he said. He wants to ensure proper road crowns to extend pavement life.

Frost emphasized measuring success in terms of lane miles treated when asked how to measure road improvement success beyond just dollars spent. He said the city now uses internal departments for road work. “We’re using our own people,” he said, noting this approach maximizes efficiency during inflationary periods.

Budget efficiency and communication

Asked about fiscal responsibility, Brown stressed caution. “I think we should always be very, very cautious with expenditures of the city, because it comes from taxpayers’ contributions,” he said.

Frost identified three efficiency priorities: cutting-edge technology, including AI; an employee mindset focused on daily improvements; and conservative use of city infrastructure, particularly water.

Both supported transparency in communication. Brown backed the online streaming of work sessions. “I think the public should know what’s going on,” he said.

Frost supported transparency but noted that work sessions present challenges. “Sometimes we go there to learn things, even for the first time,” he explained. Frost mentioned that complete information becomes available when items move to council action.

Fitness center and other priorities

The 2024 survey identified the fitness center rebuild as the top project priority for residents.

Brown, a regular fitness center user, sees its value but wants to prioritize other needs. “I just don’t want to spend a lot of money right now, when we’ve got other things that are pushing us, like the irrigation systems and the water systems,” he said.

Frost expects the fitness center to be on next year’s ballot. The 1990s facility was built for 35,000 people. The city has avoided significant investments pending a decision on the bond. “Leave it to them to make that choice,” he said.

Immigration enforcement

The candidates diverged on whether local law enforcement should assist ICE.

Brown supports cooperation. “I do support that,” he said, citing concerns about illegal immigration and security. “I think we should participate with them.”

Frost took a more cautious stance. “I’m going to leave that direction” to federal policy and law enforcement professionals, he said. “Compassion has to be a part of this equation.”

Election details

The American Fork General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Ballots have been mailed to registered voters beginning Oct. 14.

Mail-in ballots must be received by the Utah County Elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Voters should mail their ballots early or use an official county drop box. Those who don’t receive ballots should call Utah County Elections at 801-851-8683.

Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

Two city council seats hang in the balance as American Fork residents prepare to decide who’ll tackle the city’s thorniest issues. Some of those issues include crumbling roads, high-density housing with its accompanying problems, and an aging fitness center. The Nov. 4 election pits four candidates for two open seats.

Ryan Hunter, Deb Anderson and Staci Carroll sat down with the American Fork Citizen to answer questions from its readers. Seth Stewart received multiple invitations but never responded. Each candidate tackled 15 questions with one minute per answer, covering everything from road funding to immigration enforcement. What follows hits just some highlights, but the full interviews are on YouTube (see the links at the end of this article), and readers are encouraged to watch them to gain a complete picture.

High-density housing emerges as a key issue

All three interviewed candidates oppose adding high-density housing beyond what’s already in the city’s general plan. This sentiment comes after a 2024 resident survey showed 61% of residents are concerned about density.

Hunter emphasized his consistent voting record. “I am not in favor of increasing densities anywhere in the city that aren’t already master planned for that,” he said. Hunter noted he was the lone dissenting vote on a recent density change and met with a developer requesting “significant density increase to the tune of basically double.”

Anderson agreed the city has enough. “I think we have plenty of high-density housing,” she said, adding that infrastructure needs to improve before considering more development.

Carroll clarified recent decisions. “We did not put in any high-density in that area. We just increased it from very low density to a medium density,” she explained regarding a controversial rezoning near the train station.

Road infrastructure tops concerns

Areas south and west of I-15 have seen explosive growth, but roads haven’t kept pace. Each candidate outlined plans to address the problem.

Anderson acknowledged the severity. “I’ve been out there at 5:30 at night, and I agree 100% that something needs to be done,” she said, though she cautioned against expecting immediate fixes to such a significant problem.

Hunter identified specific projects as prerequisites. “The first thing would be the extension of the Lakeshore drive,” he said. “The second thing that we need to tackle is a frontage road between basically paralleling the on-ramp southbound of I-15 and the train tracks.”

Carroll pointed to funding progress. “We have the funding mechanism, finally, for 200 South,” she said, noting plans for a new roundabout at 300 West and improved connectivity throughout the area.

Fiber internet divides opinions

Since 2019, American Fork has explored city-owned fiber while neighboring cities like Lehi and Pleasant Grove have moved ahead with construction.

Carroll backs a public-private partnership approach. “I don’t want the city running an internet service. I want a private industry to do that,” she explained, noting this model hedges costs while maintaining city revenue share.

Anderson strongly supports the project, citing personal frustration. Her street lacks access to quality internet providers. “For me and for my husband, who works from home most of the time, absolutely, I would like to see something better,” she said.

Hunter changed his position on full city ownership. “I used to believe that we could fund it and own it 100% as the residents of American Fork,” he said. Construction costs pushed him toward supporting significant partial ownership instead of complete control.

Fitness center rebuild sparks debate.

The aging fitness center topped the 2024 survey as residents’ preferred project, yet candidates split on priorities.

Carroll wants more analysis first. “We need a pretty good options analysis,” she said, promising any rebuild would go to voters for approval.

Hunter supports rebuilding eventually, but not yet. “I believe it’s a desire, not a need,” he said, ranking it fifth or seventh on his priority list. He opposes bonding for a facility where “45% of our people who are patrons at the fitness center are not from our city.”

Anderson backed reconstruction based on her seven years working there. “There is not another place in American Fork that can service people from birth all the way up to we had patrons coming in that were in their 90s,” she said.

How to vote

Ballots were mailed to registered voters beginning Oct. 14. Voters who don’t receive a ballot in the mail should call the Utah County Elections Office at 801-851-8683.

Mail-in ballots must be received by the elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Voters are urged to mail ballots early or use an official county dropbox to ensure they’re counted.

Voters will vote for two candidates to fill the two open seats.

American Fork Real Estate Snapshot: September 2025

September 2025 vs (2024)

Homes sold: 38 (35)

Average home price: $541,175 ($553,145)

Median home price: $529,250 ($551,143)

Average days on the market: 56 (44)

Average square feet: 2,267 (2,229)

Average price per square foot: $252.80 ($252.40)

Most expensive home sold: $1,150,000 / 3 bedrooms / 2.5 baths / 4,984 sq. ft. / .28 acres

Least expensive home sold: $190,000 / 1 bedrooms / 1 bath / 706 sq. ft. / condo

Total listings currently available: 96 (existing homes) and 38 (new construction)

Listings over $1 million: 12

*According to the Wasatch Front MLS as of 10/5

Presented by: Skyler Beltran – Realtor / Coldwell Banker

Elizabeth Spencer
American Fork Citizen

Friday, at about noon, American Fork High School Students were excused early from the school day after a sticky note with the word “bomb” written on it was found at the school. The American Fork Police Department quickly took action, calling in assistance from the Pleasant Grove and Provo Police Departments. Four K-9 bomb dogs and police searched the school for an explosive, but found no evidence of one. There was no indication when the note was left, but authorities took strict caution.

An email was sent to parents from AFHS principal Peter Glahn explaining the situation. Glahn stated the “safety and well-being of our students is our absolute highest priority, and we took the most cautious approach possible given the circumstances.”

“Any and all information regarding this threat is welcome, and we urge anyone who knows something to contact us immediately or notify the local police department,” concluded Glahn.

Ryan Archuleta with the AFPD said the majority of bomb threats are false, but they needed to take all necessary safety measures today. “You know that one time that you don’t take it seriously to some degree, might be that one time that you should’ve taken it seriously. That’s our job; to have those resources and try to be a source of calmness, direction, and to keep people safe. So, we have to take it seriously.”

Archuleta also expressed gratitude for other police agencies who responded to the incident.

AFPD completed their investigation and gave the school the “all clear,” since nothing suspicious was found.

Elizabeth Spencer | American Fork Citizen

In memory of 9/11, numerous residents of North Utah County answered the call to serve on Saturday, Sept. 13, participating in the National Day of Service. Alpine, American Fork, Cedar Hills, Highland, and Pleasant Grove city and government representatives coordinated and supported the efforts. The event hosted over 36 service projects and 11 hands-on service stations for volunteers to choose from on Saturday from 9:30 AM to 2 PM.

Hundreds gathered to kick off the event at Lone Peak High School with Kirby Heyborne conducting the opening ceremonies. Utah’s 3rd District Congressman Mike Kennedy, Detective Chris Ruiz with the Pleasant Grove Police Department, and Kyle Fox, founder of Follow the Flags, shared their thoughts. The event began with a prayer by Pastor David Elijah from the New Hope Calvary Chapel.

Following the prayer, Scout Troop 26 presented the colors for the flag ceremony, which was hoisted to the top and then lowered to half mast, honoring President Donald Trump’s orders to pay respects to Charlie Kirk and the tragic events that took place at Utah Valley University just days before.

Gena Jepsen was the planning coordinator for the opening ceremonies. “I was pretty emotional after the week we had. This was the perfect time to do service after this week,” shared Jepsen.

During a moment of silence, the large crowd remembered those who had fallen on 9/11. Pleasant Grove City and Lone Peak Fire Departments were present with their trucks and equipment, allowing residents to greet them and express their gratitude for their service in the community.

National Day of Service projects included building a trail bridge, painting curbs and fire hydrants, trimming and planting new trees, cleaning up overgrowth and garbage in popular city parks and trails such as Cook, Discovery, and Harvey Parks, along with the Murdock Canal Trail. Alpine City also hosted a blood drive.

Cara Allred and her husband Richard were the Day of Service Lead Coordinators. When asked how Allred felt seeing the way residents responded to the call for help, she replied, “awesome, especially in light of what happened this week. I think people are raw and their feelings are tender, and it’s hard to know what to do to help and heal.” Planning a service project of this magnitude took many hours, along with a master committee and assistance from captains with subcommittees and subteams.

Seventh-grade student Peter Erickson and his father spent the morning cleaning up the shores around Manila Creek pond. “I think we owe it to the people who died serving others,” said Peter of volunteering. “You can help other people not only by serving, but by being an influence on them to go serve.”

Many volunteers helped to beautify Highland Glen Pond by trimming back foliage and supporting 15-year-old Caleb Mills and his Eagle Scout project. Mills’ project was staining the fences, picnic tables, and benches around the recreation area.

“I didn’t know how many people were going to come because it’s a very busy weekend, but I think we got a lot of people, and it was a pretty good turnout. So I’m glad we got a lot of people, because we’ve been able to get a lot done,” said Mills.

Highland City provided Mills with brushes and stain. City Councilman Ron Campbell and Highland Mayor Kurt Ostler were present. “It literally is a project that we’re thrilled with, because this is one of Highlands’ big parks that people love. They love the trails, they love the pond, and we’re grateful to keep it up to the level we want our city to be,” stated Campbell.

“We have a list, these are the big projects that we just have on our list forever, and when the community comes in, they’re able to get it all done for us. That’s the value and benefit for the city,” said Mayor Ostler.

“I also love how they’re connecting with the city, the residents are connecting, and they just take a little greater pride if they’ve been the ones doing some of the work. They take a greater pride in the city.” Mayor Ostler expressed the city’s gratitude for the significant cost savings achieved by the service at Highland Glen.

Inside Lone Peak High School, volunteers were able to choose where they would donate their time with 11 hands-on service projects. Different groups, such as Alpine Library, ATEC Schools for Individuals with Disabilities, Five.12, Hearts Knit Together, Jordan School District, Lifting Hands International, Stitching Hearts Worldwide, Tabitha’s Way, Utah Children’s Justice Center, and the Utah Refugee Connection staffed the event.

“Really, this is culminating several years of planning, and it just keeps building. That’s probably the beauty of what we’re starting to see,” shared Mayor Ostler.