Keeping Cottonwood Heights Cool, Connected, and Community-Focused This August

The statements in this article are the author's views and not necessarily of the entire city council.

 As we enter the heart of summer, August brings both sunshine and an opportunity to reflect on our vibrant community. Whether you’re escaping the heat at our parks, enjoying community events, or preparing for back-to-school season, I want to take a moment to share updates that matter to all of us in Cottonwood Heights.

 With rising temperatures, safety remains a priority. Please check on neighbors, limit outdoor activities during peak heat, and take advantage of shaded park areas. Take advantage of indoor public spaces, such as recreation centers and libraries, to find entertainment and relief during the hottest parts of the day. And remember to stay hydrated!

 This is also a great time to practice mindful water conservation - our community’s future depends on how we manage our natural resources today. We encourage you to visit our Sustainability Resources page on our website, as well as the Utah Water Savers site for rebates and ideas on drought-tolerant landscaping.

 As students head back to school the end of the month, let’s keep them safe by watching for school zones, where Cottonwood Heights Police Officers will be diligently enforcing speed limits. We work closely with Canyons School District to ensure safety, walkability, and access around our schools. Consider supporting your local teachers and administrators by donating supplies or volunteering time.

 We were thrilled to see so many of you at this year’s Butlerville Days. What a way to celebrate our 20th birthday as a city! Thank you to all the volunteers, organizers, and attendees who helped make it a joyful success. 

 A special shoutout to everyone involved in our summer musical, “The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical.” From cast and crew to supportive audiences, your energy made it a truly magical run!

 Our regular Senior Socials continue to be a community favorite, and we want to thank those of you who have joined us.  Coming up this month, we have Bark in the Park on August 23rd. This is always a big hit, and we look forward to interacting with our furry residents again this year. Please continue to check our website for additional activities for you to enjoy throughout the year.

 Lastly, we continue to receive a lot of questions on the Town Center project at the Hillside Plaza location. We know that you are as eager to see progress on the site as we are!  Currently, we are working with our chosen development partners on a Development Agreement. We expect significant progress from the planning and design stage this fall and there will be additional opportunities for residents and stakeholders to provide input and ideas as we continue to move through this process. 

 We are excited about the long-term potential this space holds, from a gathering space for events, restaurant and retail options, and the opportunity to have a centralized location to bring our community together. We will continue to work on keeping the project website (www.chtowncenter.com) up to date and providing information through all our channels as things continue to move forward.

 Thank you for being an engaged member of our community and thank you for the warm welcome you all have given me over the last year. It’s hard to believe how quickly the last 12 months have gone. Together, we make Cottonwood Heights not just a place to live—but a place to thrive. ■