West Valley City Overview

Five years ago, 47 percent of the residents polled said the most serious problem facing West Valley City was gangs. Last week, responding to a similar poll, only 9 percent said the same thing.

That change perhaps best typifies the transformation West Valley City has undergone quietly in recent years. Credit City manager John Patterson and other local officials, both appointed and elected, with following through on commitment to improve West Valley City's Quality of life. As pollster Dan Jones told the City Council last week, police services "couldn't have gotten a better report card." Jones said he could think of no other city in Utah that has come as far overall as West Valley City. Sevety-two percent of those polled said they definitely feel safe walking in their neighborhood or driving on city streets at night. That number jumps to 94 percent in the daytime. That's due to the resolve of the city's leaders. Since 1991, the city has hired close to 80 officers, enlarging the police force to 180. The goal is to reach 216. The city is providing its inhabitants with a wide variety of activities, satisfaction with the availability of recreation options is at a 10-year high. Half of the respondents said they had used the highly successful Family Fitness Center, and 83 percent said they'd be willing to commit money and labor toward a trail system for bicycles, joggers and in-line skaters.

West Valley City is home to the E Center, likely the best minor-league hockey arena in the country and also an excellent facility for concerts and other entertainment. Since its incorporation 21 years ago, West Valley City has gone from zero parks to more than a dozen. Lake Park, one of the region's biggest corporate parks, spans 875 acres, includes fresh-water lakes and a 27-hole Johnny Miller signature golf course. West Valley City is also home to the Hale Centre Theatre at Harman Hall, North America's largest center-stage theater. Looking to the future, 68 percent favor persuing a light-rail spur for the city with 63 percent indicating they would use it. West Valley City has matured nicely since its origin. Based on the latest data, its best years are yet to come.