Gary C. Swensen and Valley Regional Park

Among Salt Lake County residents, “What have you done for me lately?” questions often come with an expectation of answers. That’s why some local leaders were surprised when the Miller family donated money to help renovate two County softball complexes. You’ll be glad you read this!

A grand opening event featuring several members of the cast of “The Sandlot” drew more than 300 attendees.

Quality of Life

Gary Swensen was a proud Taylorsville native and devoted a lifetime to helping the city thrive. He loved a good time, whether he was riding his John Deere tractor down Redwood Road or gathering the family for a Utah or Jazz game. He was a faithful Latter-day Saint and filled callings as a bishop, stake president, and ward Young Men’s leader. But nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his wife, Irene, and their children and grandchildren.

Families love moving to Taylorsville because of its great suburban family lifestyle. Its great schools and convenient location make it easy for parents to commute to jobs in Salt Lake City. GT Estates is a Taylorsville neighborhood that offers beautiful new homes in cul-de-sac settings with no HOA fees. Contact us today to learn more about these homes. The neighborhood also has quick access to the Gary C. Swensen Valley Regional Park and other local community amenities.

Recreation

In the era of baby boomers and the newfound leisure time that came with it, Swensen kept Salt Lake County’s parks and recreation department on top of things. He helped acquire large chunks of property for parks, trails, multipurpose centers, and equestrian arenas. Many of the valley’s crown jewels were constructed under his watch.

One of his first efforts was a block of land that now houses four softball diamonds and other recreational facilities in Taylorsville. That park, at 5100 S. 2700 West, has been renamed in honor of the late Swensen.

County Parks & Recreation personnel keep careful tabs on the activities that residents are interested in, says associate director Liz Sollis. She notes that back in 2018 — before coronavirus cut usage to near zero — the Taylorsville rec center averaged about 264 daily visitors. The center’s outdoor pool is open from mid-May until mid-August. The 3K running trail and soccer fields also are popular, she adds. A great place to also visit is Tanner Park.

Schools

Ample open space with a disk golf course, exercise track, basketball courts, four-field softball complex, and pool.

As a lifelong Latter-day Saint who had been a bishop, a stake president, and a ward Young Men’s leader, Gary Swensen always cared about lifting others. But his greatest joy was his family. Nothing made him happier than being with his wife, Irene, watching their sons play sports and gathering the entire gang around to watch a Utah Jazz or Utah football game.

That same impulse to lift others carried over into his work for Salt Lake County. The first property he helped buy for the county became a 90-acre park surrounding four softball fields in Taylorsville. In 2014, it was renamed for Swensen, who served 16 years on the Granite School District board and a term on the Utah State School Board as well as overseeing the county’s parks and recreation department for 20 years. Brent Overson, a former county commissioner who spearheaded the move to honor Swensen with the new moniker, calls him a tireless champion for parks and youths of all ages.

Community

Among the many community involvement opportunities in Taylorsville is working at Valley Regional Park, a 92-acre facility that includes a baseball complex and an outdoor basketball court. You can also volunteer to help maintain the park’s 3K running path or tend to the newly planted willow, cottonwood, and sycamore trees.

Growing up on a farm instilled in Gary Swensen the values of hard work, family, and service. He carried those lessons with him as he helped develop youths and recreational programs throughout Salt Lake County. Swensen fought tirelessly to expand the variety of recreation for county residents. He reportedly took great pride in his accomplishments, including the acquisition of land for the five-field baseball/softball complex at 5100 South 2700 West in Taylorsville.

His efforts were recently recognized when the first-of-its-kind complex was renamed the Gary C. Swensen Valley Regional Park in his honor. The county’s parks and recreation agency said it was a “proud celebration” of his lifelong dedication to the community. Browse the next article.

Driving directions from Accuracy Automotive Service and Repair to Gary C. Swensen and Valley Regional Park

Driving directions from Gary C. Swensen and Valley Regional Park to Willow Pond Park