The Cottonwood Heights Parks and Recreation Service Area (CHPRSA)
Our Mission
We provide exceptional facilities, parks and services to improve the health and lifestyles of our community.
History
On July 26, 1967, the community, along with the Salt Lake County Board of Commissioners created the Salt Lake County Service Area No. 2. It was created to provide enhanced park and recreational services for the citizens in the community through the collection of property taxes and was defined by a geographical boundary. The residents in this geographical boundary pay a portion of their property tax to Cottonwood Heights Parks and Recreation Service Area. These taxes make up approximately 50% of the operating budget. The other 50% is comprised of fees. Residents who pay property tax to the Service Area have discounted rates available to them on memberships to the facility. Tax rates are set every year in June by the Board of Trustees and are evaluated at that time to determine whether a tax increase may be necessary.
Our Board of Trustees is comprised of 3 elected members who are residents of the community and are responsible for over-seeing the setting of policies, procedures, rates, taxes and the overall direction of the Service Area. The Board of Trustees typically meets monthly; we encourage you to attend these meetings to give community feedback or address any concerns you may have. The first Board of Trustees members were Paul Bywater, Donald Sawaya and Don Antczak.
The first phase of the Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center was built in 1971 and consisted of the indoor 25-meter pool, the diving pool, a hot tub and locker rooms; it soon became affectionately referred to as the “Spa”. Since then, additional phases have been added to the Center and today it consists of 4 indoor pools, 3 outdoor pools, a 3 tiered dive tank, 2 water slides, an Olympic sized ice arena, a basketball gymnasium, an indoor walking track, 5 racquetball courts, several fitness rooms, 6 outdoor Pickleball courts, on-site child care and 4 meeting rooms. At an estimated 160,000 square feet, it is one of the largest recreational facilities in the Salt Lake Valley. Since the beginning, the Service Area has had a strong partnership with the School District as well as Salt Lake County.
In 2000, the Salt Lake County Service Area No. 2 was renamed to the Cottonwood Heights Parks and Recreation Service Area (CHPRSA). In 2005, the City of Cottonwood Heights was incorporated and since then, the Service Area partners and provides Parks and Recreation services for the City. In addition to the Recreation Center, the Service Area is responsible for the scheduling and maintenance of 6 beautiful parks, pavilions, playgrounds, tennis courts, and numerous special events during the year.
Membership
Become a member of Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle every day!