Spotlight: Kaysville
If you’re lucky, you’ve spent some time in the charming town of Kaysville. With a population of just over 30,000, the community is friendly, welcoming and has managed to keep its small-town feel. While neighboring communities have worked to build up and expand commercial properties, Kaysville is committed to livability for its citizens, with an emphasis on open spaces, parks and residential living. According to Kaysville Mayor Steve Hiatt, “Some communities shy away from being a bedroom community. Kaysville has embraced that moniker, and is proud to be one of the most popular places to live in all of Utah.”
Mayor Hiatt has been a resident of Kaysville for fifteen years and the mayor for 8 of those years. Kaysville is located in Davis County and is nestled between Layton, Fruit Heights and Farmington.
March marks the 150th anniversary of Kaysville, and the town has big plans. “It will be a wonderful experience to celebrate the sesquicentennial of Utah's Home town throughout the coming year,” the Mayor said. Details for the celebration can be found on Kaysville's homepage .
Located between the Great Salt Lake on the west and the majestic Wasatch mountains on the east, a wide range of outdoor opportunities abound in Kaysville. Mayor Hiatt identified two great trails that are loved by locals:
The DRGW Trail, also known as the "Rail Trail," follows the old Denver and Rio Grande Rail Line, a Utah Transit Authority easement that has been converted to a popular all asphalt running trail. The Rail Trail runs north and south throughout all of Kaysville. The trail actually starts in West Haven and continues south through Centerville. It intersects with other similar trails, such as the 14-mile Legacy Parkway Trail, and eventually ties into the 43-mile Jordan River Parkway Trail. The network of trails provides nearly endless possibilities. The Kaysville portion of the Rail Trail is maintained by Kaysville City year round.
Another gem is the 140-acre wilderness property named The East Mountain Wilderness Park. This primitive setting boasts a 1.7-mile loop, suited for beginner hikers and even intersects with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. East Mountain Wilderness Park sits along the lower portion of the Wasatch Front mountains on the most eastern side of Kaysville. In addition to trail access, the East Mountain Wilderness Park has four campsites available for day or overnight use. As Kaysville and the surrounding area continue to grow, the Kaysville East Mountain Wilderness Park will be a true distinction for Kaysville along the Wasatch Front.
In addition to outdoor sports, the annual hometown July Fourth event cannot be missed. Festivities include a parade that draws over 50,000 people to the community, a concert in the park, food vendors, family games, and a firework show that rivals in the State.
Mayor Hiatt rightly boasts, “We've successfully maintained Kaysville's hometown feel for the past 150 years, and that is something to celebrate!”Indeed! Congratulations, Kaysville! We are thrilled to have you in the hive, and we look forward to helping you celebrate your 150th!
Each week we are highlighting one of the 300 cities and towns in Utah. If you represent a community and you want it to be highlighted contact us.