Uniquely Provo

Provo has been the epicenter of innovation and creativity since its inception! Many of you are aware of people, products, or musicians with local origins—making them uniquely Provo. In this month’s Provo Advantage, we showcase our ‘Unique Provo’ with a list much bigger than you can imagine.

From Vanderhall Motor Works to KLOS Guitar's handmade carbon fiber guitars, and the exceptional services of Duncan Aviation, immerse yourself in the spirit of innovation that defines our city. Dive into the stories of these unique products and the incredible people behind them, all originating from Provo.

Most Utahns can think of a few examples of Provo’s innovation and creativity. Maybe its authors such as Stephenie Meyer or Stephen Covey; or perhaps its world-renowned musicians such as Osmonds or Imagine Dragons. Check out our Uniquely Provo graphic to confirm your knowledge—and likely find a surprise or two!

The spirit of creativity in Provo was established on a rich seedbed of innovation resulting in a wide range of unique people, services, ideas, and products. Many of those products and people have achieved international success. We will introduce you to several of these companies and their products. And on a more personal level, we want to introduce you to Lyon Hyldahl, an Instagram sensation with his young slope style mountain biking. Provo uniqueness extends to all generations!

It might be hard to grasp the true local and international impact of hometown Provo products. Provo’s handiwork can be seen throughout the world with literally thousands and hundreds of thousands of world-renowned products, such as guitars, speakers, and cars made locally, but sold internationally – THAT is a true Provo Advantage. Check out our By the Numbers graphic to see what we mean.

Still not convinced of the global influence Provo products are having!? Here is a reel to drive the point home.

Dig deep into the impact of our unique and world-renowned products with the attached white paper.

Download White Paper

A New Way to Discover Provo!

There is always something special about discovering hidden gems right in our own backyard. Sometimes, we overlook the charm our very own city holds, especially when it's seen every day. But Maddie Small has beautifully brought that charm to light in her all-new "International Traveler Guide to Provo".

As many of you may know, Provo has evolved into a city bustling with diverse restaurants, unique shops, and enchanting events. Maddie's guide offers a thoughtful collection of her personal recommendations, aimed to give travelers and residents alike a genuine taste of what Provo has to offer.

One standout feature of this guide, which personally delights me, is the clear identification of activities tailored to your specific needs. Look for the FF symbol if you’re hunting for family-friendly options, GNO for a perfect girl’s night out, DN for that special date night, or SA for all the solo adventurers out there. Want to know Maddie’s top picks? Just search for the "Maddie's Faves" symbol and indulge in Provo’s most authentic and memorable experiences.

If you’re a fan of detailed planning, Maddie hasn’t forgotten about you. She has incorporated a color-coded map, comprehensive history of Provo, and mindful suggestions on navigating the city. Plus premade daily itineraries to make your trip planning a breeze!

For a sneak peek into one of my favorite itineraries:

• Start with a refreshing hike to the Y.

• Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at Hruska's Kolaches.

• Embark on a tour of the iconic BYU campus followed by a delectable lunch at BYU Creamery on Ninth.

• Jump on the UVX and head over to the Provo Library (a personal favorite) – don’t miss out on the free escape room challenge!

• Stroll to Sodalicious for a refreshing drink.

• Next, dive into the heart of the city and explore downtown. The wall murals are always a treat to discover!

• Conclude the day with a dinner at Gurus Cafe and let the Covey Center entertain you for the evening.

And the best part? Maddie's guide boasts many more itineraries just like this one!

If this has piqued your curiosity, Maddie has graciously provided a free pamphlet that offers a glimpse of the wonders packed inside her guide. You can download her pamphlet here:

Brochure Intentional Traveler Guide to Provo (11 x 8.5)

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Download PDF • 6.18MB

Ready to explore Provo in all its glory? Paperback copies of Maddie's insightful guide are available at Foxglove Flowers and Gifts, The Collective Underground, The Social, and Timpanogos Hiking Co. For the tech-savvy folks, digital copies can be accessed through the QR code in the pamphlet or directly from Amazon.

For more intentional travel tips for Provo and beyond, follow Maddie on Instagram @a.life.she.loved or visit her blog alifesheloved.net.

Embrace the spirit of Provo and set off on your next local adventure!

Quail Orchard Park is Open!

I am thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our community. On September 28th, we opened the doors of Quail Orchard Park, marking it as Provo’s 57th park. Nestled at 522 E 3900 N, this park stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering a community-centered environment that prioritizes both recreation and the well-being of our residents.

This $5.5 million project has been made possible through the combined efforts of development impact fees, our Recreation, Arts and Parks Tax revenue, and a significant contribution from the Provo City General Fund. And, what makes this park truly special is that it has been designed with a lot of heart and dedication. A team comprising of our neighborhood residents spent over a year meticulously working with the landscape architecture consultant, BlueLine Design, to ensure every aspect of the park resonates with the soul of Provo.

Having been closely situated to the park, I personally had the honor of being a part of this commendable committee, alongside many of you. City Council Chair, Katrice MacKay, perfectly encapsulated our collective feelings when she said, “It is genuinely a park that was designed by and reflects the residents of the Timpview/Edgemont area.”

But this park is more than just an open space; it's a reflection of our values. Our Parks and Recreation Director, Scott Henderson, aptly mentioned, “Quail Orchard Park becomes part of our impressive parks and trails system designed to promote the active and healthy lifestyle for children and adults—which is part of the Provo citizen fiber.”

This park boasts features that cater to everyone. From adventure-style playgrounds, contemporary pavilions, and family-style restrooms to walking paths illuminated by low energy lamps, a natural meandering stream, pickleball courts, and group pavilions – Quail Orchard Park is a haven for every Provo resident, young and old.

The history of this park's land is also noteworthy. We acquired this 8-acre land several years ago at a favorable point in real estate values. Two acres of it are dedicated to the 3900 North Street development, with the remaining dedicated to our lovely park.

Furthermore, the park serves a dual purpose. Apart from being a recreational spot, it acts as a stormwater detention basin, efficiently collecting runoff from the neighboring areas during significant storm events. This not only protects private properties and businesses from potential flooding but also ensures the well-being of our residents downstream.

I take immense pride in stating that the grand opening of Quail Orchard Park adds yet another feather to our cap, showcasing why our Parks and Recreation department was honored with the 2021 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in making Quail Orchard Park a reality. It's endeavors like these that strengthen our community, and I am both humbled and proud to serve as your mayor.

Stay active, stay healthy, and see you at the park!