An Olympic Story, Right Here in Provo

I hope the Olympics added as much excitement to your summer as they did to mine. Like many of you, nothing grabs me quite like a good underdog story when watching the Olympics. Knowing the trials and struggles in an athlete’s life makes their achievements resonate deeper. Provo happens to have an Olympic underdog story that Provo residents are a part of and can be proud of.

When I first came on as Mayor, I walked into a crisis with the Peaks Ice Arena. By no fault of Provo’s, it was headed to auction. Knowing it had been used in the 2002 Olympics pained me to think of losing it. Can you imagine it being replaced by an apartment building?

In a leap of faith, I chose to have our Provo City team take on sole responsibility for operating the venue. I knew the risks but decided to trust in our community and our Parks and Recreation Department.

One of their great ideas was installing a workout space and turf to support indoor soccer and other field sports in otherwise unused space like behind the viewing stands. You, our residents, promptly showed up big time—for fitness, for soccer, and, of course, continuing to use it for hockey, figure skating, and other uses of the ice sheets. And here’s the fantastic thing: Provo City no longer has to subsidize operations there. The Peaks Ice Arena has become self-sustaining! While several local Olympic venues rely on a legacy endowment to keep them going, ours is sustained by users throughout the region. Thank you!

A few months ago, we hosted the International Olympic Committee members at the arena. They loved seeing kids playing hockey on one ice sheet and practicing figure skating routines on the other. But we didn’t realize just how impressed they were until I was with them at a later event. They had toured other venues in Utah and loved them, but the Peaks Ice Arena seemed to be the hot topic, being referenced as perhaps one of the finest examples in the world of an Olympic venue that had successfully transferred into ongoing community use. From heading to the auction block to that kind of acclaim? How’s that for a comeback story?

We are thrilled about the announcement that the Olympics are coming to Utah again in 2034 and that Provo’s ice arena will again host Olympic events. It will be great to have the world here again and experience our venue and our exceptional community!

Happy National Backflow Prevention Day!

I want to take a moment to talk about a small yet powerful tool that plays a big role in protecting our water—hose bib vacuum breakers. Whether you're an avid gardener or just enjoy washing your car on the weekend, it's important to understand how these devices help keep our drinking water free from contamination. Let's dive into the details together, and remember, we're in this to keep our water safe for everyone!

1. What’s a hose bib vacuum breaker, and why is it important? A hose bib vacuum breaker is a small but mighty device that attaches to your outdoor faucet (also known as a hose bib). Its job? To make sure water flows in one direction—out of the faucet—and not back into your home’s plumbing. It’s an easy way to keep your drinking water safe from contamination.

2. Why is backflow prevention so important? Backflow prevention is all about protecting our community’s water supply. Without it, things like pesticides, fertilizer, or dirt from your garden could find their way back into your home’s water—and even into the city’s water supply. We want to keep our water clean and safe for everyone!

3. How does a hose bib vacuum breaker work? The hose bib vacuum breaker works by allowing air into the hose if backflow is detected, breaking any siphon effect that could pull contaminated water back into your plumbing. It ensures water flows in one direction—out of your faucet—keeping your water safe.

4. Do I need one for every outdoor faucet? Absolutely! Every outdoor faucet should have a hose bib vacuum breaker to ensure your whole home is protected. If you’re using hoses or attachments like sprinklers, these little devices are essential for preventing any unwanted backflow.

5. How often should I replace my hose bib vacuum breaker? While hose bib vacuum breakers are durable, it’s a good idea to check them annually for any signs of wear or damage, especially if they’re exposed to harsh weather. If you notice any cracks or leaks, it’s time to replace them to ensure your water remains protected. Before winter, be sure to drain them to prevent freezing damage. If you want a lower-maintenance option, consider purchasing frost-free hose versions at your local hardware store.

6. How do I install a hose bib vacuum breaker? Installing a hose bib vacuum breaker is straightforward. Just screw it onto your outdoor faucet where the hose would normally attach. If you’re unsure or need assistance, many local hardware stores can provide guidance, or you can reach out to a licensed plumber.

P.S. Tomorrow is National Backflow Prevention Day! To celebrate, we’re giving away free hose bib vacuum breakers to Provo residents (one per household – while supplies last). Stop by the customer service desk at the City Center tomorrow and pick one up. Let’s keep our water safe together!

Anywhere You Want to Go, Fly Provo!

Our city is truly flying high, and our momentum continues to soar. Just look at our Provo Airport! We’ve grown so much that we’re welcoming a new airline to our family. That's right, American Airlines is joining Allegiant and Breeze, launching their new service at the Provo Airport starting October 7th!

This is monumental step opens Provo to the world, making it easier for our community and visitors to travel far and wide. American Airlines will connect us directly to major hubs, where passengers can easily reach over 350 destinations in more than 60 countries – imagine the possibilities! We can now truly say – “Anywhere you want to go – Fly Provo!”

Ready to take off? Book your flights now at flyprovoairport.com and start exploring! As your mayor, one of my proudest achievements has been to promote and expand Provo Airport. We have an incredible resource here that offers unmatched ease and convenience to those looking to travel from Provo - a hassle-free, affordable experience with even more flight options with American’s arrival.

Our journey doesn’t stop here—it’s just taking off! And remember, Anywhere you want to go – Fly Provo!