Nearly 1,200 volunteers came together to serve on 9/11 Day of Remembrance

PARK CITY, Utah — Nearly 1,200 volunteers and 51 organizing partners, including 28 local nonprofits, joined Park City’s second annual 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance on Saturday. Serve Park City commemorates the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, by strengthening the community through service.

The day began at 8 a.m. with a volunteer breakfast and remembrance program at City Park, where firefighter Bryson Allison addressed the crowd. “I’m surrounded by hundreds of fellow community members all coming together today — not to avenge, not to perpetuate hate or resentment, but to simply do good for others,” he said.

After the program, volunteers fanned out across the city to tackle 35 projects.

Known for its scenic outdoor spaces, Park City saw teams working on beautification and restoration efforts ranging from campus cleanups at local nonprofits to maintenance at Poison Creek, Ross Creek Park, Swaner Nature Preserve, Summit Community Gardens, Summit County Clubhouse and other public areas. Volunteers planted trees, picked up trash along major roadways, and helped preserve open spaces with Utah Open Lands and The Nature Conservancy of Utah.

Becky, Jackson, and Chane Kellerstrass volunteered planting trees at Deer Valley.

Service opportunities also included weaving sleeping mats for the homeless with Stitching Hearts, sorting eyeglasses with Hope Alliance, providing feedback to Mountain Mediation, writing letters with Park City Education Foundation and Dream Makers, assembling kits with Jewish Family Services and People’s Health Clinic, organizing libraries, and assisting with animal care at Nuzzles & Co. and Fetch Cares.

“What I love about Serve Park City is seeing everyone come together —from Stein Eriksen Lodge staff and their families, to youth sports teams, school clubs and church groups, along with local leaders and landscapers all working side by side to lift our community,” Marriott said. “Real service was being rendered, and it was inspiring to see all ages, backgrounds and abilities working side by side, fulfilling the mission of Park City Humanitarians: building community through service.”

Marriott also noted the “impressive sight” of over 100 boys and their mothers joining together from the Young Men’s Service League clearing brush and mucking stalls at the NAC campus. The project is part of their annual Ultimate Gift project, through which they dedicate about 500 service hours to a single community effort.

YMSL volunteers worked on landscaping, weeded the NAC’s campus, cleaned out the equestrian corrals, cleaned and organized the bike shed, and repainted areas of the NAC to create a more welcoming environment for the 6,000+ participants the NAC serves annually.

Since its inception in 2002, 9/11 Day has grown into the largest day of service in America. More than 30 million Americans and others participate annually, dedicating time to helping those in need and rekindling the spirit of unity that brought the nation together in the days following the 9/11 tragedy.

Serve Park City is organized by Park City Humanitarians, a grassroots volunteer group promoting service within the community. To get involved, email serveparkcity@gmail.com or visit JustServe.org/ServeParkCity. Next year’s Day of Service is scheduled for Sept. 12, 2026.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’s 6th season starts Sept. 16

PARK CITY, Utah — For season six of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, the drama centers on the backdrop of Park City, Meredith Marks’s luxurious caviar lounge ambitions, and escalating tensions within the cast. The new season, which premieres on September 16, on Bravo, sees the ladies’ friendships tested and features a cross-franchise boat trip.

The season’s storyline places Meredith Marks’s jewelry boutique on Park City’s historic Main Street at the center of the action. Her plan to convert the store into a lavish caviar lounge introduces a new source of conflict, with her husband, Seth, joining the venture as an “official advisor”.

However, Seth’s involvement proves to be more of a hindrance than a help, leading to fresh challenges for the couple. This business endeavor, coupled with her already uncertain position within the friend group, is said to culminate in a dramatic final dinner.

Beyond Meredith’s business, Season six promises plenty of tension among the entire cast.

Several relationships within the group are strained. A rift between Mary Cosby and Angie Katsanevas plays out, with Mary rebuffing Angie’s attempt to reconcile.

Lisa Barlow’s marriage to John Barlow faces troubles following an insightful psychic reading that reveals cracks in their communication. Lisa herself admits they are “on different pages,” and she must confront new rumors circulating among the group.

The season opens with a tense cast getaway. Angie plans a trip within Utah for the ladies in a large RV, only to be met with shocked reactions when the group discovers their destination is a makeshift campsite. Barlow skips this trip, adding to the growing animosity.

Park City continues to be a central part of the show’s identity. In addition to Meredith’s boutique on Main Street, viewers will be treated to more high-altitude drama. Other cast members, including Barlow, Heather Gay, and Whitney Rose, have also been seen filming and enjoying the local mountain life, the snowy setting provides a striking contrast to the heated conflicts unfolding among the housewives.

National Sailing Championships coming to Jordanelle Reservoir in September

PARK CITY, Utah — On Sept. 26-28, Park City Sailing Club will be hosting the U.S. Adult Sailing Championships at the Jordanelle Reservoir State Park.

“This event showcases excellence in sailing, featuring competitors who have achieved top honors in events and venues around the United States,” Scott VerMerris, Park City Sailing Executive Director told TownLift. “We are thrilled to bring together such a distinguished group of sailors for competition and camaraderie on the Jordanelle Reservoir. We look forward to welcoming you to PCSA and sharing in the excitement of the regatta.”

Deer Valley East Village will be a place to have a front row seat to all the action.

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Thursday, September 25th

1000-1700 Registration, Check in and Welcome to Park City Sailing Association (PCSA)
1200-1800 Optional practice
1830-2100 Opening Ceremony – Welcome to the Wasatch Back: Meet the Teams and Race Officials;
Local Knowledge Briefing; Dinner and Refreshments. Location TBD

Friday, September 26th

0900 Competitors’ Briefing at PCSA
1100 First Warning
After Racing Cookout at PCSA’s Lakeview Pavillion on the Jordanelle Reservoir

Saturday, September 27th

0900 Competitors’ Briefing at PCSA
1100 First Warning
After Racing Dinner on your own to explore Park City dining offerings

Sunday, September 28th

0830 Competitors’ Briefing at Park City Sailing
1030 First Warning
1400 Last Possible Warning Signal
After Racing Awards Ceremony and Dinner at PCSA’s Lakeview Pavillion

The Clifford D. Mallory Trophy is awarded to the top team. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-place teams receive US Sailing medals. One sailor, skipper or crew, is recognized with the Staton J. Peele Sportsmanship Trophy

Event sponsorship opportunities are available, learn more here.

Click here if you’re a member of Park City Sailing, a local mariner, or maybe even an angler interested in the reservoir’s current conditions.

Event Selection Process

When maximum number of resumes exceed the number of spaces available for the event, the evaluation committee will review each application and extend invitations accordingly. Resumes will be evaluated on the following criteria:

40% Sailor Criteria – How many major events have they competed in the past three years; the number of races in these events, number of attendants
20% – Qualified through a regatta at the Regional Sailing Association level
20% – Class Criteria – size, diversity, depth, and activity of class they consistently sail nationally
10% – sailors under 30 make up 25% of the team
10% – female sailors make up at least 25% of the team
Bonus: Additional 10% if a female is a helm

There won’t be tickets sold to this event, spectators are invited to line the shoreline wherever they are allowed by the State Park access, wherever they are safe, and wherever they will enjoy the best viewing opportunities.

Park City School District to host Superintendent Conversations

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City School District will host two community conversations this month, providing families and residents with the opportunity to hear directly from district leadership.

The first session is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Blair Education Center. Coffee and pastries will be provided. A second event will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the McPolin Community Center, where light refreshments will be served.

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Superintendent Lyndsay Huntsman will provide updates on the start of the school year, the district’s cell phone policy, and leadership priorities for the upcoming year.

Both events are open to the public.

Park City High School kicks off Homecoming week

PARK CITY, UT — Park City High School will celebrate Homecoming Week Sept. 15-20 with a full slate of student and community events.

The week begins Sept. 16 with the Powder Puff football game at Dozier Field, followed by the Powder Buff volleyball game Sept. 17 in the front gym. A bonfire is set for Sept. 18 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the east parking lot.

On September 19, the community is invited to a tailgate gathering from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Dozier Courtyard, preceding the 7:00 p.m. Homecoming football game. Students are encouraged to wear their Homecoming shirts to school that day. Admission to the game is free for PCHS students and $8 for adults.

The week concludes Sept. 20 with the Homecoming Dance from 7-10 p.m. at the high school. Tickets are available in advance at discounted prices through September 6, with regular pricing in effect through September 19. Tickets will also be available at the door.

For more information visit pchs.pcschools.us.

Pack It Out Utah encourages residents to join watershed cleanup month

LOGAN, Utah — Utahns are being asked to help clear trash from trails and waterways as part of the annual Pack It Out Utah cleanup effort this September.

Since 2020, Utah State University’s Water Quality Extension has led the statewide initiative in partnership with local governments, nonprofits, and community groups. Organizers say the monthlong event aims to improve water quality and protect natural habitats across the state.

“We often take for granted how much work goes into keeping our waters clean for people and wildlife,” said Sarah Erwin, USU Extension assistant professor for water quality and watershed education. “We hope every Utahn will make time this month to care for our watersheds by removing trash from trails and waterways.”

Volunteers can find cleanup events hosted by partner organizations on the Pack It Out Utah website. Residents are also encouraged to organize smaller efforts with friends, neighbors, and families, and to report results online.

Since the program began, nearly 35,500 pounds of trash have been removed from Utah’s public lands and waterways, according to USU Extension. “Public involvement strengthens the state’s annual application for water improvement funds, so your efforts help resources flow back to Utah communities,” Erwin said.

Paul Burnett, nonpoint source program coordinator for the Utah Division of Water Quality, emphasized the community’s vital role. “Every piece of trash removed from trails and waterways helps protect the health of Utah’s rivers and lakes,” he said. “This type of citizen stewardship not only improves water quality directly but also demonstrates the strong community commitment to restoring and protecting waters across the state.”

For more information on cleanup events or to report results, visit here.

Grammy nominees and rising stars converge in Moab for folk festival

MOAB, Utah — The Moab Folk Festival will celebrate its 23rd anniversary Nov. 7-9, bringing an exceptional lineup of singer-songwriters, Americana, roots and bluegrass musicians to Utah’s stunning red rock canyon country.

The intimate festival will unfold across two venues: the outdoor Moab City Ballpark and the historic indoor Star Hall. Full pricing ranges from $63 to $400, with additional discounts available for children and local residents.

Photo: Max Haimowitz.// Moab Folk Festival

Friday Night Kickoff

The festival opens Friday, Nov. 7, from 7-9:30 p.m. at Star Hall with Mother Tree, a collaboration featuring three nationally acclaimed songwriters and close friends: Susan Cattaeno, Sloan Wainwright and Cosy Sheridan. The trio has created a set designed to lift spirits and showcase their combined artistry.

Four-time Grammy nominee Darrell Scott will headline both evening Star Hall performances. Scott’s lyrics help audiences “make sense of the world, what is at stake here, and our place in it,” according to festival organizers. The beloved singer-songwriter returns to Moab after previous festival appearances.

Saturday Programming

Saturday evening’s Star Hall show, running 7-9:30 p.m., will feature Emily Scott Robinson opening for Scott’s second headlining performance. Robinson, a North Carolina native turned Colorado songwriter, travels America’s highways capturing stories and crafting them into songs that blend bluegrass, country and folk influences. Her storytelling talent and pristine soprano voice promise a memorable performance.

The festival’s main stage programming begins Saturday with eight performances scheduled across the weekend at Moab City Ballpark, running 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

Elephant Revival will headline Saturday’s ballfield show, marking their first festival appearance since 2013. The multi-instrumentalist collective blends Celtic, Americana, folk and indie art rock elements. Their music creates atmospheric soundscapes where vocalist Bonnie’s “warmly haunting voice” either merges with or provides counterpoint to the band’s rhythms and melodies.

Seth Walker, described as “among the most prolific artists on the Americana scene today,” brings his multi-dimensional talent to Saturday’s lineup. Walker combines melodic and lyrical gifts with a “rich, Gospel-drenched, Southern-inflected voice” and skilled guitar work. His 12 albums have reached the Top 20 of Americana Radio Charts and No. 2 on Billboard’s Blues Album Chart, earning praise from NPR, American Songwriter, No Depression and Relix.

Nashville resident Crys Matthews, dubbed “a troubadour of truth,” represents the new generation of social justice music-makers. The award-winning lyricist and composer blends country, Americana, folk, blues and bluegrass into complex performances featuring traditional melodies and honest, original lyrics. Festival organizers note that “she is made for these times.”

Opening Saturday’s festivities will be Tanasi, a collaboration of celebrated Asheville, N.C., musicians featuring the “tight sister-like harmonies” of MerleFest-winning songwriter Anya Hinkle and Mary Lucey (Biscuit Burners, Uncle Earl) alongside Billy Cardine’s distinctive dobro work.

Roadside jam at the Moab Folk Festival. Photo: Max Haimowitz // Moab Folk Festival

Sunday Finale

Yonder Mountain String Band will headline Sunday’s programming, bringing nearly three decades of roots music innovation to Moab. The group continues leading the progressive bluegrass scene as “undeniable innovators and pioneers of the modern jamgrass movement.” Their high-energy acoustic sound blends bluegrass with rock, alternative, psychedelic and improvisational elements. As festival organizers note, “IYKYK, their shows are lively and fun!”

Grammy-nominated all-woman string band Della Mae will also perform Sunday. The group, featuring musicians from across North America with diverse musical backgrounds, delivers “foot-stomping, crowd-pleasing riots, full of high-octane instrumental skills.” Their mission centers on showcasing top female musicians while improving opportunities for women and girls through advocacy, mentorship, programming and performance.

Colorado supergroup Big Richard rounds out Sunday’s lineup. Since emerging on the Colorado scene in 2021, the four-woman group has garnered attention for their “tight vocal harmonies, dazzling string virtuosity, and clever arrangements.” They’re currently touring their debut full-length studio album “Girl Dinner,” which showcases their honest songwriting, compelling vocals and fiddle-driven energy.

Sunday’s programming will begin with a collaborative inspirational/gospel set featuring multiple artists. Festival organizers emphasize that audiences shouldn’t miss this “supergroup set.”

Additional Programming

Beyond the main performances, the Moab Folk Festival offers several free public workshops on Saturday and Sunday. These educational sessions complement the weekend’s musical programming and provide additional value for attendees.

For more information, visit the Moab Folk Festival website or call 435-260-1756. Those interested in volunteering can find details here.

The festival continues to establish itself as a premier destination for roots music enthusiasts, combining world-class performances with Moab’s incomparable natural setting in southeastern Utah’s red rock country.

Park City Library to host Voter Registration Drive Sept. 16

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Library will hold a voter registration drive on Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the library’s entry hall at 1255 Park Ave.

The event will allow residents to register to vote or verify their registration information ahead of the 2025 elections. Participants will receive a free prize for registering or confirming their voter status.

The drive will also include a mock election for children, who can cast a vote for their favorite book series. The winning series will be featured in a cardboard cutout display in the library.

For more information, call 435-615-5600 or visit parkcitylibrary.org.

Mountains to Mountains launches to connect and heal global mountain communities

PARK CITY, Utah — An emergency physician who grew up in the Rocky Mountains has launched a nonprofit aimed at connecting mountain communities worldwide through trauma-informed training, cultural exchange, and shared outdoor expertise.

Mountains to Mountains, founded by Dr. Claudia Bouvier, a doctor of osteopathic medicine and adjunct associate professor at the University of Utah, plans to offer a “holistic wilderness medicine” course that pairs traditional backcountry care with tools to process traumatic events.

“We are offering traditional wilderness medicine — how to apply a splint, how to do a carry, how to cope with injuries in the backcountry — but we are also incorporating the mental health side of that traumatic incident,” Bouvier said in an interview. “How do you approach the incident to minimize the long-term mental health effects?”

Bouvier, the nonprofit’s acting CEO, said the organization will serve as a bridge for people who live in or love visiting the mountains by building a community that shares knowledge, offers support, and responds to what local residents say they need. The mission, she said, is grounded in “whole-body health — mind, body, and spirit.”

Claudia Bouvier, founder of Mountains to Mountains, on a backcountry ski adventure, reflecting her lifelong passion for mountain landscapes and outdoor exploration. Photo: Claudia Bouvier

The startup team is small and geographically spread out. Chief Operating Officer Casey Odell, a licensed counselor with a background in wilderness and addiction counseling, is based in Taos, New Mexico. Advisors include emergency physicians and a psychiatrist with decades of experience in carceral mental health. Bouvier said fellow ER doctor Anne Flower, whom she named chief medical officer, is among those helping shape the medical content.

Initial programming will roll out close to home. Bouvier said the organization intends to offer its holistic wilderness medicine course in Utah and New Mexico at rates below the typical market, using the proceeds to underwrite no-cost training in remote or underserved mountain regions abroad.

“After-action debriefs, communicating what happened, and making it OK to acknowledge that an incident can affect you in the long run — those are the tools we’ll teach alongside splinting and carries,” Bouvier said. “We’re looking at the whole person.”

Bouvier said a recent volunteer trip to India reignited her drive to form an NGO she could steer with like-minded partners. She is collaborating with Jeeva Raksha, an Indian organization that offers basic and advanced life-support courses, to help develop a disaster management curriculum.

Claudia Bouvier rides a mountain trail overlooking alpine lakes and fall colors, embodying the passion for outdoor adventure that inspires her nonprofit, Mountains to Mountains. Photo: Claudia Bouvier

The nonprofit’s broad vision reflects what Bouvier described as both a need and an opportunity. She said private giving and memberships will be critical as some public and international aid streams have tightened.

“With recent cuts to the USAID and the government really minimizing how much money they’re giving for nonprofit organizations, especially the smaller ones and people that were reaching the most remote areas of the world, there’s a gap,” she said. “You can’t go from zero to replacing government support, but you can step in, fundraise, and help people who have been left without.”

Memberships are open to health professionals, students, and community allies. Perks include workshops, training materials, discounted referrals to partner services, volunteer opportunities, and a member newsletter highlighting stories from mountain regions.

Bouvier, who grew up in Vail, Colorado, ski-raced through high school and later skied professionally before attending medical school. She said her path to emergency medicine suits both her temperament and the nonprofit’s focus. “We deal with trauma every day in the ER,” she said.

“Sometimes it’s physical; sometimes it’s emotional. Often it’s both. That’s why we’re building programming that addresses each piece.”

As the organization formalizes partnerships and curricula, Bouvier said immediate priorities are fundraising for course materials and recruiting collaborators who share the mission. “Doing anything on your own is impossible,” she said. “If we all work together, we can make a change.”

How to get involved: Donations and memberships are available at mountainstomountains.org.

The group can be reached on Instagram at @_mountainstomountains.

From setback to success: Park City’s Megan Magee heads to Tufts

Tufts University, located just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, is considered a “little” or a “mini” Ivy. These schools, though not as prestigious as those in the Ivy League, offer academic excellence, closer-knit communities, personalized education, and high-level opportunities right after graduation. Tufts follows this pattern, with an undergraduate population of less than 7,000, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1. However, don’t mistake the small class sizes as an easy entry—Tufts has an acceptance rate of only 10.1%, and the average weighted GPA required is 4.11. On top of high academic standards, Tufts has a strong athletic program, which includes an impressive D1 (Division 1) Women’s Lacrosse team headed by Courtney Shute. This team has made it to the NCAA Tournament—essentially nationals—10 times since 2009, making Tufts one of the top lacrosse schools in the nation.

All of that is to say, Tufts University is no small feat to get accepted to—and Park City’s own Megan Magee happens to be heading there this fall to study economics and play D1 Lacrosse!

After moving to Park City at the age of four, Megan tried out a variety of sports, including dance and soccer. But, while playing soccer in elementary school, she couldn’t help but get her hands involved. Jokingly, her parents signed her up for lacrosse when she was in fifth grade—that way, her hands would be busy with the stick—and Megan instantly fell in love. From the start, Megan enjoyed how competitive lacrosse was. She quickly improved her skills and speed, trying to become better than her yesterday self. Megan also was driven from the get-go because she looked up to her family and their success in lacrosse. Megan’s dad played in college, and her brother was highly successful at it, making varsity as a freshman.

As Megan grew up, her love for lacrosse didn’t falter. By her freshman year in high school, Megan was a midfield starter, known for her speed and agility. During her sophomore year, this linear line of success was tested. While in California for a match, Megan’s teammate and fellow midfield starter suffered an injury and had to withdraw from the competition. Megan’s hamstring had been feeling tight leading into the game, but she pushed on, not wanting to let the team down. Sadly, during the game, Megan tore her hamstring, pulling her out of training and competition for two months.

Although this was clearly a setback, Megan was able to take away key lessons from this injury. On a personal level, Megan started to learn how to listen to her body to find the finicky balance between dedicated training and overuse injuries. Also, during her time on the bench, Megan took the time to be the team’s cheerleader and coach, hyping the girls up before matches and giving supportive advice.

In and out of injury, Megan explains that the lacrosse community has been unparalleled. Even as each player is reaching for personal success, the team love is never forgotten. For one, when a teammate scores a goal, Megan says everyone is filled with even more excitement than if it had been their own point, because, as a teammate, they know all about the dedication each person has put in. And, when a teammate slips up, they are not met with shame. Instead, there is a universal understanding that the player will recognize and try their best to fix their mistake, because the team is in it together.

After healing from the torn hamstring with the support of her community, Megan went into her junior year with big dreams. For lacrosse, the summer before junior year is filled with the most pressure for success, with recruiters from top colleges looking for their next star players. As she prepared for this key junior season, Megan continued a rigorous training schedule. During the fall and winter, she joined the Park City track team to improve her speed for lacrosse, making sure to run five to six times a week. On top of running, Megan lifted three to four times a week, and she practiced her skills with a wall ball in her backyard daily. Her training was going well, and everyone expected a highly successful junior season for Megan—then she strained her compromised hamstring. This injury took her out of competition and diminished her dreams of being recruited to top Ivy league schools.

Although disheartening at the time, it provided Megan with a different perspective. Recruiters from larger schools weren’t reaching out to Megan, so she started looking into smaller schools that had tried to recruit her. In the fall of her junior year, Megan toured Tufts, and, like with her instant love for lacrosse, she knew that this was where she wanted to go. Describing it as a “magical visit,” Megan was immersed in the university’s culture in just a few days. She met with, and immediately connected with, the women’s lacrosse team coach and players, easily sliding jokes and breaking into laughs. Tufts, with its close proximity to a large city, small class sizes, and stellar academics, checked all her boxes. She knew it was a perfect fit.

Megan looks back on her unfortunately timed injury, explaining that “everything happens for a reason.” If she hadn’t torn her hamstring and strained it again during her junior year, she wouldn’t have found Tufts and the amazing opportunities that it holds for her future. As she starts her freshman year, Megan is looking forward to the next four years at Tufts, where she’ll improve her lacrosse skills, connect with new friends, and study economics. One of her goals in this next chapter of life is to help the Tufts lacrosse girls reach the NCAA Tournament for the 11th time, and possibly take home a national title.

From injury setbacks to attending a top university, Megan Magee is a resilient young lady, taking great strides to success.

Thinking of Moving to Park City? Here’s How Our Schools Rank

PARK CITY, Utah — One of the questions I’m asked most often as a real estate agent in Park City is: “How are the schools?” And while most families don’t choose Park City solely for its schools, they’re often pleasantly surprised to discover how strong they really are. People move here for the lifestyle—the mountains, the open space, the recreation right outside your door—but it’s always a bonus to know that the education offered here is among the best in Utah.

Take Park City High School, for example. According to the latest U.S. News & World Report, it is ranked fifth in the state out of more than 200 schools, and falls in the top five percent nationwide. The school excels in college readiness and curriculum breadth, consistently ranking at the top in both categories statewide. Nearly sixty percent of students participate in Advanced Placement courses, and an impressive eighty-seven percent pass at least one AP exam. For families considering a move, that level of performance means students are not only challenged in the classroom but also well prepared for college and beyond.

Park City High School. Photo: Rayne Moynahan.

The excellence doesn’t stop at Park City’s borders. Just down the road in Kamas, South Summit High School holds a spot among Utah’s top forty, with nearly half of its students taking AP classes and an outstanding ninety-five percent graduation rate—the highest in the Wasatch Back. Wasatch High School in Heber also ranks highly, landing thirtieth statewide with strong participation in AP programs and a graduation rate hovering around ninety-four percent. Even in smaller communities like Coalville, North Summit High School continues to deliver solid results, maintaining an eighty-nine percent graduation rate and giving students a strong foundation for the future.

Beyond the public schools, Park City also offers excellent private options for families seeking something more specialized. Schools like Rowland Hall and Waterford in Salt Lake City attract families willing to commute for rigorous academics, while closer to home, programs such as Weilenmann School of Discovery and Park City Day School provide strong alternatives with smaller class sizes, unique programming, and a more personalized approach to education. For student-athletes, academies like Rowmark Ski Academy combine elite training with tailored academics, making Park City a true hub for balancing sport and school.

Weilenmann School of Discovery students take their learning outdoors, sketching and observing nature along the lakeshore—an embodiment of the school’s commitment to outdoor education and hands-on exploration. Photo: Weilenmann School of Discovery.

For families, all of this adds up to choice—and choice is powerful. Whether you’re drawn to nationally recognized public schools, boutique private programs, or specialized academies, Park City and the surrounding Wasatch Back offer an educational landscape as diverse as the families who live here.

As someone who has navigated these decisions with my own family, and who works with clients weighing the same questions, I know how important education is when choosing where to put down roots. I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned, connect families with resources, and help them find not just the right home, but the right community and school environment for their children.

Ecker Hill Middle School. Photo: Rayne Moynahan.

So while the world-class skiing, biking, and outdoor lifestyle may be what draws people to Park City, the quality and variety of our schools is often what helps families stay. It’s that balance—adventure at your doorstep, paired with an education that prepares the next generation—that makes Park City such a special place to call home.

Julie Snyder is an experienced real estate professional who serves as a lifestyle resource for clients looking to buy or sell in the Park City area, offering luxury real estate services backed by the power of a global brand. The founder of Inhabit Park City and a sales agent at Summit Sotheby’s International Realty, Julie aims to understand her clients’ needs and lifestyles before pairing them with carefully curated options that fulfill their criteria and wishes. Julie describes herself as honest, analytical, and passionate. Utilizing market data, strong negotiation skills, and effective communication, Julie easily navigates Utah’s competitive real estate market. She views herself as a relocation specialist and proudly shares her deep local knowledge of the area’s schools, neighborhoods, restaurants, clubs, and outdoor experiences.

McPolin Farm to host Annual Scarecrow Festival this October

PARK CITY, Utah — Fall fun is around every corner at McPolin Farm with the return of the annual Scarecrow Festival on Saturday, October 4. Families and locals are invited to build and display their own scarecrows along the farm’s scenic trail.

The City will be providing straw for stuffing, a display packet, and a support to help your scarecrow stand tall. Participants are encouraged to bring their own creative touches, including a head, clothing, shoes, props, and any other funky accessories to personalize their creation. For those who prefer, scarecrows can also be built at home and installed at the farm at any time as long as the registered name tag is attached.

Tickets are available in two categories. Non-event tickets are $25 and include straw, a support, and a display packet. Event tickets, priced at $50, include all of the above plus access to a festive celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. on October 4, featuring pumpkin painting, face painting, cookies, and cider.

Attendees are asked to leave pets at home and refrain from using scarecrows for advertising purposes.

This community celebration promises to be a fun, creative way to welcome the autumnal season and see the ingenuity of local scarecrow builders on full display. Tickets can be purchased here.

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