Established in 2000 with the goal of addressing local needs and strengthening nonprofit efforts, the Wasatch Community Foundation has grown into one of the largest volunteer organizations in the Heber Valley and has funded local projects through a community-driven model it describes as “from the community, for the community.”
Today, the foundation continues that work through five focus areas — human services, health, education, recreation and arts — with a renewed emphasis on expanding access to outdoor and recreational opportunities for children and families in the valley.
Tori Broughton, recently appointed chair of the foundation’s recreation pillar, moved to the Heber Valley just over three years ago after relocating from Colorado. She said visiting Heber for rodeos while growing up sparked a long-standing desire to eventually call the area home.
When Trek Bicycle Company, Broughton’s employer of 17 years, opened a shop on Heber City’s Main Street, the opportunity to move finally fell into place. Broughton shifted from a corporate role to manage the company’s local bike shop and relocated to Heber.
She recently transitioned into a new career in mortgages but said her long background in recreation and community involvement naturally led her to the role with the Wasatch Community Foundation.
“I just really love this community,” Broughton said. “And any way I can give back, I try to do that.”
Broughton said she has been active in local civic life since moving to the valley, serving on the planning commission, participating on the chamber board and previously running for city and county councils. Her involvement, she said, comes from a desire to help guide growth in a way that preserves the character of the community.
“Change is happening whether we like it or not,” Broughton said. “So I want to help shape it in a way that keeps Heber what it is, in spite of that growth.”
As chair of the recreation pillar, Broughton said her focus is on accessibility. While the valley is widely associated with outdoor recreation, she said many local children do not have access to activities such as skiing, snowboarding or other organized recreation due to barriers such as cost, transportation or awareness.
“There’s so much recreation opportunity here, and it’s not accessible to every kid who lives in the valley,” Broughton said. “I want the kids who actually live here to be able to experience those things.”
One program Broughton highlighted is the Kickers and Gliders youth skiing program at Soldier Hollow which is able to offer discounted access by support of the Wasatch Community Foundation and Wasatch Latino Coalition. Beginning last year, the program at Soldier Hollow has placed a specific emphasis on reaching the Latino population in the Wasatch back.
While the Wasatch Community Foundation has supported scholarships for the program, Broughton said participation has been limited.
“What I’m learning is that the challenge isn’t interest — it’s awareness,” Broughton said. “I don’t think kids know about the opportunity. I don’t think they know the scholarships exist.”
She said the foundation remains committed to supporting the program and believes outreach will be key to connecting families with available resources.
Broughton also pointed to several other recreation-related projects the foundation supports, including partnerships with the local 4-H community and the upcoming All Wheels Park at Southfield Park. The pump track-style facility, which is scheduled to open in the spring, is designed to be accessible to users of all ages and skill levels, including bicycles, scooters, roller skates and wheelchairs.
“That park is accessible regardless of income, skill or equipment,” Broughton said. “You can get there safely from almost anywhere in the valley without a car.”
Funding for the All Wheels Park has come from a mix of local, state and federal sources, including TAP tax grants and recreation grants. Broughton said Utah’s emphasis on outdoor recreation has made grant funding widely available, but connecting projects with funding remains a challenge.
“There are millions of dollars out there for recreation,” Broughton said. “The gap is connecting the people who have projects with the people who have the funds.”
To help address that gap, Broughton is working to rebuild and expand the recreation pillar committee. She said the committee is open to anyone interested in supporting recreation in the valley, whether they are nonprofit organizers, coaches, advocates or community members with project ideas.
“The more diverse the voices, the better,” Broughton said. “Anyone who cares about growing recreation and making it more accessible has something valuable to bring.”
The committee will hold its first meeting Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Heber City Library, 465 E 1200 S, with a virtual attendance option also available at meet.google.com/rtw-pnid-bqs.
Broughton said the meeting is open to those interested in learning more, even if they are not ready to commit to joining the committee. Community members interested in participating can contact Broughton directly through the Wasatch Community Foundation website or by email at [email protected].