By Tori La Rue | [email protected]

South Jordan - When Bo Earls, a resident of American Fork, joined the management team at South Jordan Fitness and Aquatic Center nine months ago, he said he was shocked at the amount of recreational activities the center puts on. 

“I think it is phenomenal that it’s such a focus. I’ve noticed these kinds of things are a bigger deal in South Jordan than in other cities nearby,” he said.  “There is always something scheduled around the town.” 

To inform residents and neighboring community members about recreational activities that will take place from January to April, South Jordan released an updated seasonal Leisure Guide.

The SoJo Race Series is one of the most exciting fitness activities included in the guide, according to Earls. 

In previous years, each race acted as its own event, and this made the races seem scattered, Earls said. Now all the races are part of a collective races series, which has improved organization and publicity, he said. 

The series begins with the Date Dash 5K on Feb. 13, where couples are encouraged to run together, followed by the Gold Rush 5K, where participants who adorn themselves with St. Patrick’s Day attire will win prizes and the Earth Day 10K, where race officials will collect recyclables. 

Those who don’t know if they can finish a 5K or 10K race but still want to participate should consider joining running groups affiliated with the fitness center, Earls said. 

“Even if that’s not your thing, there’s something here for everyone,” Earls said. “The most important thing is getting moving and not having a sedentary lifestyle, and that doesn’t have to be work -- It can be play.” 

South Jordan’s athletic options include weight room orientation, Zumba, swim team, tumbling, indoor soccer, kung fu, basketball, gymnastics and more. 

South Jordan’s aquatic and fitness center offers open play in the dance room, basketball courts and turf court for those who would rather lead out their own activities rather than participate in structured play, according to Earls.

Larry Reid of Riverton said he loves the conveniently close activities that South Jordan offers. He said he especially appreciates the activities that involve a people of diverse ages. 

Reid, who claims to be older than dirt, said he and his granddaughter, a teenager, love to swim at the aquatic center together. 

“The difference is that she can swim 10 lengths up and down while I swim only two,” he said. 

Looking into South Jordan’s new season of events, Reid said he is excited to golf. Reid intends to get a pass to Mulligans, as well as several other golf courses in Salt Lake County, he said. A list of Mulligans pricing can be found in the guide. 

In addition to fitness activities, the guide explains the city’s educational opportunities, such as CPR training, French classes and science classes. It also informs readers of artistic activities, such as fiction writing, painting and woodcarving. 

From quilting to Easter egg hunting to archery, the guide offers activities for those of varying ages and skill levels. 

To view the leisure guide visit www.sjc.utah.gov or stop by the fitness center, Gale Center of History and Culture, South Jordan Community Center or Mulligans for a free paper copy.