By Susan Palmer | [email protected]

Mayor Dawn Ramsey declared a state of emergency on March 13 due to COVID-19, and the pandemic continues.

South Jordan City Hall is closed, and all city council meetings are now online only. Residents can find information on closures, and emergency operations affecting the government at the city website, sjc.utah.gov.

However, in spite of all the closures, South Jordan City is leading the way with some novel virtual recreation events. SoJo Parks and Recreation Department coordinators have changed their focus from in-person activities to some virtual or at-home activities.

“It is important to keep offering recreation programs to residents during these uncertain times to help improve our residents’ mental well-being and reduce stress,” said Associate Director of Recreation Janell Payne. “South Jordan City has a group of amazing coordinators that have been able to think out of the box and come up with the fun and exciting activities.”

Some of the events being offered are:

A Virtual Race Series is offered where runners can sign up to obtain a different running route each week and can then turn in their times for chances to win prizes. Information on the virtual races is at www.sjc.utah.gov/sojoraceseries/2020virtualraces/.

A Virtual Earth Day 10k was held April 20 to 25. Runners could complete a 10k course on their own time during the scheduled period and submit their times. Runners received a medal and a shirt. 

Story Walks started week of April 13. This is an interactive experience where people can walk along the Jordan River Trail while reading displays from popular children’s books.

SoJo How to Draw Videos are online at the South Jordan Facebook page.

Other events offered include a Neighborhood Chalk Art were people are encouraged to draw and write inspiring things around their homes and sidewalks. This is also a SoJo Photo Contest where contestants can take images of South Jordan and residents can vote on the best images.

For more virtual events and information, visit www.sjc.utah.gov.