Dear Draper Residents,
Draper – what a wonderful place to live! My grandparents moved to Draper from Sanpete County in 1936 and for many years had a dairy farm on Fort Street. I have treasured memories of walking to Draper Drug (now JP Lee Jewelry) to buy penny candy. The Fort Street area has a special feeling of home for me.
One of the events I love there is the June Concert Series in the Historical Park. Every Monday evening in June you can take your blanket or chairs and enjoy a free concert. This is a wonderful tradition and is always well attended. Special thanks to the Draper Community Foundation and particularly Grant Mortensen for making this happen.
July is our traditional Draper Days celebration and the Draper Community Foundation also oversees this event which features parades, rodeo, fireworks, and concerts. There are always so many fun things to enjoy. Special thanks to Lori Bird and the Draper Days Committee.
The Draper Historic Preservation Commission has been working on creating an interpretive plaque featuring “Early Draper Gathering Places.” Watch for this new plaque to be placed in the Historical Park soon. Special thanks to the Draper Historic Preservation Commission and particularly Andy Andrelczyk for this great idea and his research for it. The Preservation Commission is also looking for stories about you or family members who participated in volunteering at the Utah State Prison. Please share stories or photos with Amy deMik de6mix@gmail.com or 951-514-7243.
Prior to my time on the City Council I had the privilege of serving eight years as a member of the Draper City Planning Commission. This was a great opportunity to learn about and understand the roles and structure of government in Draper City. The Planning Commission is mandated by Utah Code Title 10 Chapter 09a. They are a recommending body and they make recommendations to the City Council on the General Plan, land use and zoning. They are the approving body for subdivisions, conditional uses and site plans. Their role is very important. They are extra eyes on each application and share important observations and findings with the City Council. They receive input from the community at public hearings. The members are appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Draper City Council.
Four of my fellow commissioners, who were appointed by Mayor Smith, are still serving: Kent Player, Traci Gunderson, Andrew Adams and Craig Hawker. Also currently serving are Scott McDonald and John Van Hoff, with alternates Gary Ogden, Mary Squire and Lisa Fowler. Thank you, Planning Commissioners, for your time and service!
The Draper Historical Society operates Draper City’s museum. It is filled to bursting with so many fun historical items from Draper’s past. They are located at 1054 East Pioneer Road (down a lane traveling to the South) and their hours are Monday and Wednesday 8:00-6:00 (April-October) and 8:00-5:00 (November-March).
They also organize the Heritage Banquet in July which is such a great opportunity to feel the history of Draper. It will be held 6:00-9:00 at Draper Elementary on July 17th. Tickets are $12 and available from the Historical Society, Draper City Hall, or members of the Society. Tickets for this event sell out fast!
Our wonderful Arts Council will be performing three shows at the Draper Amphitheater this summer.
Newsies - June 1, 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15
Broadway Kidz - July 26, 27, 29
Sister Act - August 30, 31, Sept. 2, 6, 7
Buy tickets online at
www.draperartscouncil.org
It is my privilege to work with these boards and commissions as part of my council assignments. I’m inspired by their amazing ideas and passionate work for Draper. I believe each of us should ask ourselves, “How can I make a difference for good?” The above examples are how many fine people in our community are answering that question.
Best Regards,
Marsha Vawdrey
Draper City Councilmember