It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Old Pleasant Grove Fort gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Pleasant Grove, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Lea and her staff are amazing. They have taken care of my dad’s needs without”
“Leah was so accommodating to our needs. Theresa, the nurse, is amazing. I”
“MUST READ!! This is the best company to hire for your loved ones who need”
“I am a caregiver with ABC, and I am so happy with the company!! They”
“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah”
“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah”
“Absolutely the best company here in St George! The care goes above and beyond what”
“i’ve been working for ABC for about 6 months now & love it! they’re super”
“I've been with ABC 3 years now. They have been gracious and kind whenever I”
“Love working here! Brent and lea are so sweet and understanding towards everyone! They work”
“This is a great company to work for if you’re interested in a flexible schedule.”
“Always Best Care of Southern Ut is a great company. In November I will have”
“I work for Always Best Care and it's amazing they really do care for their”
“Always Best Care has definitely been a blessing to our little familys life. As an”
“1. Stay active. Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when your”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn &”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn &”
“I can leave a long review if I wanted to . I can talk about”
“I like working for ABC because it works well with my busy nursing school schedule!”
“Love always best care ❤️”
“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”
“Always Best Care is always best!!! Highly recommended! Brent listens and hears what we need”
“They are seriously so amazing to work with and really care for their clients. I”
“Lea and her staff are amazing. They have taken care of my dad’s needs without hesitation. Because I live in a different city than my father, the line of communication was always quick. Thank you for all you did for him and me.”
“Leah was so accommodating to our needs. Theresa, the nurse, is amazing. I would recommend them 100%. They treat the patients as if they were family. So glad we found them!”
“MUST READ!! This is the best company to hire for your loved ones who need ongoing caregiver and companion services. Very thoughtful and experienced caregivers and admin staff who care deeply about the details and about customer satisfaction. Brent and Lea have been incredibly supportive and flexible, and caregivers Aarylyn, Sabrina, Lydia, and Hailie have been accommodating, patient, professional and safe. They regularly take my loved one on outings in the community to help her claim her independance and have become a vital part of her healthcare and happiness. LOVE THIS PLACE!!”
“I am a caregiver with ABC, and I am so happy with the company!! They are so flexible and understanding with my schedule:) such genuine people and the clients are amazing!! They truly embody the name of the company... Not just for the clients but also for their employees???? it makes for an amazing place to work ????”
“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah for my husband. We got somebody coming in to help. The caregivers are good. They provide total a.m. care help like getting up and getting dressed. We have different ones and so they're trying to get us some steady people coming in. The scheduling is a little bit hard right now. The care has been good, though.”
“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah for my husband. We got somebody coming in to help. The caregivers are good. They provide total a.m. care help like getting up and getting dressed. We have different ones and so they're trying to get us some steady people coming in. The scheduling is a little bit hard right now. The care has been good, though.”
“Absolutely the best company here in St George! The care goes above and beyond what any family could ever ask for when handling care. They only have the best of the best caregivers that love to help! Their training and communication is top notch. Love this company! I refer all my friends and family! Couldn’t be more proud of an exceptional company!”
“i’ve been working for ABC for about 6 months now & love it! they’re super flexible & have true love & passion for helping others!”
“I've been with ABC 3 years now. They have been gracious and kind whenever I have had to change my schedule or not be able to work a shift. They make me feel like family, and they strive to help the clients feel the same. We love our clients, caregivers and staff.”
“Love working here! Brent and lea are so sweet and understanding towards everyone! They work very hard! Great pay and amazing communication!”
“This is a great company to work for if you’re interested in a flexible schedule. Management is so supportive and will do what they can to make everyday at work a good day. They communicate effectively and quickly to ensure nothing is miscommunicated or misunderstood. Working here as been so rewarding and educational.”
“Always Best Care of Southern Ut is a great company. In November I will have worked with them for three years. I am a senior myself and absolutely love working with them. They always try to make sure the client and the caregiver have a good relationship with each other. They are family owned and genuinely care about both client and employees.”
“I work for Always Best Care and it's amazing they really do care for their clients and they'll go the extra mile to meet their needs ! Not only that but they care for employees i love the flexibility they give us.”
“Always Best Care has definitely been a blessing to our little familys life. As an employer of ABC they have been amazing with flexibility in chosing my schedule so that not only am I able to work but also be home with my kids when I need to be. They are amazing and put their employees first. I love being a member of ABC team.”
“1. Stay active. Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when your arthritis hurts, but many studies show that physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life. 2. Eat a balanced diet. Studies show that a variety of nutrients may help ease arthritis symptoms. 3. Lose weight. Being overweight puts undue strain on weight-bearing joints such as your knees, spine, hips, ankles, and feet. 5. Use hot or cold packs. By increasing blood flow, hot compresses can ease pain and stiffness. 6. Keep pain under control. Over-the-counter medications can help ease arthritis pain. 7. Talk to your doctor about supplements and complementary medicine. Many supplements have been tested for the treatment of arthritis. 8. Try splints, braces, and other aids. Devices that support painful joints, such as splints, braces, and canes can help ease your discomfort and prevent injury. 9. Seek support. Living with arthritis isn’t easy. Finding other people that you can talk to and share ideas with can help. Check out arthritis support groups online or in your area. 10. Stay positive. Your mental outlook can have a big impact on how you feel, and how well you function. #SelfCare #Osteoarthritis #Arthritis #Disability #GoodHealth #PainRelief #SeniorCommunity #Caregiver #Caregiving #WECANHELP #OlderAdult #SeniorCare #SeniorLiving #SeniorServices #SeniorHousing #AlwaysBestCare #Exercise #SelfManaging #Tips”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn & eager to assist. Great schedulers who are on top of managing the schedules & keeping their employees accountable. I sure appreciate all the help they give!”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn & eager to assist. Great schedulers who are on top of managing the schedules & keeping their employees accountable. I sure appreciate all the help they give!”
“I can leave a long review if I wanted to . I can talk about always best cares credentials and talk about mine. But What’s the point of leaving a review if it sounds like everybody else’s. The bottom line is , that they are great at their jobs from the bottom to the top. They have a process and people in place . They keep accountability and are communicative . Ive represented many companies in the past and still do till this day contract with only the best.. If you feel you want to hear more about this company on a deeper level just lmk. Happy Healthy Safe”
“I like working for ABC because it works well with my busy nursing school schedule! I also like how I get to work on my own, but there are options to work with other CNAs for the care of some of the clients. It’s the best of both worlds! I’ve been with Always best care since 2021 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the clients I work with!”
“Love always best care ❤️”
“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”
“Always Best Care is always best!!! Highly recommended! Brent listens and hears what we need for my 94 year old mom and matches caregivers accordingly. Sometimes, the schedule changes and he works to fill the needs immediately and always with a great attitude! The caregivers are compassionate. Again, I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“They are seriously so amazing to work with and really care for their clients. I came to them with some pretty difficult challenges that I was not sure we could work with but they were able to make it happen and truly did more than I thought was even possible. I highly recommend them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Discovery Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Holy Grill And Bar or visit Site of First Settlement of Pleasant Grove, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Pleasant Grove, UT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Pleasant Grove, UT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Pleasant Grove, UT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
SALT LAKE CITY – The Lone Peak Knights led at halftime and looked poised to hand the Pleasant Grove Vikings their first loss of the season.After the Vikings tied the game with a field goal in the fourth, Ryker Mikkelsen intercepted the Knights QB and took it to the house.Lone Peak couldn’t respond and Pleasant Grove secured the win.RELATED STORIESWeek 6 Recap For 6A Utah High School FootballRegion 1The Davis Darts keep the momentum rolling with a big win over the Weber Warr...
SALT LAKE CITY – The Lone Peak Knights led at halftime and looked poised to hand the Pleasant Grove Vikings their first loss of the season.
After the Vikings tied the game with a field goal in the fourth, Ryker Mikkelsen intercepted the Knights QB and took it to the house.
Lone Peak couldn’t respond and Pleasant Grove secured the win.
The Davis Darts keep the momentum rolling with a big win over the Weber Warriors at home. Wide receiver Kash Gates impressed with four touchdown receptions. Weber WR Ian Elmore had three touchdowns of his own including one 85-yard bomb just after halftime.
The result was never really in question for the Syracuse Titans who pulled out a convincing win over the Farmington Phoenix on Friday. The Titans scored five touchdowns in the first half. Syracuse WR DJ Mayes had three touchdowns including one punt return from 89-yards out.
A big first quarter set up the Fremont Silverwolves for a win over the Layton Lancers. Fremont RB Brigg Grange ran in two touchdowns in the opening quarter to give the Silverwolves a two-possession lead. They improved to 2-4 with the win.
A fourth-quarter run propelled the Bingham Miners to a road win over the Copper Hills Grizzlies. The Miners scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth to take the lead and the win. Carson Sudbury and Kole Francom scored the two late TDs for Bingham.
Azurettes! ?? pic.twitter.com/HgPYHZcNLC
— Copper Hills High (@Copperhillshigh) September 16, 2023
The Corner Canyon Chargers showed why they are the No. 1 team in Utah High School football with a blowout win over No. 6 Mountain Ridge. QB Isaac Wilson threw for five touchdowns. Bryton Brady had four touchdowns of his own, two rushing and two receiving.
FINAL SCORE: Corner Canyon 56, Mountain Ridge 14. @Isaac_kawika w/ 6 TD's in 1st Half & @brytonbrady 4 total TD's to lead Chargers. @TateKjar also caught 2 TD's for CC. @HSFBamerica @mjfrecruits @Zack_Poff_MP @MaxPreps @kslsports @KjarEric @bcavi68 @SlingintheP @KyleMorgan_XOS pic.twitter.com/pKQ0iverDA
— CornerCanyonFootball (@CCHSFOOTBALL_) September 16, 2023
The Riverton Silverwolves outscored the Herriman Mustangs in the second and fourth quarters but couldn’t pull out their first win of the season. Herriman scored two touchdowns in every quarter except for the second where they scored ten points. Six different players found the end zone for the Mustangs.
The Skyridge Falcons stay undefeated with a dominant performance against the Westlake Thunder. The Falcons scored 27 straight points in the second quarter and led 34-7 at the halftime break. Jack Burke had a hat trick with three receiving touchdowns.
Pleasant Grove nearly took their first loss of the season but came back in the fourth to take the win over the Lone Peak Knights. In the second quarter, Trey Robinson returned a kick 95 yards for a TD.
Next fall, Pleasant Grove will open a 25-acre park at the city’s center. This week, the city announced it will be officially known as the Cook Family Park as the family donated $5 million for its construction.The estimated completion of the entire park is 2025, but the splash pad and the playground is expected to be up and running by the fall of 2024. The groundbreaking for Cook Family Park will be held Aug. 2, at 10 a.m. and any children attending will get the chance to be a part of starting the construction process.It i...
Next fall, Pleasant Grove will open a 25-acre park at the city’s center. This week, the city announced it will be officially known as the Cook Family Park as the family donated $5 million for its construction.
The estimated completion of the entire park is 2025, but the splash pad and the playground is expected to be up and running by the fall of 2024. The groundbreaking for Cook Family Park will be held Aug. 2, at 10 a.m. and any children attending will get the chance to be a part of starting the construction process.
It is open to the public and will be children-centered — the Cooks will have 100 small shovels on hand for children to be part of the ground breaking. Pleasant Grove City Mayor Guy Fugal said every child will get a chance to break ground, no matter how many rounds of dirt turning are needed.
The park will be located at 800 North and 600 West in Pleasant Grove. For years, the property has been vacant and residents wondered what would take its place. Over the last two years the City Council worked with the Cooks and a landscape architect to decide on a concept, design, location and finally last week, a name.
“Being a part of a major project in Pleasant Grove is exciting for us and an honor and privilege to be a part of because of the vision of the city leaders in setting aside these acres for good public use. And we’re really just thrilled and excited to be a part of it,” said Greg Cook, founder of DoTerra and the Cook Center for Human Connection.
The city purchased the property 12 years ago, and their vision included expanding the storm drain, cemetery and adding a park, but with the $5 million donation, the park and splash pad will be larger than they originally hoped for, Fugal said. Without the Cook family, he said they would have simply put in some soccer fields right now and worked on a small, average park, calling the donation “a total game changer.”
The 10,000-square-foot splash pad will be the centerpiece of the park with an interactive viking ship, representing the viking mascot of Pleasant Grove High School.
According to Scott Darrington, city administrator, the park will include a playground, splash pad, pump track, recreational multi-use fields, a skate park, basketball courts and futsal. The remaining acreage will be used to expand the city’s cemetery and 10 acres will be left undeveloped for future use.
“The playground, too, is going to be one of the larger playground structures you’ll ever see in a park. … Because of the Cook’s donation it’s going to be a regional draw. There’s going to be people coming from outside of Pleasant Grove City because of how neat and how good this is going to be,” Darrington said.
The Cook family donation will go fully toward the park and splash pad while the city is funding the other amenities. However, Cook said the family does not want the amount of money to be the focus.
“We’re not looking for that recognition, what we really were focused on is that the donation would provide the amenities that the community is really wanting to have that may not otherwise be available,” Cook said.
Funding the rest of the park, which the city took out a $12 million bond for, will necessitate a property tax increase. A tax increase proposal will be discussed at the city’s Aug. 1 city council meeting.
Greg and Julie Cook have lived in Pleasant Grove for almost 25 years, raising all of their children while contributing to the community through nonprofits and other charitable givings.
“Our family sees this as an opportunity to serve in the community and to give back, and there’s so many people in our community giving back, we wanted to make sure that we were doing our part,” Gregory Cook said. “We love Pleasant Grove, it’s been such a wonderful city and community to raise our family in. The schools are amazing. The city is just so kind and giving and generous, and we have been blessed.”
Cook said they funded this park because their family values aligned with the city’s vision. He said philanthropy is a core value of their family and when they give back through projects they ensure it will have “real, meaningful impact.”
“This park, I couldn’t think of anything that we could do in our city within the community that will have a bigger impact,” Cook said. “We see this park as a really important and strategic effort in promoting unity within the community and promoting good health — physically and emotionally.”
Darrington said the city wants to facilitate connection between the residents and individual families, and they are doing that through this park. Both Fugal and Cook said they envision the park to be a place where parents can bring their children in the morning and throughout the day to connect with one another. Updates on the park progress will be posted on the city’s Facebook page.
“We really love that whole value of connection,” Cook said.
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Estimated read time: 3-4 minutesPLEASANT GROVE — St. John Properties announced a $600 million investment into Utah County Tuesday as part of the sixth phase of development for Valley Grove, a mixed-use commercial area off I-15 in Pleasant Grove.Daniel Thomas, regional partner for St. John Properties, said he is overwhelmingly grateful for the community of builders that has helped him make the Valley Grove vision come to life.Valley Grove first began development in 2015. The entirety of the Valley Grove development ...
Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
PLEASANT GROVE — St. John Properties announced a $600 million investment into Utah County Tuesday as part of the sixth phase of development for Valley Grove, a mixed-use commercial area off I-15 in Pleasant Grove.
Daniel Thomas, regional partner for St. John Properties, said he is overwhelmingly grateful for the community of builders that has helped him make the Valley Grove vision come to life.
Valley Grove first began development in 2015. The entirety of the Valley Grove development encompasses 128 acres and accounts for a $1.2 billion investment into the city by St. John Properties. Currently, the development includes numerous restaurants and office buildings.
Gov. Spencer Cox and Thomas, along with city leaders, broke ground Tuesday for the sixth phase of development.
This new phase will cover 47 acres of land, adding 300,000 square feet of office space, 200,000 square feet of retail space, more than 30 restaurants, a new hotel, a 2.12 acre promenade meant to be a community gathering space and 1,155 "luxury" homes, the company said in a news release. Developers did not specify Tuesday whether they would be single-family homes or a mix of single-family and higher density housing.
"This idea of gathering places has become more and more important to me over the course of my public service," Cox said during a speech at the groundbreaking. Humans are wired for connection and prioritizing community areas is essential to provide opportunities for connection, he said.
Cox said he is very proud of the economy of the state and looks forward to the economic growth this development will bring, but "none of that matters if we don't build community."
Cox said he experienced a "palpable sense of community" as hundreds of people came together to enjoy the famous cherry blossoms at the state Capitol in the past two weeks.
He emphasized the need for more "third spaces" like that. First and second spaces are home and work, but "we desperately need those third spaces. Places where we as a community can come together."
This new development is meant to become a gathering space where the community can find connection, Cox said.
Thomas spoke of Utah's motto "Industry" and how his company is trying to emphasize that ideal in its development plans for the city. Thomas said there is still a lot of work to do to bring the vision of Valley Grove to life, but Tuesday's groundbreaking was a celebration of progress so far.
"We aren't able to do any of this without our clients, without our tenants," Thomas said.
During a luncheon before the groundbreaking, Thomas announced St. John Properties is donating $25,000 to Alpine School District to aid in restoration efforts of the block letter G that is painted on the mountain. Students at Pleasant Grove High School started raising funds to restore the G last year to help preserve the landmark that has lasted for more than 100 years.
Development can be wonderful or terrible, Cox said. Economics are important and the governor said he is proud of Utah's economy because it allows Utahns to do more things that matter.
"But it is so much more than that," Cox said. "We are more than just our economic output."
Utah is unique and special because of the entrepreneurs, developers and citizens who understand their role is not just to make money, but to give back to the community after they find success, Cox said.
Builders are job creators and enable entrepreneurs to do what they do best. Glad to join @stjohnprop today for a groundbreaking ceremony in Pleasant Grove! pic.twitter.com/lrpGZlIesf
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) May 9, 2023
"This is the positive type of growth: setting aside a couple acres in a development that could be used to make a lot more money, for a community gathering spot. Writing those big checks to make sure our young people, our old people, understand that you are part of this vibrant ecosystem that we have here in our state," Cox said.
Cox said he is grateful for all of the people in the state who are building and making their community a better place to live.
"You, the builders, are the job creators. You are what makes our economy tick," Cox said. "We are living in the best state in the United States and it's because of you."
St. John Properties did not announce a completion date for this development project.
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E. coli advisories issued for 2 Utah County ponds, but people aren't seeing the signsFamilies say poor signage is not giving swimmers the warning they need to stay safe at a popular Utah County pond that recently tested for high levels of E. coli.0 seconds of 1 minute, 48 secondsVolume 0%KSLTV.comPLEASANT GROVE, Utah — Families say poor signage is not giving swimmers the warning they need to stay safe at a popular Utah County pond that recently tested for high levels of E. coli.Manila Creek P...
E. coli advisories issued for 2 Utah County ponds, but people aren't seeing the signs
Families say poor signage is not giving swimmers the warning they need to stay safe at a popular Utah County pond that recently tested for high levels of E. coli.
0 seconds of 1 minute, 48 secondsVolume 0%
KSLTV.com
PLEASANT GROVE, Utah — Families say poor signage is not giving swimmers the warning they need to stay safe at a popular Utah County pond that recently tested for high levels of E. coli.
Manila Creek Pond is now one of two ponds in the area not safe to swim in, yet families are still flocking there for summer fun unaware of the dangers.
That’s because the few signs posted are in hard-to-see spots that most people are passing by without seeing.
The other area with an advisory is Highland Glen Pond in Highland.
Wednesday afternoon, moms like Erin Zacharias cooled off with her kids in the water at the Pleasant Grove swimming hole. She and the kids were only going ankle-deep at the time, but others were floating away from the beach on tubes and splashing around.
Many parents, including Zacharias, also had snacks sitting out in their picnic areas, ready for when the kids took breaks in the shade.
The mom, who lives in American Fork, didn’t realize swimming then snacking could put her kids in a crappy situation later.
“At first I was a little shocked, because I didn’t see any signs for E. coli. And there are lots of people here already,” Zacharias said.
She explained that she’s used to checking for signs for algal blooms at Manila Creek Pond. Seeing none, they just went in the water.
However, the Utah County Health Department had just issued a health advisory for Manila Creek Pond two days prior. The department posted four small signs around the pond, two in a parking area along rocks and two near the beach facing backwards behind other signs.
The advisory came after the Utah Department of Environmental Quality found elevated levels of E. coli, which Dr. Hannah Bonner explained “is a bacteria that indicates fecal contamination– so basically poop contamination in the water.”
Dr. Bonner, environmental scientist with the Utah Division of Water Quality within the DEQ, talked about how that means ingesting the water– say, if you dunk your head under, or swim then eat without washing your hands– could make you sick.
“The most common symptom of exposure to waterborne pathogens or high E. coli is gastrointestinal illness. So, things like vomiting, diarrhea, stomachache,” Dr. Bonner explained. “And then, the more extreme end is you get a parasite or something like giardia, where you have really severe gastrointestinal illness that can last days or weeks.”
Dr. Bonner said that doesn’t mean people can’t enjoy recreation at all, they just need to be aware and take precautions.
“It just means you should be cautious in how you recreate. So, activities that wouldn’t lead to accidentally getting that water in your body are still okay,” she said. “Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding– that’s alright.”
They’ve been seeing the same poopy pond problem at Highland Glen in Highland nearby for months, where signs dot the beach area, and a huge banner warns swimmers.
On Wednesday afternoon, way less people were swimming and hanging out than at Manila Creek Pond.
At Manila Creek Pond, one wouldn’t even see the signs unless they were looking for them.
Zacharias, after learning of the E. coli advisory, walked around to try to hunt the signs down.
She finally found one, in an inconspicuous spot on a pole with several other signs that someone wouldn’t see unless they were walking away after a day on the water.
“It’s basically hidden behind all their other signs, so you can’t even see it until you get close by,” Zacharias pointed out.
Now she knows to be careful with her kids.
“There’s no swimming, drinking the water, or wading in the water,” Zacharias said, reading the sign then looking nervously over at all the kids splashing around. “So, hopefully all the other children who are in the water don’t get sick.”
The Utah County Health Department said they are looking at putting out more signs, in an effort to warn families to proceed with caution.
Recreationists can find information here on Highland Glen Reservoir and here on Manila Creek Pond.
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ARAPAHOE COLORADO STAKE: (May 7, 2023) President — Tim Donald Martin Jr., 53, U.S. Department of Interior training manager; succeeding Robert E. Hansen; wife, Heidi Michelle Coles Martin. Counselors — Micah Shane Monson, 47, Fidelity Investments vice president and financial consultant; wife, Lora Joy Morrell Monson. Brandon Harrison McIlroy, 45, The McIlroy Financial Group partner; wife, Melanie Ann Hahn McIlroy.CHICLAYO PERU EL DORADO STAKE: (May 14, 2023) President — Jorge Luis...
ARAPAHOE COLORADO STAKE: (May 7, 2023) President — Tim Donald Martin Jr., 53, U.S. Department of Interior training manager; succeeding Robert E. Hansen; wife, Heidi Michelle Coles Martin. Counselors — Micah Shane Monson, 47, Fidelity Investments vice president and financial consultant; wife, Lora Joy Morrell Monson. Brandon Harrison McIlroy, 45, The McIlroy Financial Group partner; wife, Melanie Ann Hahn McIlroy.
CHICLAYO PERU EL DORADO STAKE: (May 14, 2023) President — Jorge Luis Izquierdo Peña, 44, accountant and financial adviser; succeeding Carlos F. Carvallo; wife, Marilena de Izquierdo Guevara. Counselors — Ricardo Luis Romaña Albitres, 48, Church maintenance technician; wife, Deisy Yovany Sales de Romaña. Jorge Michael Mendoza Banda, 38, Maquiequip LT SAC technical manager; wife, Maria Jose de Mendoza Sobrino.
OREM UTAH STONEWOOD STAKE: (May 7, 2023) President — James Andrew Christensen, 52, Propensity Health senior partner and founder, and Health Note senior vice president of sales; succeeding David M. Cottrell; wife, Rachelle LaVonne Howe Christensen. Counselors — Brent David McKinley, 60, ExeVision business developer; wife, Kris Dee Marshall McKinley. Steven K Nelson, 64, professional sports coach; wife, Leslie Kay Lyman Nelson.
OGDEN UTAH WEBER NORTH STAKE: (April 30, 2023) President — Kirk Charles Christiansen, 47, general contractor; succeeding Jeffrey S. Bailey; wife, Kristin Jensen Christiansen. Counselors — Robert Glen Jolley, 43, Jolley Plumbing owner and master plumber; wife, Kristen McDougal Jolley. Blake Lamar Isaacson, 40, Brush Brothers Painting owner; wife, Marilee May Maxfield Isaacson.
PLEASANT GROVE UTAH WEST STAKE: (April 30, 2023) President — Adam Kenneth Hendrickson, 44, American Heritage School finance and human resources director; succeeding Jason R. Budge; wife, Melisa Thomas Hendrickson. Counselors — Spencer Todd Buie, 39, Murdock Auto Team sales manager; wife, Gena Rose Rogerson Buie. Don Richard Hansen, 65, Universal Risk Services human resources director; wife, Brenda Kitchen Hansen.
SALT LAKE EMIGRATION STAKE: (April 30, 2023) President — Stephen David James, 52, Larry H. Miller Communities senior vice president; succeeding Scott W. Pickett; wife, Julie Swallow James. Counselors — Todd Robison Zenger, 63, University of Utah professor; wife, Shawn Clarice Rogers Zenger. Russell Kenneth Banz, 55, digital media consultant; wife, Tara Lee Jensen Banz.
SOROCABA BRAZIL SANTANA STAKE: (May 7, 2023) President — Rafael Mastroto da Silva, 37, KPM Logistics sales executive; succeeding Rubens Ferreira; wife, Aline Cristina Pires Mastroto da Silva. Counselors — Rogério Timóteo da Silva, 35, business partner; wife, Bruna de Cássia Silva Baraldi Timóteo. Paulo Rosmar Peronico Dallastra, 39, Redx software engineer; wife, Thais Luna Dallastra.
TOOELE UTAH STAKE: (May 7, 2023) President — Jeffrey B England, 59, Citywide Home Loans finance employee and Real Estate Holdings owner; succeeding Todd C Thompson; wife, Linda Kaye Elkington England. Counselors — David Craig Olsen, 62, Gamico president; wife, Phillis Denise McArthur. Michael Maughan Howard, 60, self-employed; wife, Shauna Stewart Howard.
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