Source: Ivins City Newsletter, November 2026 (Vol. 26, Issue 11), “AARP Age-Friendly Survey Results: What You Want to See in Ivins Parks & Outdoor Spaces,” by the Ivins AARP Age-Friendly Community Committee (page 4). Read the newsletter for the full report.
Here’s a nice bit of news for anyone who loves getting outside in Ivins: when the city asked residents how its parks and outdoor spaces are doing, the answers were overwhelmingly positive, and the city shared what it is doing with the feedback.
What the survey asked
Ivins is part of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. As the city’s newsletter puts it, “An age-friendly community isn’t a retirement community. It’s a place that works for every generation.” This spring, residents ranked AARP’s eight domains of livability, and Outdoor Spaces and Buildings came out as one of the top priorities. So this summer the city followed up with a survey focused on parks, trails and community facilities, and 124 residents took part.
High marks for safety and access
- Residents rated the physical accessibility of Ivins parks 4.15 out of 5, and safety even higher, at 4.33 out of 5.
- 28% of respondents visit city parks weekly or more.
- When asked why they don’t visit more often, the top answer (63%) was that they already visit as often as they’d like.
- Responses came from every age group, with the largest shares ages 35 to 54 (37%) and 65 to 74 (27%).
What residents asked for, and what’s happening
Trails. 28% asked for more hiking and walking trails. The newsletter notes that Ivins already has an impressive trail system with only a few gaps left, and that the Snow Canyon to Black Desert Resort trails are expected to be complete by the end of the year. The city is also working on a map, ideally an app, showing the full trail system.
Open space. 26% asked for more open space and natural areas, work the Ivins City Open Space Committee is already committed to.
Small fixes. One resident pointed out that the stairs near the restrooms at Heritage Park’s west pavilion need railings on both sides, and the city says it is already working on it.
Dog park. A dog park was one of the top requests. The city plans to host a community discussion before deciding.
Looking ahead, the newsletter lists the city’s top priorities for the next three to five years as expanding and improving existing parks, developing new indoor facilities, and growing community events and chances to gather. The committee’s closing note: “Thank you again for making your voice heard. It’s already making a difference.”
Why it matters for Ivins
Parks that feel safe and easy to reach, trails that keep connecting the red rock, and a city that asks residents what they want and answers back are a big part of what makes living in Ivins special.
More from Ivins
- Tennis and pickleball courts resurfaced at UNITY and Desert Rose parks
- Ivins kids lead the Mojave Estates park revival
- Stargazing and ranger programs at Snow Canyon this November
- Ivins Historical Society’s new Second Saturday events
- Things to do this week around Ivins and St. George
- All articles from The OwnUtah Journal
- Living in Ivins, Utah and OwnUtah.com home
See you on the trails!
— Robert Bolar, REALTOR®, Summit Sotheby's International Realty
801-737-3333 · Robert@OwnUtah.com