Parks and other recreation sites are an economic boon to the state, but their greatest value may be in helping build healthy and happy families, a retired state official says.
Kay Boulter, assistant to the director of the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation, left his post earlier this month after 30 years with the state.The South Jordan resident, who has worked in many areas in that agency and in the Division of Wildlife Resources, was honored at a reception attended by Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Miller, other state officials, family members and fellow employees.
Miller says Boulter, who was in charge of the division's public information section and special proj-ects and who was the agency's legislative liaison, "always cared about what he did for parks and recreation. He was a real friend, someone on whom you could rely."
Boulter says state parks boost economic development and tourism, support business and many other areas. Through an interpretative program state parks "help to educate visitors on the environment, ecology and the proper use of recreation resources. But such facilities also help to maintain a healthy population. Non-economic (aspects of the parks) may be the greatest value to the state."
Boulter worked hard to get funding for a Pioneer Trail State Park village and to secure funds for a new visitors center and other additional facilities. State officials hope the park can be designated a centennial park.
Boulter also worked to secure additional funding to improve golf cart paths and to enlarge a clubhouse and restaurant at Wasatch Mountain State Park, to get the causeway completed and to restore facilities damaged by rising waters at Antelope Island State Park.
A native of Orem and a Utah State University graduate, Boulter was first employed as a wildlife resources conservation officer on the Provo River and Deer Creek Reservoir. Other later positions included editor of Utah Fish and Game Magazine, chief of information and education for parks and recreation and chief of the recreation services section.
Boulter, 62, who raises and trains quarter horses and who is considered one of the top horsemen in the world, plans to expand that business. He and his wife, Mary Ellen, have four children and 13 grandchildren.