We are fortunate to be living in an outdoor paradise here in Park City. People who move here, like us, do so largely because of the lifestyle. We love to be active and outside.
We have, over the years, joined our fair share of golf and tennis clubs, and have enjoyed the camaraderie and activities available. But when we moved to Park City, we discovered two clubs of a very different style; both totally run by volunteers, with no clubhouses, membership committees or initiation fees.
One was the Park City Mountain Sports Club. Their website describes the club as a “volunteer outdoor recreation club for adults”, offering activities including hiking, mountain and road biking, snowshoeing, nordic and alpine skiing, aquatic sports, golf and social entertainment, activities and programs. A glance at the club’s calendar reveals an astounding selection of opportunities on a daily basis, often several each day, to keep us busy, active and entertained. By way of example, one recent Monday, members had the choice of a moderate e-mountain bike ride, a B/B+ level road bike ride, an easy hike and pickle ball. All led by experienced volunteers. The activities range from physically easy, casual events, including stitching and bridge, to advanced, challenging hikes, ski events, mountain bike rides and long road rides. During the winter, it is not unusual to find 4 or 5 ski options each day, at various resorts around town, and for different levels of skiing. For new Parkites, the Sports Club makes it easy to find friendly, welcoming people to recreate with, and to socialize with.
Another favorite club is Stay Park City Cycling, an all-inclusive club of dedicated cyclists of all skills, ranging from Senior Rippers like me, all the way to accomplished competitive racers. We even have Olympians and national champions join us regularly. And activities span most cycling genres, including road, mountain, gravel and triathlon. Like the Sports Club, all activities are led and administered by generous and experienced volunteers. And despite the many far more accomplished riders than I, the club is incredibly welcoming and supportive to all. I am always greeted with a smile and a first name, and a kudo for a recent ride that someone noticed on Strava. In addition to the obvious benefits of membership, such as numerous group rides and social events, there are other tangible benefits including discounts from local merchants and suppliers, and reimbursement for certain race and event entry fees.
When I asked Jason Linder, the president and co-founder of SPCC, what inspired him to start the club, he answered: “I started SPCC as Park City lacked an all-inclusive club. Park City is a community full of dedicated cyclists, who found themselves riding alone or riding with clubs out of Salt Lake, which made no sense. I believed there was a need to bring together cyclists of all ages and abilities to share in the sport we all enjoy so much.”
Fees for both clubs are quite reasonable. Park City Mountain Sports Club is $40 per year, while Stay Park City is only $50. Bargains in both cases considering the benefits received.
But what strikes me most about how wonderful these clubs are is the volunteer spirit of their members. Neither of these clubs would succeed without people willing to give their time and expertise to their fellow members. Leaders commit to an event, and always deliver with a smile and an encouraging word. We are lucky to have access to these opportunities.
Does your community have similar clubs? Let us know.
Keep moving, stay safe, have fun!
