Gary Turner Oral History Interview

Gary Turner, a long-time resident and former teacher in Heber City, Utah, reflects on the profound changes in his rural community since he moved there in 1979. He cherishes the strong sense of community and close-knit relationships fostered by small-town living, particularly how his children benefited from lifelong friendships and broad participation in high school activities, a stark contrast to his own transient childhood. However, Turner expresses significant concern about the rapid population growth, which has strained infrastructure, increased traffic and accidents, and diluted the once-pervasive sense of familiarity among residents, leading to friction between "old-timers" and newcomers who desire to change the town to resemble their previous urban environments. He also highlights the affordability crisis, with rising housing costs making it difficult for public service workers and even his own children to reside in Heber, pushing them to seek opportunities elsewhere, despite the beautiful natural surroundings and recreational opportunities that continue to attract new residents.