A Lehi resident is calling on city officials to expand social programming for teenagers to address a lack of dedicated activities for older youth. In an op-ed published October 5, Anna Merrill argued that the city's current teen social offerings are insufficient for the growing population.
The Legacy Center's 2026 "Teen Night" served as the facility's only dedicated social programming for teenagers, totaling only four evenings in June. According to the center's Instagram account, the sessions held on June 15–16 were for ages 13–15, while sessions on June 17–18 were for ages 10–12. Both sessions ran from 7 to 9 p.m.
Currently, the city's youth programs page caps programming at ages 10–15, leaving no social programming listed for 16- to 18-year-olds. While the Legacy Center offers year-round youth sports, such as basketball through 12th grade and volleyball from 3rd through 12th grade, Merrill's proposal focuses on unstructured social activities for teenagers who may not participate in organized sports.
Merrill suggested that the city survey teenagers through schools and online to better understand their needs. She proposed using spaces like Lehi Sports Park to host weekly or monthly events, such as movie nights, art activities, game nights, open gym, and volunteer projects, all provided at a low cost or for free. Merrill noted that creating these opportunities is vital for a growing city and argued that a welcoming space for building friendships can help teenagers feel more supported and confident.
The push for expanded programming comes as Lehi experiences rapid population growth. According to KSL, citing the University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, the city added 2,386 residents between mid-2024 and mid-2025, ranking fifth in Utah for population growth. As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Lehi's estimated population was 90,229 with a median age of 26.6 years. The 2020 census reported that 39.5% of residents were under age 18.
In addition to the Legacy Center, the city opened a new Civic Center on April 13 at 200 North and 100 West. This facility includes a dedicated teen area within an 11,500-square-foot library, along with quiet study rooms and a recording studio.
Lehi has not publicly responded to the proposals made in the op-ed. Residents wishing to submit suggestions can use the Program Proposal Form on the Legacy Center's youth programs page to contact the Registration Office. Additionally, the Lehi Youth Council, which is open to students in grades 9–12, can be reached at lehiyouthcouncil@lehi-ut.gov.
