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Over Memorial Day Weekend, Summit and Wasatch Counties joined the majority of the state of Utah in moving to the yellow stabilization phase of COVID-19 recovery. Businesses are continuing to slowly reopen under recommended guidelines, and both economic and social scenes of recovery are being seen locally.
Resorts closed on March 14, and our weekly statistics snapshot was started on March 22. In the weeks since then, continued improvement has been seen in the real estate market. The charts that follow show some very positive trends and returns to pre-COVID levels of activity, demonstrating that long-lasting damage to our market is unlikely.
In fact, there are some indications that real estate in the area may experience a boom of activity. As city dwellers and those who have longed to join the ranks as a "local" reassess their values and goals, they are making the move to our mountain communities.
 
From our bottom in Weeks 15 and 16, the market became more active in Weeks 17 and 18; hope was high that this was the start of a strong recovery. That upward path reversed itself in Week 19, as new listing contracts dropped 20% to just 52. However, Week 20 more than made up for that drop, nearly doubling the number of new listings to one shy of 100. That’s the highest single week total of new listings anywhere on our chart and a strong indicator that the market is starting to react to the decreased restrictions. 
 
Pending contracts, however, continued the upward path experienced over the past six weeks. Pendings, or homes going under contract, are perhaps the best leading indicator of market direction. Contracts written appears to have bottomed out in Weeks 13-15. Starting a good trend, it has been rising steadily ever since, surpassing or nearly matching the previous year’s total in each of the last four weeks. 
 
UTAH #1 LEAST VULNERABLE 

Utahns are incredibly grateful for the outstanding quality of life that they enjoy, and now it seems that there are additional, COVID-related dividends to living here and enjoying healthy lifestyles. A recent study performed by Wallethub compared all US states according to “Medical Vulnerability,” "Housing Vulnerability," and “Financial Vulnerability,”  in order to identify the most vulnerable populations during this pandemic. Utah ranked as the state with the least vulnerable population. Explore maps and detailed info here.

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MOVING TO YELLOW PHASE

The State of Utah has a color-coded health guidance system to assist with COVID-19 risk assessment. Currently,  Summit and Wasatch Counties are operating under the low-risk "Yellow" Stabilization Phase.  All of the KW Park City offices will be open by June 1 following health department guidelines. The return of "live" (versus "virtual") open houses, if agents and clients feel comfortable, is also a positive trend moving forward.   
While gatherings of up to 50 are possible in the yellow stabilization phase, the addition of the 6 foot social distancing requirements means many of our community gathering events have been reworked or canceled. Vail Resorts has indicated Park City Mountain Resort might open for summer activities in late June/early July, and Woodward Park City is already open.  Alterra/Deer Valley should be announcing their plans soon.

Download Utah's Low Risk Guide Here

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NATIONAL & STATE PARKS

State parks are now open! Utah has beautiful scenery, and with the nice weather, many people have been itching to be able to explore it. Everyone visiting state parks is encouraged to practice #ResponsibleRecreation by separating yourself and honoring the social distance of others, avoiding crowded trailheads and areas, and keeping parks clean. Click here to get updated info on state parks, including if visitor centers are open and if only county residents are allowed to visit.

National Parks are slowly reopening -
here's the status of all 60 of them.



 

In the yellow stabilization phase, face coverings must be worn in public and social distancing measures and hygiene standards remain in place. Groups of 50 or fewer will be allowed, team sports can be played, and all businesses can operate if they follow health protocols. Most local businesses are transitioning to their own "new normal," and restaurants are reopening, especially those with outdoor dining. Always check local websites for the most up to date information as things continue to evolve daily.
“It must be emphasized that the only reason we have made this enormous progress is due to the high level of compliance by our residents, which everyone should be extremely proud of. Going forward, we are completely reliant on this continued vigilance by our residents, visitors and businesses to keep our economy open.”

- Summit County Council Chair Doug Clyde

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Woodward re-opened on May 23rd with new guidelines for safety to comply with yellow phase regulations. Inside the Action Sports Hub, the following are open: concrete park, pump track, mini ramp, and mini ramp to quarter pipe + resi jump to quarter pipe. Foam pits, bag jumps, parkour zone, trampolines, and the gym floor will initially remain closed. Outside, the concrete plazas and pump track are open.

Summer Camps are open for registration as well! Time to get those kiddos out of the house and enjoying the summer outdoor offerings! More info here.

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LOCAL PARKS & TRAILS

Utahns have never been so thankful for our abundant local parks and trails! Check out MountainTrails.org or AllTrails.com to find more about all of your hiking or biking options. And keep in mind that now may also be the perfect time to think about giving back to great organizations like MountainTrails.org or Trails Utah to help ensure that our trail networks remain in great shape!
As mentioned earlier in this newsletter the state and national parks are open. However, with onset of summertime warmth and sunshine, keep in mind that you should expect some crowds at the more popular parks. Perhaps now is the perfect time to consider a visit to one of Utah's lesser known recreational gems.

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SUNDANCE CAR CAFE

While the rest of the resort may be closed, Sundance Resort is still providing a tasty escape to the local community by serving delicious meals at your car with a side of spectacular views.

Open daily from 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, The Sundance Car Cafe serves up guest favorites from The Foundry Grill, The Tree Room, and The Deli. Reservations here.
 

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LOCAL HEALTH & FITNESS CLASSES

Have you been missing the gym? With the Governor's new directive allowing gyms to open, you can contact your gym to see if they're open and decide if you'd like to go in person. Park City and other communities may open their services on varying timelines, or you may decide to take up (or continue) online tools for fitness for the near future. Many trainers and fitness experts have taken up YouTube to reach people during the stay at home directive. Here are some favorites:
HAUM MEDITATION
 
To support community immunity, Haum Meditation has closed the Park City Studio until further notice to practice social distancing and promote community well-being. In the meantime, they are offering free guided meditations!

Guided Haum Meditation Audio Here
TADASANA YOGA
 
Classes are still being offered online - view online classes here.  In-person classes have resumed and are adhering to Utah Leads Together 2.0 stabilization plan. There are a few changes such as needing to preregister for classes and procedures for entering and using the studio. More info on in-person classes here. 

ADRIENNE MISHLER
has great yoga videos here. 

TIFFANY WOOD YOGA
Practice Anusara yoga on Zoom (donation based),
with one of Park City's most beloved instructors.

Monday & Thursday at 5:30 pm
Zoom Meeting ID: 882 4593 6923 

Saturday at 9:00 am
Zoom Meeting ID: 850 6959 2573 


EMPOWER YOUR PATH YOGA & WELLNESS
with Elizabeth Jenson:  Utah Energy Healing, Meditation, and Yoga here.

ONLINE THURSDAY MEDITATIONS - NATIONAL ABILITY CENTER
Join the National Ability Center and Sheila Peterson every Thursday via
Facebook LIVE for 15-30 minute, weekly guided meditations and/or yoga. Info here.



 

KW RED WEEK 

Typically Keller Williams dedicates a day every year to a local charity project that our agents participate in. This year, we extended our day to a week-ling effort coordinated through the Christian Center in Park City and Heber to receive donations for our local food pantries. Our KW Red Week was so successful, we extended it an additional week. Thanks to everyone who participated!

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THE FRONT STEPS PROJECT

The Front Steps Project was brought to Summit County by associates Matt and Ali Davis to raise funds for the Park City Communication Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund.  Matt, a professional photographer, took socially distant photos of people on their front steps for a small donation and  thanks to a generous donor matching option, they raised over $10,000 for the cause! See who you might recognize here and below in our community photos section!

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2020 JORDANELLE COMMUNITY SPRING CLEAN UP

This year, associates Nikki and Jeff Keye organized the Jordanelle Community Clean Up, social-distancing style. Community members and volunteers combed the trails, streets, and yards of the community for debris, trash, and dog poop. Their efforts made a huge impact on our ability to enjoy our local outdoor resources, and we thank everyone for their efforts!

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GOT MASKS?

During the past several weeks, a lot of Park City locals, including KW's own Ginny Schulman, have joined other Utahns in the task of making masks for others. Ginny turned her kitchen into a sewing room and made masks for family, friends, clients, and neighbors. You can help, too! For a simple mask pattern, click here.

 

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LOCAL CORONA-KINDNESS FACEBOOK GROUP
Check out the CoronaKindness Park City Facebook Page for more inspirational stories of how our locals are making a difference during this difficult time.


 

DIG IN THE DIRT!

Getting outside to beautify flower beds and grow vegetable gardens is a favorite pastime of many Utahns. It's also become a new hobby for many more! Seeing your flowers grow and eating fresh vegetables from your own garden is its own reward. Here are some tips and tricks for beginner gardeners. If you're in Park City, the general rule is to not plant anything but pansies until after Father's Day.

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OR, JOIN A CSA INSTEAD!

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a way for citizens to directly support farming and farmers in their communities. Members purchase a share of a farm’s produce for the growing season. These shareholders typically receive a weekly delivery of what is in season at their local farm.  

Find a local CSA here!

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COOK LIKE A MICHELIN CHEF
These Chefs Are Hosting (Free) Online Cooking Classes Right Now 

Eric Ripert Home Cooking
Check out his IGTV page.

Massimo Bottura’s “Kitchen Quarantine”
8p.m. CET, daily, on Massimo Bottura’s IGTV

David Chang’s “In the Time of COVID-19”
Most days, on David Chang’s IGTV
José Andrés’ #RecipesforthePeople
Evenings, on José Andrés’ Twitter (or search for the tag #RecipesforthePeople)

Family Meal Recipe Book: This digital recipe book is filled with 50 easy recipes by world-famous chefs. All proceeds will benefit the Restaurant Workers’ Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund supporting on-the-ground efforts in the restaurant community during this challenging time.

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AIRBNB ONLINE EXPERIENCES

Nonessential travel feels like a vestige of the distant past, but you can still see the world -- sort of -- by way of Airbnb’s Experiences platform. You can take virtual excursions to see the dogs of Chernobyl, meditate with a Buddhist monk, or take in an Argentinian tango contest for far less cash than you’d spend actually getting there. Check out all the options here!
 

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OTHER ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS

Host an online Zoom cocktail party with people all across the country. Send out short biographies on each attendee before the party starts to cultivate some great conversation.

Share puzzles with the neighborhood. Have contests to see who can put them together the quickest!

For a game night, simple scavenger hunts for kid groups have been a hit. Click here for ideas!
There are also online games, such as Jackbox Games, that can be "shared" on your screen, and people can use their phones to play. For a tutorial, go here.


 


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Now I understand why Laura Ingalls would get so excited
when she'd go into town with Pa.
If you see my kids locked outside today, mind your business.
We are having a fire drill. #HomeSchool
Due to Coronavirus, my summer body will be delayed to 2021. Thanks for understanding.

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We hope to see you out and about, safely socially-distanced of course!