The Recreation Unit provides both unstructured recreational activities and structured activities such as classes, tournaments, leagues and special events. Depending upon the facility, inmates have access to softball, basketball, handball, tennis, racquetball, weight training equipment, cardiovascular training equipment, table tennis, billiards, speed bag, heavy bag, volleyball, horseshoes and various games and puzzles. Inmates have use of their yards for walking and jogging. Recreation also has some musical instruments available for inmate use. Recreation sponsors special events such as inmate charity fundraisers for Toys-for-Tots and Special Olympics.

Location

Inmate access to recreational services varies by facility. Inmates in Wasatch, SSD, Oquirrh, and Timpanogos facilities have access to one of the three gyms. The amount of access offenders have to the recreational facilities depends on their privilege level and the scheduling needs of the facility. Only one housing unit or block is scheduled for the gym at a time to reduce the amount of interaction between inmates in the various housing facilities. Inmates in the Uinta (maximum security) facility are limited in the recreational resources available to them.

Benefits of Recreation

Recreation teaches productive use of leisure time. Proper use of recreation time is found to decreases stress -- thus reducing tension and violence. Recreation promotes a healthy lifestyle, reducing medical costs to the department. Team sports provide interaction with others, thereby promoting positive social skills. Through the exercise programs that are offered, offenders are encouraged to develop self-discipline and positive self-image.