USU Extension in Washington County Finds Permanent Home in New Building

By Shelby Ruud | August 22, 2017

Washington County OfficeAfter being displaced by a fire in early 2014, Utah State University Extension’s new Washington County offices will be located at the Washington County Legacy Park in Hurricane.

The new building, named the Grafton Building after an early farming town, consists of 5,956 square feet of office area and 22,165 square feet of exhibit hall. It also includes landscaping that allows for open-air markets and other outdoor use. A ribbon cutting for the Grafton Building happened earlier last week, just in time for the county fair last weekend.

Extension faculty in Washington County are involved in major community events such as the Washington County Marriage Celebration, Saint George Area Economic Summit, Southern Utah Code Camp, FIRST LEGO League, Founder’s Weekend, Master Gardener and Master Preserver classes, the Dixie Junior Livestock Show, the county fair and many more.

The new location will help USU Extension host larger events, facilitate 4-H activities and extend resources and knowledge to the people in the community, according to Paul Hill, Extension associate professor and county director for Washington County.

“If you have ever attended one of these events, then you have been reached by one of our Extension faculty members,” Hill said. “The faculty and staff in our office serve a wide range and diversity of citizens across the county. We are passionate about extending the knowledge from our land-grant university to improve people’s lives.”

USU Extension provides research-based programs and resources with the goal of improving the lives of individuals, families and communities throughout Utah. Program areas include agriculture and natural resources, gardening, home and family, youth and economic development.

Besides events hosted by USU Extension, the new space will be available for large public events such as the Tri-State ATV Jamboree, the Huntsman World Senior Games and more. The space is also available for private rental.

To learn more about USU Extension programs and opportunities, visit extension.usu.edu.

Writer: Shelby Ruud, shelby.ruud@usu.edu
Contact: Paul Hill, paul.hill@usu.edu