Kearns is a township in Salt Lake County, Utah. A recently-elected community
council is expected to call for a vote of incorporation in the near future.
The Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns was the venue for long-track speed skating events
in the 2002 Winter Olympics. Because of its altitude, which gives it the
thinnest air of any such facility in the world, and its unique architecture,
which allows for close control of temperature and ice conditions, the Oval saw
numerous records set during the games. It remains arguably the fastest ice
surface in the world. This extensive facility remains open and available to
skaters of all skill levels.
This neighborhood is located primarily between 4000 W. and
5600 W.; 4700 S. and 7000 S.Kearns has
developed into a pleasant residential community with excellent recreational
programs and involved neighborhoods.
During World War II, the U.S. Air Force wanted an isolated
place to build a training base safe from any attacks by the Japanese and on the
main rail routes to the Pacific Coast. The War Department bought about 5,000
acres (20 km²) of land where Kearns is currently located. Camp Kearns, as it
came to be known, opened in 1942. Just one year later, Camp Kearns had 40,000
residents and was Utah's third largest city. It was partially a basic training
facility for replacement troops headed for the war against Japan.
Camp Kearns was closed as an active base in 1946, and the buildings and
materials auctioned off in 1948. Some of the first homes in Kearns were built
from materials left over from the buildings of the base.
Camp Kearns gave an indirect boost to Taylorsville in that a pipeline was
constructed to bring water from the east side of Salt Lake to the camp. Once
Camp Kearns closed, the presence of clean drinking water and a sewer treatment
plant made it possible for people to move to Kearns and live in some of the
first large subdivisions built in western Salt Lake County in the 1950s.
