We strategically gave new life to a building that sat vacant for almost two decades completely stripped of every valuable element or any basic utility to its core. What once was an underground Hilton for the homeless, became a fixer upper the likes of which most would never fathom possible, but we did it. We then completely overhauled the show to survive safely during COVID being the only known entertainment venue in the state to offer several UV air filtration systems and strenuous nightly medical grade surface sanitization routines. We put personal funds into every avenue imaginable and put private lives on hold to achieve our dreams building this. Not for only us, but our community. We have given outcasts of the area a place to feel safe when times get tough or judgment from others can be rough. When their school theater department tells them they can’t sing we make sure they know they can always scream.
We may not be everyone's preferred method of entertainment, but people will always seek unique forms of escapism in this life. That has been fundamental for Utah since the pioneers built it. As someone who has worked closely with all the haunted attractions in Salt Lake City, I can safely say our owner Timothy Riggs has the exact values in his daily life you would want any business owner in Murray to have. We never run so much as a penny in advertisements on Sundays let alone open the doors unlike most of our competitors, which costs us greatly, but is where we stand ethically. We keep all scenery PG-13 and are the only attraction that offers an actor(less) experience for kids who would otherwise be too afraid to attend. We also provide tickets to every volunteer at the Murray Haunted Woods each year and co-market their show throughout the season.
As we started to gear up for our milestone fifth season we were met with some unpleasant obstacles. For years the city has used our very facility for hazard (CERT) training with the Murray fire department. However this spring they viewed our current layout as no longer up to code, even after their most recent CERT training last October was in that exact layout. After ripping down complete sections of the show and putting every detail back to its original approved plans meeting their requirements, they quickly pawned us off to the city building officials. We are now seeking help to raise awareness and gain support with 1,000 signatures to SAVE DEAD CITY!