Midway Boosters Honor Courtland and Mitzi Nelson as 2026 Citizens of the Year
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On a motorcycle trip west from Minnesota in 1974, Courtland Nelson first visited Midway while exploring graduate programs in natural resources at Utah State University. It was at USU that he met Mitzi Nelson, a sixth-generation Utahn who was pursuing her graduate degree in education. During one summer while attending USU, Courtland worked as a seasonal ranger at Wasatch Mountain State Park and quickly fell in love with Midway, its people, and the unique beauty of the surrounding mountain valley.

In 1978, Courtland was hired as a full-time ranger at Wasatch Mountain State Park. When he told Mitzi they would be living in Midway, she accepted his marriage proposal. That same year, Mitzi was hired as a fourth-grade teacher by Midway School Principal Besendorfer. They married in July, moved into a small home with a pot-rock fence, and began what would become a lifelong connection to Midway.  

Soon after making Midway their home, the Nelsons were recruited by Roy Kohler to help with Swiss Days by organizing registration and routing for the newly created 10K Fun Run. That first assignment marked the beginning of nearly five decades of volunteer service to the Midway community.  

Throughout their careers, both remained deeply connected to Midway, even as professional opportunities occasionally took them elsewhere. Courtland served in numerous leadership roles within state parks systems, including Director of Utah State Parks, Deputy Director of Arizona State Parks, and Director of Minnesota State Parks.  

Mitzi devoted her professional life to education and to the children of Midway and Wasatch County. For many years she taught elementary school students, helping shape the lives of generations of local children. Former students often remember her not only for what she taught in the classroom, but for the kindness, encouragement, and confidence she instilled in them. Her dedication to education earned her recognition as Wasatch Teacher of the Year. Beyond the classroom, she continued to serve the community through her work on the Wasatch County Library Board, where she represented Midway and helped guide the development of the county’s new library facility.  

In 2014, the Nelsons returned permanently to Midway with a commitment to give back to the town that had given so much to them. Since then, Courtland has served as Chair of the Midway Open Space Committee, helping lead efforts that have permanently protected more than 500 acres of open space surrounding Midway and preserving the rural character, agricultural heritage, and scenic beauty that define the community. His leadership has brought together city officials, landowners, and residents in support of a shared vision for Midway’s future.  

Mitzi has continued her long tradition of service by volunteering in Midway schools, community programs, Soldier Hollow events, and library initiatives. Her love for education, children, and community service remains evident in everything she does.  

The Nelsons’ contributions to Midway were especially significant during the planning, development, and lasting legacy of Soldier Hollow. Following the 1997 selection of Soldier Hollow at Wasatch Mountain State Park as the venue for the Nordic events of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Courtland played a central leadership role in transforming the site into a world-class competition venue. He oversaw development of the venue and supporting infrastructure while helping preserve the area’s rural beauty and deep connection to generations of Midway families.  

Mitzi also became deeply involved in the Olympic effort, earning certification as a Biathlon Course Official and volunteering throughout the Games. Together, they helped ensure the success of one of Midway’s most significant international accomplishments.  

Perhaps even more significant than the Games themselves was the legacy that followed. Courtland was instrumental in securing Soldier Hollow’s future by helping incorporate the venue into what is now the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation. Through his continued service as the Foundation’s trustee representing Soldier Hollow, he has helped guide the venue’s growth and long-term success. Mitzi has remained equally committed, volunteering in the race office during competitions and supporting athletes, officials, event organizers, and visitors.  

Today, Soldier Hollow remains one of Utah’s premier Olympic legacy venues, bringing visitors from around the world to Midway while providing recreational opportunities, youth programs, and community events that benefit local residents. Together, the Nelsons have contributed countless hours welcoming guests, supporting community activities, and sharing the story and spirit of Midway with people from across the globe.  

Courtland and Mitzi remain proud Midway residents. Each week, after grandparent duties in Salt Lake City, they are grateful to return home, traveling southwest along River Road overlooking the Provo River and the farmlands that signal their arrival back in town. They share decades of memories, friendships, service, and community involvement, and remain deeply thankful for the opportunity to be part of Midway’s history and future. Their lives reflect a lasting commitment to preserving the values, traditions, and sense of community that make Midway such a special place to call home.