Liberty Park with an area of 32 hectares is recognized as the second largest park in Salt Lake City. It was included in the National Register of Historic Places. The Isaac Chase Mill, which is located here, is also on the register. This is one of the most visited places in Utah.
History of creation
Religious leader and politician Brigham Young received the land where Liberty Park is now located in 1860. He planted poplar, mulberry and other trees. Previously, the place was known as the mill farm, locust field and forest park. In 1881, the city bought the site from the Yang family, and in the same year a competition was announced among landscape designers of the park with the main prize of $100.
The winner was Brigham Young's son, Joseph Don Carlos Young, who went down in history as the first architect in the state to have an academic education. He designed the project following the example of Central Park in New York. In 1882, the 80-acre rectangular plot turned into a recreation area for residents and visitors of Salt Lake City and was named Liberty. There used to be a zoo here, but in 1931 it was moved to another location. In 1938, the Tracey Aviary was opened, which is still open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Liberty Park has become home to more than 400 birds of 150 species, including:
- Orlov;
- Pelicans;
- cranes;
- rhinoceros birds.
Free-flying bird shows are held here, and interactive events are organized. Birds can be fed in the presence of park rangers. Families with children often come to Liberty Park.
Incidents and their consequences
In 2010, approximately 20,000 gallons of oil spilled from the Chevron pipeline in Red Butte Creek. It began to spread and got into the Jordan River, which is located near the park, so it had to be temporarily closed. About 200 birds, including Canada geese, came into contact with the flammable liquid, and they were sent to Hogle Zoo for recovery. Everyone was warned to avoid the place of access to water.
Another incident is related to the hurricane that took place in Utah in 2020, when many trees were felled. A state of emergency was declared in the state, and when the weather improved, Liberty Park began to be put in order again. Today, he welcomes guests all year round.
Short description
In Salt Lake City, it is second only in size to the 44.7-hectare Sugar House Park. Liberty is often crowded, there is a pond with 2 islands, the Tracy Aviary, which occupies 3 hectares, and the Isaac Chase Mormon mill, built in 1852. By the way, this is the oldest commercial building that has survived in Utah to this day. The facility, designed by William Weeks, has been on the Register of Historic Places since 1970.
A sculptural fountain depicting the Jordan River and its tributaries was built in the center. In summer, children love to play by the interactive artwork recreating 7 canyons and waterways in the valley. In addition, the park has children's play areas, a swimming pool, a tennis court, sports fields, and running tracks. There are separate picnic areas.
The Chase Home Folk Art Museum welcomes visitors to the 2-story adobe house of Isaac Chase, who was among the first to move to Utah. The non-profit organization is overseen by the state's Department of Art and Museums. Visitors can get acquainted with the state collection of folk art in this place. In addition to exhibitions, concerts and workshops are organized, where artists and artisans share their professional experience.
Liberty Park hosts community events, including a summer festival dedicated to Native American culture, and fireworks are set off here on July 24, Salt Lake City Pioneer Day. This place became even more popular after being mentioned in the family TV series "Andy Mack".
How to get
If you travel by light train, you need to get off at the 600 South station. Buses No. 9, 205 and 209 also stop near the city park. You can ride a bike to Liberty Park along specially designated paths and park it in the bike transport storage area. Alternatively, a taxi ride or a rented car is considered, which can be left in the free parking lot.
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