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5 Best Hidden Parks in Salt Lake

Posted at 3:14 PM, Oct 29, 2015
and last updated 2015-10-29 17:24:59-04

Number 5.  The Miller Bird Refuge & Bonneville Glen

This park is a hidden oasis of wilderness in the middle of Salt Lake's east side. Several  paths and bridges flanking Red Butte Creek, creating a wonderful place to jog or walk the family pet. The  heavy vegetation in this park makes it great for bird and sometime wildlife watching. There is a gated entrance on the north end  of the gully at 900 South and about 1700 E. It is also accessable from 1500 East Bonneview Dr. (1050 south).

Number 4. The Garden Park Ward

This meeting house lawn in Salt Lake's West Liberty Neighborhood is a great place to escape for a break from work. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  owns the land but allows the public to visit the grounds during the day. Normal hours are from 7:00am to Dusk 7 days a week. Photography is limited to Monday-Wednesday & Saturday. For more information follow the link to the parks web site here.

Number 3. Gilgal Sculpture Garden

This unique park  near Trolley Square, has only been open to the public since 2000. The park was crated by th elate Thomas Battersby Child, Jr.   from 1945 to about 1963. It features 12 sculptures and 70 stone etchings depicting the spiritual belifes of Child. One of the more memorable sculptures features a Sphinx with the face of Joseph Smith. The Friends of Gilgal Gardens (FOGG) was set up in 1997 to take care of the gardens and insure future generations use of the space. The website can be found here.

Number 2. Faultline Gardens Park 

Overlooking Salt Lake's downtown, Faultline Gardens provides some of the most striking views of the city.  This one acre park has several park benches and swings perfect for watching the sunset with a loved one.  Taking the University TRAX line is great way to see this park since there is limited parking in the neighborhood.

Number 1.  International Peace Gardens

Tucked in  the heart of Salt Lake's west side, the International Peace Garden is a great place to start your journey on the Jordan River Park Trail.   Art work from countries around the world adorns the park, from sculptures of animals to a large replica of a Swiss mountain. Some of the garden spots date back to the 1940’s and each spot is paid for by participating groups who built them.  More information can be found here.