Salt Lake City’s Charming New Three Creeks Confluence Park
Authored by Madisan Hinkhouse
Source: The Utah Bee
The sound of running water surrounds the exciting, new Three Creeks Confluence. This article encapsulates the impact of this project from a parking lot to a park.
Prepare to be charmed by Salt Lake City’s westside at the brand-new Three Creeks Confluence Park, created and funded by the Seven Canyon’s Trust, an award winning local organization that is working to uncover and restore Utah’s waterways.
Located in Glendale on 1300 South and 900 West, the Three Creeks Confluence Park is the newest addition to Salt Lake’s wonderful public park scene. The plan for the park was pitched in 2014, construction began in 2020 and the vision came to life in the summer of 2021 when the park officially opened.
Nothing beats a park with the sound of running water, especially in the middle of a bustling city. The park provides a brief escape into nature, which studies prove does wonders for your brain health. A study in Finland found that people in urban areas who spent as little as 20 minutes walking in nature reported significant stress relief.
The studies about nature’s impact on heart rate, blood pressure and mood are endless, making parks like the Three Creeks Confluence essential for the well-being of our communities.
Salt Lake’s new park is situated right along the Jordan River Parkway, a perfect spot to get in a morning, evening or afternoon stroll. The Jordan River Parkway is a 45 mile paved trail that runs through the Salt Lake Valley, the section near the Three Creeks Confluence park is nice, well-maintained (perfect for biking and rollerblading) and shaded.
The Three Creeks Confluence Park is where three of Salt Lake City’s main mountain streams finally meet and join the Jordan River. It is the confluence of Red Butte, Emigration and Parley’s creeks. The three creeks originate from their home canyons, which they are named after (Red Butte Canyon, Emigration Canyon and Parley’s Canyon). The three creeks flow through different areas of Salt Lake City, some through other parks, some underground (hence the goals of Seven Canyons Trust) and some through people’s backyards! You can see a map showing the path of the creeks [at the various creek websites here].
While you’re checking out that map, it’s well-worth your time to see the before and after photos of the park. The area went from being mostly a parking lot with a little water access to a gorgeous oasis in the middle of a city, with bridges, art and local plants.
The new park offers so many opportunities for the local community to enjoy the area. It gives people a place to go fishing, you’ll almost always find some kids learning to fish on the banks or trying to spot frogs or lizards. There are also natural climbing objects for kids and plenty of places to sit down and enjoy a great book.
The art along the bridge is wonderful and locally inspired. The main bridge features metal art pieces as the siding of the bridge. The community art installation features negative space cuttings showcasing the charm of Salt Lake’s Glendale neighborhood, local flora and fauna and the importance of all of our local waterways, which feels even a little more important this summer with the historic drought the Salt Lake Valley is experiencing.
The Three Creeks Confluence Park is the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend or weekday evening. While you’re there check out the signs and literature to learn more about the importance of the park to the local community and the importance of maintaining and uncovering our local water features.
Remember, when you’re out enjoying nature, follow the “Leave No Trace” guidelines to keep our community spaces nice for everyone (including local wildlife).
