Three Creeks Confluence
Uncovering where Red Butte, Emigration & Parleys Creeks meet the Jordan River.
Three of our creeks, Red Butte, Emigration, and Parleys, spill into the Jordan River at the same location, 1300 South and 900 West in Salt Lake City, UT. Sandwiched between an auto shop and half-burnt home, the site existed in a neglected condition. The area was paved over with a dead-end segment of 1300 South—weeds, garbage, and encroachments abound.
Over $3 million was secured for the construction of the Three Creeks Confluence. We uncovered 200 feet of combined stream in a newly restored channel. A 120-foot bridge connects the site to the Jordan River Trail. On the fishing bridge, anglers have restored access to toss a line in. The plaza provides a venue for relaxation, education, and celebration.
The Seven Canyons Trust received a 2017 Utah American Planning Association Achievement Award for the innovative project design and creative community engagement process, a 2021 Utah American Planning Association High Achievement Award for implementation, and a 2022 Utah American Society for Landscape Architecture General Design Award.
“One of my favorite spots in our urban stream environment is the area on the Jordan River at the [Three Creeks Confluence]. The view along the Jordan River riparian corridor really is beautiful, and showcases the potential of our urban streams.”
Before
After
Goals
Expand solutions to water quality impairments;
Enhance habitat value and reactivating the neglected space;
Diversify active transportation and recreation opportunity; and
Create a gateway to the Jordan River for nearby community anchor institutions, schools, and the surrounding neighborhood.
Background
Starting with City Creek, each waterway was traced from headwaters to their confluence with the Jordan River. A series of creek flyovers were created. We noticed Red Butte, Emigration, and Parleys creeks spilled out at the same location. Renderings and site plans were created to demonstrate the potential of this location and, more broadly, stream daylighting for the Salt Lake Valley. Highlighted as the centerpiece of 100 Years of Daylighting, the Three Creeks Confluence was born. As students, we presented this ambitious project to Salt Lake City in 2014.
Data
Did you know three creeks flow under 1300 South? [01]
Do you support daylighting here? [01]
Species Richness — Number of Bird Species Detected [02]
Percentage of Native Birds Detected in Breeding Season [02]
Percentage of Riparian or Wetland/Water Associated Birds Detected in Breeding Season [02]
Percentage of Urban Associated Birds Detected in Breeding Season [02]
Breeding Season (April-July) Relative Abundance — Number of Birds Detected per Survey [02]
Non-Breeding Season (August-March) Relative Abundance — Number of Birds Detected per Survey [02]
Updates
Sources
iUTAH EPSCoR, Community Perceptions of the Three Creeks Confluence and Jordan River Corridor in Salt Lake City (2016).
Tracy Aviary, Community Science Bird Monitoring at Three Creeks Confluence 2023 Project Report (2023).