Imagine, a parking lot transformed into a serene oasis. That’s City Creek Park.
City Creek Park offers solace amidst downtown Salt Lake City. In 1995, the transformation began. It was a public-private partnership. Salt Lake City collaborated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The church exchanged ownership of the lot. They gained rights to underground parking. A donation from the church uncovered City Creek.
Before City Creek Park, the creek caused flooding. In 1983, record snowpacks flooded State Street. Burying the creek proved inadequate. The city sought a better solution. Thus, City Creek Park emerged.
City Creek is historically significant. Early pioneers dammed it. They irrigated crops with its water. This happened near Second South and State Street. Potatoes, beans, corn, and turnips thrived. Within six months, over twenty thousand acres were cultivated.
City Creek Park sits north of Brigham Young’s farm. Church and city leaders developed it. They honored nineteenth-century pioneer settlers. The park complements Brigham Young Historic Park across the street. President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke at the groundbreaking. It was June 12, 1995.
President Hinckley noted the park’s timing. Utah approached its centennial in 1996. They prepared for the pioneers’ sesquicentennial in 1997.
City Creek Park covers 400 feet. The project cost $2.3 million. Benches, green space, and a stone-lined creek invite visitors. Hundreds enjoy the flowing water. This project marked a first step. It helped to restore urban creeks.
One block north is the Crismon Mill monument. Charles Crismon built the first gristmill here in 1847. It ground wheat brought by the pioneers. Brigham Young’s sawmill stood nearby. Timber came from City Creek Canyon. A tollhouse stood on the creek’s west side.
Another block north stands Ottinger Hall. Once, it housed the first manually operated fire pump. The pump is now at This Is the Place Heritage Park. The hall is named after George M. Ottinger. He was Salt Lake City’s first full-time fire chief.
President George Albert Smith was baptized in City Creek. The Church’s satellite system sits near City Creek Canyon. It broadcasts general conference addresses worldwide. They are translated into over sixty languages.
North of Ottinger’s Hall lies Memory Grove. Trees were planted here in 1920. They honor war veterans. City Creek once flowed through this area. It was diverted for irrigation. Memory Grove contains monuments. They are dedicated to Utah’s soldiers.
A tornado damaged trees in Memory Grove in 1999. Repair efforts are still evident. Occasionally, moose and deer appear. A full-scale replica of the Liberty Bell stands here.
So next time you’re downtown, take a moment. Enjoy the tranquility of City Creek Park. Remember its history. Appreciate its transformation.