Remember the pioneers’ first night. Group Site 17 marks a place of rest after a long journey. I want to tell you about Group Site 17. It is part of the Mueller Park Group Picnic area in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Let us step back in time to understand its significance.
The afternoon of July 22 1847 was hot. Weary travelers finally reached the Salt Lake Valley. After leaving Emigration Canyon, they found a spot. The exhausted Mormon Pioneer Company set up their first camp. Thomas Bullock recorded the scene. He noted soil improvement and tall grass. The company clerk described grass six to seven feet high. After wading they found a bare spot with knee-deep grass. They camped by a beautiful little stream. This stream was Parley’s Creek surrounded by tall grass. This area would later become Group Site 17.
Orson Pratt’s exploring expedition joined them that evening. They held a council. The decision was made to move north. They wanted to plant crops near City Creek. Brigham Young arrived later due to illness. He went directly to the City Creek camp. The first encampment became part of the “Big Field” farming plat. Wilford Woodruff was among those with farms here. His two houses still stand nearby. Later the area was subdivided for residential development. Parley’s Creek flows underground now.
Many helped make the First Encampment Park. It started as a Federal Heights Ward project. It marked the first Mormon campsite in the valley. The Emigration and Wells Stakes joined the project. The neighborhood and historical community dreamed of this place. The names of 109 men, 3 women, and 8 children are engraved on stones. They slept here that first night.
The park’s design represents the landscape. Boulders represent the Wasatch Mountains. The path represents Emigration Canyon. Streambeds symbolize Emigration and Parley’s Creeks. Primary children embedded pebbles in the concrete. Volunteers contributed thousands of hours. The American Oil Company donated the land. Members of Emigration Stake provided financial support.
Firms and organizations also contributed. They include Daughters of Utah Pioneers and Kelby Electric Company. Oakland Construction Company and Clean Cut Landscaping helped. United Fence Company and Lehi Block Company joined. Howe Rental contributed too. Stuart Loosli designed the park. Mark Finlinson managed construction. William B. Smart was general chairman. Elder M. Russell Ballard dedicated the park on July 22, 1997. It was presented to Salt Lake City. It honors our pioneer heritage.
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest now manages Group Site 17. Here you can immerse yourself in nature. Imagine those pioneers. They sought refuge and a new beginning. This group picnic area offers shade. Campfires are allowed. Pets are welcome too. The site’s capacity is 60 people. Eight vehicles are permitted. The maximum vehicle length is 18 feet. You can book the afternoon slot from 1 PM to 5 PM.
Remember, the pioneers faced many hardships. They traveled far to find peace. Group Site 17 is a place to reflect on their journey. It is also a place to appreciate our blessings. Take a moment to honor their legacy. Consider what it means to build a community.