Liberty Park

Comfy, cozy, cute and charming, Salt Lake’s Liberty Park neighborhood takes its name from one of the city’s most popular parks. Three guesses as to what the park is named? Bingo if you guessed Liberty Park — but more about the actual park later. First, let’s talk about the setting and the architectural-vibes of the homes in this quiet walkable area. Located south of downtown Salt Lake, Liberty Park is considered by many to a more affordable area that some of the other close-by communities. It’s a very residential neighborhood with numerous amenities that make life easy and comfortable: grocery stores, movie theaters, restaurants and the like.

A number of the area’s homes here were built in the mid- or even early-1900s and many of them feature the architecture that evokes that era: bungalows with pointy watch-your-head dormer attics, multi-level Craftsman-style abodes plus a scattering of Tudors, Victorians and similar designs. You’ll find a lot of picket-trimmed front porches (perfect for coffee and conversation) and detached garages, and often-times, homes have restored original woodwork and beautiful vintage aged-brick. Liberty Park is within walking distance to downtown Salt Lake and it offers an easy commute to the University of Utah.

Lined with trees and comfy homes, the Liberty Park neighborhood is frequently referred to as one of Salt Lake’s most comfortable affordable communities. Residents of Liberty Park like to walk their dogs or take them to the dog-park, visit with neighbors (many homes have picket-trimmed front porches) and just generally enjoy the good life in this quiet cozy neighborhood. Whether it’s time for a romantic date-night, a let’s-bring-the-kids-outing or a Sunday after-church brunch, there are several terrific cafés and restaurants from which to choose. And then there’s that gorgeous park!

Lush and oh-so lovely, Liberty Park is one of Salt Lake’s largest and most popular parks, thanks in no small part to its historical significance plus its amenities. A bit of history: The park began life as a grist mill and farm. If you’re like me, you wondered “what in the heck is a grist mill?” — here’s a quick definition adapted from Wikipedia: A grist mill (also: corn mill, flour mill or feed mill) grinds cereal grain into flour. The term can refer to either the grinding mechanism or the building that holds it. Grist is grain that has been separated from its chaff in preparation for grinding.

Brigham Young later acquired the original farm and planted trees, trees and more trees that have matured into magnificent shade canopies. Yada, yada, yada, and many decades after Young’s death, the land is now a fabulous public park listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It boasts a bevy of colorful flowers, sparkling lakes, kid-friendly playgrounds, picnic areas, running trails, seasonal amusement rides and much more. One of the most prominent features of the park is Tracy Aviary, said to be one of the largest and oldest free-standing aviaries in the United States. Indeed, Tracy Aviary maintains a collection of approximately 400 birds representing more than 100 species.

ADJECTIVES

• Friendly
• Comfortable
• Cozy
• Quiet
• Park-centric

Exuding a wealth of history and charm, Salt Lake City’s Liberty Park neighborhood takes its name from the gorgeous 110-acre Liberty Park, one of the city’s largest and most popular parks thanks to its lush beauty, historical significance and numerous amenities.

Here’s a small sampling of what there is to do and see in the Liberty Park neighborhood of Salt Lake City. While the area is home to plenty of additional things-to-do-and-see venues, much of Liberty Park’s community spirit centers around the park. To wit:

Liberty Park
That park — oh my! Liberty Park began life as a grist mill (a place for grinding cereal grain into flour) and farm that was later acquired by Brigham Young who planted a plethora of trees that have matured into magnificent shade canopies. While it is an extremely popular picnicking, jogging, rollerblading and cycling location, one of the most prominent features of the park is Tracy Aviary, said to be one of the largest and oldest (open since 1938) free-standing aviaries in the United States. Additional Liberty Park amenities include:

• Two playgrounds
• Volleyball courts
• Tennis center
• Basketball court
• Jogging/walking paths
• Bocce ball courts
• Gazebo
• Pavilion
• Swimming pool
• Horseshoe pits
• Barbecue grills
• Pond with two islands
• Seasonal amusement rides, paddle-boats, festivals and more

Tracy Aviary
Located inside Liberty Park on eight acres, Tracy Aviary maintains a collection of approximately 400 birds representing more than 100 species. Bird-types include pelicans, swans, cranes, hornbills, owls, macaws, vultures and many more. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Aviary is known as a leader in environmental education and conservation.

• Interactive exhibits, camps and classes, hands-on experiences for kids
• Several species participate in the Species Survival Plan, a breeding program that promotes genetic diversity in captive animal populations

Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts
Located on the grounds of Liberty Park in the historic two-story adobe house of Isaac Chase*, the mission of the Chase Home Museum of Folk Arts is to bring together Utah’s diverse cultures and communities to preserve and celebrate their traditions. The museum is the permanent home of the State Folk Arts Collection and is the only museum in the country dedicated to displaying a state-owned collection of contemporary folk art.

• *Who was Isaac Chase? Isaac Chase emigrated to Utah with Mormon pioneers; he created a prosperous milling business and became business partners with Brigham Young. His farm later became known as Liberty Park.

Summertime events

• Farmers’ markets
• Variety of family-friendly events on the grounds of Liberty Park
• Yoga and Beer at The Gateway