Liberty Park – Outdoor Fun in Salt Lake
By Darren Nelson feature writer for My Local Utah
Salt Lake City’s oldest park takes up the space of several city blocks between 5th – 7th East and 9th – 13th South. Finding Liberty Park is easy if driving along 7th East, but the park has two entrances (and exits) on the 9th and 13th South. There is also plenty of free parking throughout the park.
Liberty Park is a fun place for the whole family and people of all ages. It’s a great place for a picnic, some exercise, or relaxation. The park features many paved walking paths, large and small picnic pavilions, open grass areas, two playgrounds, and a pond. A one-way roadway and a walking path sit just inside the borders of the park but encircle most of the park’s landscape.
Swimming
The park also has a swimming pool on the western side, open every day to the public. This large pool is perfect for swimming some lanes, water aerobics, catching a swim lesson, or just cooling off on a hot day. The entire pool is also available for renting out for private events and reunions. To learn more about the pool’s hours, pricing, and other information, click here.
Tennis Anyone?
Do you like tennis? The Liberty Park Tennis Center is Utah’s largest year-round, managed public tennis facility. With sixteen courts in the heart of the park, many find it a great central location to meet up with players from all parts of the Wasatch Front. Amenities include a roomy clubhouse with seating area, large locker rooms with showers, a full-service pro shop, twelve outdoor lighted courts, and four indoor courts covered by a year-round bubble. The tennis center also offers tennis training for kids ages 4-18 as part of their Junior Academy.
Aviary & Botanical Gardens
On the Park’s South-West corner sits a hidden gem, the Tracy Aviary & Botanical Garden. Open year-round from 9 am – 5 pm, is a great place to do some serious bird watching. Admission costs help support the aviary’s conservation and education efforts. The aviary is also available for group events and to rent for private events. So, if you always wanted birds at your wedding, then this is your venue.
The Pond
Hard to miss this man-made lake at the South-East corner of the park. No swimming is allowed in this pond, but you can rent a paddleboat (seasonally available) to cruise the waters. There is an island, accessible by a walking bridge, located in one corner of the pond with a small seating pavilion. This is a great place to watch ducks, geese, and an occasional swan that are ever-present on the pond.
More
Additionally, the park offers other amenities, including a basketball court, 4 volleyball courts, 10 horseshoe courts, and some BBQ grill picnic areas. There is even a small water feature that allows kids to splash around. Some small fairground-type rides (e.g., carousel and Ferris wheel) and concession stands dot the center of the park. There is even a kids train ride open at times.
Liberty Park is a great place to take lunch, sit on a bench and maybe watch a tennis match or some volleyball. If you like to jog or walk, the looping pathway offers a mostly shady experience.
Events
The large park often hosts to various festivals and events. Its landscaped grounds and plentiful shade make it an ideal place for people to gather and enjoy the outdoors. A perfect venue to experience different cultures, music, arts, and foods. Listed below are a few upcoming events to finish out the summer.
Liberty Park is a great and easily accessible place to get outdoors, get some exercise, have some fun, and see some birds. The dress is very casual.
Upcoming Events at the Park
Liberty Park Market
Great farmers market with local produce
Thursdays 4 pm – Dusk (now until September 29th)
Summer Film Series
Movies under the stars. Some films have small costs others are free.
Thursday, August 11th, 8:30 pm, Big Wave Guardians
Friday, August 19th, 8:00 pm. Dear Mr. Brody
Friday, August 26th, 8:00 pm, The Biggest Little Farm
Indian Food Fair
In the mood for flavor. Plenty of Indian food and some jewelry are available.
Saturday, August 13th, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Yappy Hour
Fun for pups, their family, and friends. Food, drinks, and vendors.
Off-leash area with toys and balls.
Tuesday, August 9th, 6 pm – 9 pm
Thursday, September 8th, 5 pm – 8 pm
Mondays in the Park
Concert series every Monday until September 12th
Monday, August 11, 7:00 pm, Ballet Las Americas de Utah, and 8:00 pm, Los Hermanos de los Andes
Monday, August 22, 7:00 pm, Rinceoiri Don Spraoi Irish Dancers, and 8:00 pm, Bomba Marilé
Monday, August 29, 7:00 pm, Halau Ku Pono I Kamalani, and 8:00 pm, Sabor Tropical
Monday, September 12, 7:00 pm, Utah Punjabi Arts Academy, and 8:00 pm, Bazeen
WAS Hustle Final Mile Celebration
Bike, walk, run, etc. around Liberty Park and finish your final mile of this community-wide challenge with fellow Hustlers.
Saturday, August 20
9:00 AM – Meet at the Rice Terrace Pavilion
9:30 AM – The final lap begins!
10:00 AM – Enjoy free food and beverages while mingling with other participants.
10:30 AM – Awards Ceremony
Liberty Park Group Run & Fun
Want to be involved in triathlon sports? Come run, walk, or jog and talk about all things triathlon, enjoy refreshments, and meet others in the sport!
Saturday, September 24th, 9:00 am
Bike Prom
A 3.1-mile bike ride fundraiser starting at Liberty Park and ending at the Front Climbing Gym with food and dancing.
Saturday, September 24th, 5:30 pm