Lacey T.
Yelp
I've been to Liberty Park many times, but I'm ashamed to say I've never really explored it. I always head straight to Tracy Aviary, and yes, you should definitely go there, but this park is an attraction all it's own.
It's beautiful, and lovingly cared for, full of giant grandfather trees that I just want to hug. There are pergolas covered in vining plants with benches tucked underneath. Huge and beautifully arranged planters full of flowers. A bridge that brings you to an island on which a huge gazebo presides. And that pond! It's almost a lake, and okay yes, there are geese and ducks and the little presents they leave, but that's really the only negative I can give, and it's worth it to watch our fine-feathered friends splashing about.
Last week I stopped here for the farmers market, which occurs Fridays from 4-7 during the Summer and into early fall. It's small, but has the basics, plus Normal Ice Cream, which was the reason for my visit. They also host other events like a Monday night concert series, 5Ks and "Strut Your Mutt." There's plenty of parking, and it's just really such a large space!
A while back I started saying "live your best life" ironically, but if we can ignore it's ubiquity and really think about it, isn't that an amazing way to aspire to exist? Now I pretend it's still a joke, but really I've been saying it in earnest. On my most recent visit to Liberty Park so many people were living their best life: walking their dogs, running, shopping the farmers market, playing frisbee, picnicking, catching up with friends, feeding waterfowl, etc etc. There is a real sense of community here, and it seemed like everywhere I looked I saw smiling faces. I couldn't help but feel joyful myself!
Salt Lake City isn't huge by any means, but it's still awfully nice to be able to escape it, and enjoy nature in such close proximity to where we live and work.