Open Spaces

In addition to the city's parks, there are 3 major open space areas in the city that provide unique outdoor experiences:

Jordan River & Natural Areas

Approximately 1100 W, running north to south

The Jordan River is the largest waterway in Salt Lake County, and leads from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake. There is a riverside trail for the entire 46-mile length, and numerous spots to enjoy boating on the river's "water trail."

Along the waterway, there are several open spaces, including:

• 75 acres of natural open space along the Jordan River in South Salt Lake, much of which is permanently protected for habitat and water quality. Nearly all of these properties are owned and managed by Salt Lake County.
• The confluence of Mill Creek and the Jordan River - This can be accessed from Oxbow Trailhead on the east side of the river and south side of the creek at approximately 3000 S and 1100 West. There is a bridge over Mill Creek on the Jordan River Trail.
• The Meadowbrook Natural Area - Just north of General Holm Park on the trail, this area has a large stand of cottonwoods, native plants, wetlands and an oxbow of the Jordan River.
• Numerous parks are found along the river in South Salt Lake, including James Madison and General Holm.
• Several additional parks are close by on the west side of the river (in West Valley City), connected by bridges to SSL.
  • Redwood Nature Area, at approximately 2800 S 1200 West, is a vast natural area with wetland habitat.
• Jordan River (Redwood) Trailhead Park at 1021 W 2321 South is the takeout point for canoe trips, and the point where Parley's Trail reaches the Jordan River.
• In another section of open space adjacent to the West Valley City Cultural Celebration Center (at the pedestrian swing bridge at 3200 S on the Jordan River trail), Pioneer Crossing Park is being designed now. When complete, you can enjoy picnic areas, boat launches, fishing docks, frisbee golf, a bike course and more.

The City of South Salt Lake is a part of the Jordan River Commission, which is working to protect and enhance the entire river corridor for residents and local wildlife and flora. They have completed several master plans to support this.

Mill Creek & Natural Areas

Approximately 3100 S, running east to west

Mill Creek is one of seven creeks that flow from the Wasatch Mountains into Salt Lake Valley. We are fortunate that Mill Creek is above ground and flows naturally for much of its route through the city, unlike many other creeks that have been largely piped.

Approximately 20 acres of land surrounding the creek function as natural open space along its three-mile course through the city. These are largely owned by private parties, with some small stretches owned by South Salt Lake or Salt Lake County.

• The tree-lined creek ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife from birds to fish to critters on land. People love it, too!
• The City, in cooperation with Salt Lake County, prepared a master plan for the Millcreek Greenway, to promote the construction of a trail and greenway along its stretch in South Salt Lake. Two miles of the trail have been completed to date, with more in the planning stages.

Golf the Round at Central Valley

600 W 3000 S

Central Valley Water Reclamation Facility (CVWRF) is our city's water treatment plant. Their extensive property includes extra land that has been developed as a golf course. Treated water from the facility is used to keep the golf greens lushly irrigated.

There are two open spaces nearby the CVWRF:

• Golf the Round is an 81-acre, par 3 public golf course. It includes a driving range, a 9-hole course and a youth golf program - The First Tee. The golf course is owned by Central Valley and operated by Golf the Round. It is not a city facility, but it is affordably priced and open to all.
• Central Valley also leases a community garden space to International Rescue Committee's New Roots program.