Cottonwood Park

Location and Overview

Located in Salt Lake City's Fairpark neighborhood within Council District 1, Cottonwood Park offers a refreshing escape along the Jordan River corridor. This 18.7-acre green space blends natural beauty with recreational facilities, offering various activities for visitors.

Natural Features

The park's star natural feature is undoubtedly its connection to the Jordan River, adding a touch of serenity and creating a mini-ecosystem worth exploring.

Winding across the grounds are walking trails that seamlessly connect to the larger Jordan River Trail system. These wide, paved paths make for perfect morning jogs, leisurely dog walks, or just peaceful strolls to clear your mind.

During warmer months, the park transforms with lush, thick grass carpeting the grounds - ideal for sprawling out with a book or jumping into an impromptu game of frisbee.

Recreational Facilities

For sports enthusiasts, Cottonwood Park offers several options. The cricket pitch is a unique feature - not something you'll find at every local park.

For basketball enthusiasts, there's a half court waiting for your next pickup game, while a sand volleyball court offers summer fun without the beach trip.

The spacious grassy areas provide plenty of room to kick a soccer ball around or practice your baseball skills without feeling cramped.

Family Amenities

Kids will make a beeline for the modern playground area with its updated equipment. The thoughtful layout places it near picnic areas, so you can relax while keeping an eye on the little ones.

Scattered throughout the park are multiple picnic areas with tables for outdoor meals. There are both covered pavilions for shade and open-air seating available for family gatherings or casual lunches.

Dog Park

A true highlight for four-legged friends is the dedicated off-leash dog area located just across the Jordan River from the main park. This fully fenced space gives dogs the freedom to run and play without constraint.

The dog park comes equipped with practical amenities like a drinking water fountain for thirsty pups, plus waste bag stations and trash cans to keep things clean. The large, grassy expanse is popular among local dog owners.

You might even make some new friends here - the dog park community tends to be particularly welcoming, especially during evening hours when regulars gather.

Facilities

When nature calls, you'll come across restroom facilities housed in brick structures with stainless steel fixtures. Note that these may be seasonal, with portable toilets sometimes representing the only option during certain periods.

Stay hydrated with water fountains available in select areas, particularly in the dog park section - a thoughtful touch for both you and your pets.

Future Developments

Exciting changes are on the horizon for Cottonwood Park through Salt Lake City's GO Bond initiative. These planned improvements align with the broader vision of the Emerald Ribbon Action Plan, which aims to enhance green spaces along the Jordan River corridor.

Visitor Information

The park welcomes visitors daily from 5AM to 10PM, accommodating both early birds and night owls.

A word of caution: it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. For the best experience, consider visiting during daylight hours, keeping valuables secure, and locking your vehicle when parked at the facility.