Blacksmith Fork Park in Hyrum is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2022.

HYRUM – The town of Hyrum has been working on a park for the past 20 years and it is shaping up to be one of the first open outdoor play areas in Cache Valley.

The new Blacksmith Fork Park located east of Mountain Crest High School has been under construction for over 20 years. The park will not only have a lot of green spaces for children and families, it also has different amenities to keep people out for hours.

The National Association of Parks and Recreation considers parks essential to establishing and maintaining a good quality of life in a community. Parks ensure the health of families and youth and contribute to the economic and environmental well-being of a community.

The mayor and city council of Hyrum City have accepted the concept that healthy communities have beautiful parks.

The association also said that people who have spent time in the parks are generally healthier than others.

“The city bought the land a long time ago,” said Ron Salvesen, director of Hyrum City. “It’s just under 30 acres and there is a wide variety of things that will give people something to do.. “

The park has two fenced-in Pony League baseball fields, two pickleball fields, and two to four more to be added over the next two months based on budget. The park already has plans for a toboggan run, a wading pool, a dog park, two playgrounds and a sand volleyball pit.

“There will be a basketball court, a large amphitheater and a 21,000 square foot skateboard park,” he said. “Hunger Skateparks designed it and Zach Sheppard of Directive Boardshop in Logan and Dave Smelli, Utah State University graphic design professor and well-known skateboarder and snowboarder, looked at it.”

The lion’s share of construction began about seven years ago. There are three lodges, several restrooms, and a walking trail that will connect to the Blacksmith Fork Canyon Trail.

“The money to build the park came from municipal funds, the RAPZ tax and a generous $ 450,000 donation from JBS for the skateboard park,” said Salvesen. “At first, the city presented its park plan to Utah State University. She did a concept plan and gave her opinion on what people look for in a park and Design West did the construction drawings. ”

They hope the park will be finished by the end of the summer, but they still have a long way to go to make it happen. They have several varieties of trees planted which will provide shade for visitors.

Hyrum city councilor Paul James said he is still trying to get some companies to donate goods and services to the park.

“It will be a really beautiful and awesome park when it’s finished. We think it will be one of the most beautiful parks in the valley, ”said James. “We’re pretty excited it’s over this summer. “