Fairpark, Salt Lake City, is a small suburban/urban community right smack-dab in the middle of fun central. This neighborhood hosts the Utah State Fairgrounds, (thus the name, Fairpark).
The fairgrounds located in Utah’s Capital, Salt Lake City, spans 65 acres and has hosted a multitude of celebrations, shows, weddings, festivals, rodeos, concerts, skateboard events, and (of course) the annual Utah State Fair.
Where is Fairpark?
The northern border of Fairpark is Salt Lake City’s 600 North. The southern border is at about North Temple. This community is considered to be on the “west side” because the majority of it is located west of Interstate 15. The eastern boundary is about 500 West. It stretches west to just about Redwood Road. Check out the map for much more specific boundaries.
Fairpark has a growing arts scene, with many artists and creatives choosing to live and work in the area. It’s known for its unique artistic atmosphere. Revitalization of this and surrounding communities like Poplar Grove is beginning to attract the attention of developers.
When is the Utah State Fair?
The 11-day event traditionally begins on the first Thursday after Labor Day. During the fair, livestock owners present the best of their herds to judges. Many of the entrants are young livestock men and women who are learning the intricate details of raising healthy farm animals. For early settlers, primarily members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, bringing in the livestock for the winter and fall harvest was a community affair. It was a time to gather the spoils of summer like hay, corn, wheat and to bring in the flock of like-minded people sworn to support one another.
During the harvest, men tended to the community’s crops while women banded together to preserve meat, fruits, and vegetables. Children old enough to work, did work. While it was a season of back-breaking toil, it was also a great reunion and a celebration of summer’s end. When the crops were put to bed and the work was done, the settlers gathered to show off the food they reaped, the crafts they made, the quilts they sewed by the fire at night, and each other. It became a friendly competition and and a highly-anticipated annual event.
Today, the fair remains much the same in that people present their finest work to share with neighbors at the Utah State Fair. Much has been added in the past 100 years including much more dynamic rides, new foods, different performing artists, and vendors like you’ve never seen before. What has not changed, is the community spirit on full display at the fair. Utah takes its history and traditions seriously but it embraces a bright future with just the same enthusiasm.
The residential areas of Fairpark are diverse and vibrant.
Fairpark is served by the TRAX light rail system, making it easy to access other parts of Salt Lake City without needing a car. Utah Transit Authority (UTA) offers the light rail system, a full fleet of buses, a Trolley (Street Car) in Sugar House, and an 89-mile commuter rail.
Growing Fairpark boasts International Peace Gardens
The International Peace Gardens is located in the Fairpark portion of Jordan Park, 1160 Dalton Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84104. in Salt Lake City, Utah, represent unity and harmony. Established in 1952, this serene oasis spans 11 acres, featuring a stunning array of flora from around the world. Each garden represents a different country, fostering cultural appreciation and understanding. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, from Japanese Zen gardens to European rose gardens, creating a peaceful atmosphere that transcends borders. The gardens also host various cultural events, promoting global awareness and friendship. Beyond its scenic beauty, the International Peace Gardens serve as a reminder of our shared humanity and the hope for a more peaceful world.
The gardens are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. year round. Flower displays are in bloom from May until October. Yes! You can bring your dog on a leash.
Jordan Park offers fun family atmosphere
Salt Lake City’s outdoor recreation spaces are well maintained. Jordan Park, 1060 S 900 W, features three playgrounds and two restrooms. It also features the following:
- Bike Polo Court
- Softball: 2 Fields
- Drinking Fountains
- Volleyball: 2 Courts
- 1 Sand (at large east pavilion)
- 1 Cement (at southwest pavilion)
- Pavilions: 2
- Off-leash fenced Area for pets
- Skate Park
- Horseshoes: 4 Courts
- Glass Recycling (south parking lot)
Other Fairpark parks and trails encourage outdoor activity
Fairpark neighbors value greenspace. Following are more parks that enrich the lives of residents there:
Jackson Park
481 N Grant Street
This small park features a playground and picnic table
Guadalupe Park
500 North, 600 West
Here you will find some of the most stunning trees! You will also find a playground, a basketball court and picnic tables.
Constitution Park
300 N 1300 W
This 10-acre park is next to the Northwest Recreation Center and the Jordan River Parkway in Salt Lake City’s Fairpark neighborhood. The park features a pavilion, playground, sports field, tennis court and volleyball nets. It also features two Futsal Courts (mini-soccer pitch).
Cottonwood Park
1580 W North Star Drive
Dog lovers, you will love the dog park with an off-leash area at Cottonwood. It features a jogging/walking path with quarter-mile markers, as well as basketball and volleyball courts. The park also features picnic tables and a pavilion.
Fairpark Community Garden
1037 W 300 North
This garden continues to grow through a true grassroots effort! The Fairpark Community Garden is formally billed as, “a haven in the middle of a highly diverse part of Salt Lake City. It is a growing, learning, caring community of like-minded people.” The allotment garden was a parking lot until 1993 when a group of people rented a bulldozer to break up the ground and till it to a depth of three feet! The gardening commenced and many community members thrill at the opportunity to work with the earth and harvest their bounty after a long summer. Workshops and farm-based training are all a part of this natural package!
Jordan River Parkway Trail
200 South and North Temple
The address given for the Jordan River Parkway Trail access is the site of the Jordan River Parkway Bridge over the Union Pacific Railway. It was completed in 2017.
The Jordan River Parkway Trail through Fairpark offers a refreshing escape in the heart of Salt Lake City. This scenic trail winds its way along the banks of the Jordan River, a tranquil oasis amidst the urban landscape. Spanning about 4 miles, it’s a favorite for hikers, joggers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. The path meanders through lush greenery, marshes, and wetlands, showcasing the area’s natural beauty and providing a habitat for diverse wildlife. With picturesque views of Fairpark and the Oquirrh Mountains as a backdrop, this trail is a peaceful retreat.
What are the homes like in Fairpark?
This historic neighborhood in Salt Lake City, Utah, boasts a diverse range of architectural styles. Its rich history is reflected in many of its charming homes and buildings. You can find examples of:
Victorian: Some older homes in Fairpark exhibit Victorian-era architectural elements, such as intricate detailing, steep roofs, and ornate facades.
Craftsman: Craftsman-style bungalows with their low-pitched roofs, overhanging eaves, and detailed woodwork are prevalent in the neighborhood.
Mid-century modern: Fairpark has its share of mid-century modern homes characterized by clean lines, flat planes, and large windows that bring the outdoors in.
Colonial Revival: This architectural style features symmetrical facades, columns, and gabled roofs and can be found in certain areas of Fairpark.
Tudor Revival: Some homes in the neighborhood exhibit elements of Tudor Revival style, including steeply pitched roofs, half-timbered detailing, and tall chimneys.
Contemporary: As the neighborhood evolves, you may also come across contemporary designs, featuring innovative materials and architectural elements.
Fairpark’s architectural diversity adds character to the neighborhood. In the faces of those homes is a story of growth, hardship, success, and development. Revitalization efforts on Salt Lake City’s west side show promise for a bright future with an artistic flair.
What is it like living in Fairpark?
Fairpark exudes a sense of community. Here, diversity is celebrated through neighborhood gatherings, festivals, ethnic-themed events, and through artistic expression.
Whether you prefer an urban or a suburban lifestyle, you’ll find it here. Fairpark focuses on providing a sense of community for its residents but all that is the Salt Lake City Metropolis is within walking distance.
Utah maintains a strong economy with opportunities in high-tech industries, service industries, banking, construction, and just about anything you can imagine.
With Utah’s world-class ski resorts less than an hour away, the Great Salt Lake, Utah Lake, the Wasatch Mountains, the Oquirrh Mountains, and countless museums, historic places, and endless parks, you will never be bored (unless you want to).
The Salt Lake City International Airport is less than 30 minutes away.
