When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation
Why Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation offers an extensive variety of outdoor and indoor activities, making it an excellent destination for meeting up with friends who enjoy nature, fitness, and community events. With over 104 parks spread across the county, visitors can explore diverse green spaces including large parks like Sugar House Park, known for its rolling hills and scenic ponds, and the vast This Is the Place Heritage Park, which also offers a glimpse into 19th-century pioneer life through its historical buildings and monuments. The county also features 21 Recreation and Ice Centers along with more than a dozen pools both indoor and outdoor, providing ample opportunities for aquatics enthusiasts and fitness lovers alike. Trails such as the Bonneville Shoreline Trail allow for hiking and biking amidst nature’s beauty, while golf courses and senior centers cater to a variety of interests and age groups. These facilities support wellness, leisure, and social interaction, making the parks and recreational centers convenient spots for friends to gather and engage in healthy, enjoyable activities throughout all seasons. The inclusive breadth of services and scenic settings offers something for everyone, whether for vigorous exercise, relaxation, or cultural experiences.
Here's what people think of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation
As of recent, Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation holds a 1.9-star rating based on 7 reviews.
Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation has received a modest overall rating of 1.9 from about 7 reviews, indicating mixed experiences among users. Positive reviews typically highlight the extensive range of facilities and parks available, noting the variety of activities such as swimming, hiking, and golfing, along with community events that provide venues for socializing and recreation. Users appreciate the accessibility to both natural and built environments for outdoor fun and fitness, as well as the historical and cultural value offered by places like This Is the Place Heritage Park. Conversely, negative reviews point to issues such as maintenance challenges, crowded facilities, or perceived management shortcomings that can detract from the visitor experience. Some users may find certain parks or amenities lacking in upkeep or that the diversity of services could be better coordinated. Despite these criticisms, the presence of numerous parks, recreational centers, and programs indicates a strong community resource overall. The reviews suggest that while some visitors have encountered frustrations, the county’s investment in public recreation remains valuable, offering wide-ranging opportunities for enjoyment and social connection.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Rich Martinez
Instead of taking the dead trees out systematically at Wheeler Farm and trying to minimally disturb any wildlife, they like to just plow everything down and flatten it to dirt with little though to the beauty of the park or any wildlife.They say they want to restore the canopy but they come in and plow the areas where new trees are growing before they can mature. “Prepare for flooding” is also what they claim. Why did you plow 50+ yards away from any water way?
Lu Ann Aalders
Get the homeless people out of the parks. Laying around and setting up covers, shopping carts, trash, and filth. This is ridiculous. We used to love to bring our dog to several parks, but with this kind of atmosphere, we will have to find somewhere else to go. It’s pretty sad, that nothing is being done, to keep them out of our public parks. Please for our city, let’s take it back!!
Bruce McDonough
I daily attend the Lions Rec Center (Millcreek) 70% of the time the deep end of the pool is closed because there are not enough lifeguards. 1 sits and watches while 2 sit in the office and do nothing. This has been a problem since the colleges began fall semesters. I hope someone will also track the non-use of the childcare area. I have never seen a child there. Maybe that person can be trained as a lifeguard and only work the daycare when parents reserve a spot. Please fix the lifeguard problem. Steiner center is looking like a better solution!!
Tallie Hamblin
You guys need to extend pool hours. 1-6 or 12-4 is not long enough especially now the My County rec passes are active. The pools get to capacity quick with short hours and with some of the pools under construction. It is ridiculous being turned away from 3 different pools because they are at capacity.
Michael Sussman
Katie Obray waited until a major Jewish holiday to declare war on this Jew. Despite being a member she orally expresses I may NEVER sit on the bench inside. She invented a 45 minute rule as to how long this member can be in the locker room. She has the temerity to call me by my first name. How dare she? She had a female harass me in the locker room today. She sent a male outside to harass me while I was drying my towel in the sun. On November 29, 2022 these Philistines decided not to open until 11 in the morning. 4 hours late to harm those Salt Lake County government has made homeless and completely unsheltered. Always call first because they close whenever they feel like it. Although I'm a paying member, I was gone for over 4 months on account of the abuse. Upon my return on 31 March the abuse was enormous. Two anonymous staff members took turns keeping the door to the locker room open and shouting at me. They don't want me on the wooden bench nor in the locker room. They are like the Road Home, they don't accept Jews. Salt Lake County government made me homeless almost 10 months ago. Now they don't want me to practice personal hygiene. On April 15, 2023 it took a chunk of my day to get in. They gave nobody else a hard time getting in. They offered no explanation. On my way out a boy with a nose piercing followed me from close behind. He refused to identify himself. He used profanity and threatened to murder me if I ever return to the Central City Recreation Center.
How to reach Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation
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Website: None
Why Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation with your friends? Gathering at this location offers an unbeatable blend of outdoor beauty, diverse activities, and accessible facilities perfect for group meetups. Whether you want to reconnect with nature, engage in friendly sports competition, or simply relax and enjoy each other’s company, Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation provides an inclusive setting that fosters both fun and wellness. The expansive parks, trails, and multiple recreation centers offer plenty of space and options for everyone, from kids to adults. Meeting here means you can customize your day around your group’s interests, whether that’s hiking, swimming, playing sports, or exploring cultural and historic venues like Wheeler Historic Farm. Despite a modest rating, the sheer variety of amenities makes this a practical and versatile spot for group activities. Its accessible locations throughout Salt Lake County also make logistics easier when coordinating with friends or family coming from different parts of the region. Thus, it’s not just a park; it’s a dynamic community space designed to enhance social interaction, physical activity, and shared experiences.
What activities does Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation offer for groups? The spectrum of activities is impressively broad, catering to both active adventures and more leisurely gatherings. For fitness and sports enthusiasts, there are 21 recreation and ice centers along with ten indoor and nine outdoor pools, providing ample opportunities for group swimming, water aerobics, and swim lessons. Many locations also offer organized sports leagues, youth programs, and drop-in classes such as pickleball—a fast-growing racquet sport combining tennis, badminton, and ping-pong elements—ideal for players of all levels. If your group prefers team or individual sports, basketball gyms, tennis courts, racquetball courts, and more are widely available. The recreation centers also support child care programs, allowing parents to relax knowing their children are engaged in safe, supervised activities. For those who love winter sports, ice skating rinks and ice centers give groups a chance to glide together and build memorable moments on the ice.
Why is Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation ideal for group meetups? One of the hallmarks of this park system is its extensive and well-maintained facilities, which accommodate everything from casual picnics to organized events. The impressive network of parks and open spaces is perfect for a casual hangout or an active day out. Group members can explore miles of trails for hiking and biking, providing both a scenic backdrop and physical engagement that suits various fitness levels. The presence of Wheeler Historic Farm adds a unique cultural aspect, making it a fantastic educational opportunity for families and friends interested in local history and farm life. Additionally, many recreational centers within the county include amenities such as fitness centers, childcare, and multipurpose rooms, so groups can easily find a space that fits their needs. The convenience of these amenities within the same system helps keep group activity planning seamless and enjoyable.
How do indoor facilities at Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation enhance group experiences? When weather conditions are less favorable, the indoor options become a major asset. With 21 recreation and ice centers spread across Salt Lake County, these indoor facilities provide spaces for sports like basketball, racquetball, and ice skating year-round. The indoor pools are great for groups wanting a warm-water option for swimming or water-based exercise, which can be particularly appealing during winter months. Beyond physical activities, many centers run classes and leagues that groups can join, fostering camaraderie and friendly competition. The centers' inclusion of weight rooms, fitness classes, and on-site childcare broaden options for group members of various ages and interests. This flexibility ensures that meetups can be tailored to the group’s preferences while encouraging everyone to stay active and have fun together.
What makes the outdoor spaces of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation special for social gatherings? The county’s parks and open spaces are perfect for those who enjoy connecting with nature while socializing. These outdoor areas feature picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and large grassy fields where groups can host barbecues, birthday parties, or casual get-togethers. The extensive trail system provides options for walking, running, or biking, which can be coordinated as group activities to promote healthy interaction. Many parks also have scenic viewpoints and natural features that enrich the group experience by providing beautiful photo opportunities and relaxed spaces to unwind. Moreover, some parks offer rentable spaces that add a bit of convenience and privacy for larger events or celebrations. This blend of natural beauty and functional amenities makes outdoor gatherings both enjoyable and convenient.
Are there unique attractions within Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation that add value to meetups? Absolutely. One standout is Wheeler Historic Farm, which offers a brilliant mix of history, agriculture, and education. This working farm allows groups to experience traditional farming activities, see farm animals, and participate in seasonal events and workshops. It adds an enriching layer to any meetup by blending recreation with cultural and historical learning. Another notable feature includes multiple golf courses managed by the same parks and recreation system, providing yet another avenue for group activity in a natural, scenic environment. For families with children, places like Boondocks Fun Center nearby offer indoor and outdoor games such as mini-golf, go-karts, laser tag, and batting cages, further expanding the options for an energetic and entertaining day. These distinctive offerings complement the standard park features and help ensure that every group finds something engaging to inspire memorable gatherings.
How accessible and convenient is Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation for group events? Accessibility is a central strength. With multiple locations scattered throughout Salt Lake County, it is easy to pick a site that best suits the geographical makeup of the group. Facilities are maintained with public use in mind, featuring ample parking, restrooms, and accessibility accommodations. Operational hours also support flexible planning, allowing groups to visit during weekdays or weekends, and many centers offer extended or special hours. The Parks and Recreation department also provides easy contact points for arranging reservations and getting information, simplifying event coordination. For groups seeking a mix of recreational fun and ease of planning, Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation presents a compelling choice that balances quality, variety, and accessibility.
In summary, Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation is a multifaceted venue uniquely suited for group gatherings ranging from casual hangouts to active outings and organized events. Its vast network of parks, trails, sports facilities, indoor recreation centers, pools, and cultural sites provides dynamic options that engage all ages and interests. The accessible locations, expansive amenities, child care options, and additional attractions like historic farms and golf courses combine to create a welcoming, versatile venue for friends and family meetups. While the overall user rating might suggest areas for improvement, the sheer quantity and variety of activities ensure that groups can find plenty of ways to connect, play, and create lasting memories together.