Provo, UT

As a new mom, one of my first missions when I moved here was to find a park with grass, shade and swings. Believe it or not, that wasn’t easy to find in this arid region, especially since so many playgrounds are in newly developed housing areas. I was thrilled to discover Layton Commons Park, a lushly-shaded, 47-acre, city-owned park located at 437 N. Wasatch Drive in Layton.

Layton Commons Park had everything I was looking for and more, including picnic pavilions, grills, a small amphitheater, heritage museum, restrooms, and a nicely paved walking path along a stretch of Kay’s Creek, which ends at a duck pond. In fact, this park is commonly known to locals as “The Duck Park”. (Before you head over, be sure to stop at the Wonder Bread Store on Main Street in Layton to buy a bag of “duck bread” for about a dollar.)

Except for some stretches of open field, the park is mostly shaded by tall, aged trees. So even on those 100+ degree sweltering summer days Utah is famous for, you’re protected from the sun. We attend this park year-round, even when there’s snow on the ground.

My one complaint about Layton Commons Park–if I’m pressed to come up with one–is that there are only two baby/toddler swings so there’s always a frustrated little one waiting on busy days. My daughter has shed quite a few tears over having to give other kids a chance to swing. Otherwise, kids can happily play, climb, swing, and slide for hours.

The park bustles with toddlers and preschoolers before lunchtime. Some area schools (Layton High School is across the street) and home school organizations use the park for sports practices, so it’s sometimes crowded after school. I often see groups of friends or couples picnicking, strolling, or simply relaxing in each other’s company. During the spring and fall I make it a point to meet here for playdates at least once a week. We’ve attended summer concerts and performances. It’s also a great place for birthday parties or family reunions.

On busy Saturdays or for special events you can reserve a pavilion. But if you don’t and the pavilions are all occupied, there are benches throughout the park, and plenty of grassy, shady places to lay a picnic blanket. There are no trash bins, though, so you have to pack out what you bring in.

We always like to end our time at the park with a relaxing stroll along the walking path, stopping to feed the ducks. I prefer to feed them along the fenced-in areas, since the geese and gulls can get a little aggressive. (My daughter still recalls getting nipped on the finger when she was barely 2 years old!)

This park is so beautiful that it’s not unusual to see professional photographers trailing families to capture perfect moments. This is a park where memories are made, and without a doubt, our family favorite. I would easily drive an hour to spend an afternoon here.

Trees, shade, grass, sand, slides, swings…what better way to spend the day? And what better way to end it, than with a happy, exhausted child who falls asleep on the way home!

For directions and some great photos: http://www.laytoncity.org/public/Depts/ParksRec/CityParks/laytoncommons.aspx