New park opens in Utah County providing direct access to the Provo River

PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — A new park aimed at restoring the Provo River delta and the natural ecosystem of the June Sucker, an endemic species of Utah Lake and the Provo River is opening today.

The Delta Gateway Park, a new 3.4 acre public park located near 311 N Lakeshore Drive, was a 5-year project undertaken by the

Provo River Delta Restoration Project in collaboration with Provo Parks and Recreation. The project began in June 2020.

It will serve as an entry point to the newly realigned Provo River, which now flows into its historic delta. It will also provide access to more than 200 acres of restored wetlands, offering expanded recreational opportunities.

The project initially faced delays and safety problems due to trespassing issues and the potential destruction of plants and vegetation areas.  

Doug Robins, Director at Provo City Parks and Recreation said the new park is the result of strong partnerships that drive meaningful community projects.

“The Park will stand as a lasting investment in the health, wellness, and quality of life of our community,” Robins said in a press release.

Amenities available

Officials say visitors can access existing trails leading to Utah Lake as well as new trails throughout the restored delta area.

Some of the features of the park include:

• Shade sails providing comfort during summer months
• Picnic areas for community gatherings
• Direct access to the Provo River
• Educational signage about the delta restoration
• Trail connections to the Provo River Trail, Utah Lake trails, Lakeview Parkway Trail, The Rivers Natural Area Park, and new Provo River Delta trails

Funding the project

According to a press release, The Provo River Delta project provided both land and funding to Provo City for the park’s construction, which the city will own and manage going forward.

Funding for the project was made possible through grants from the Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission and the State of Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant Program. This covered majority of costs for land acquisition, design, and construction, offsetting more than $4 million in expenses and eliminating the need for local tax funding to establish the park.

The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation allocated additional grant funding for park amenities. Provo’s Recreation, Arts and Parks (RAP) Tax provided the final funds needed to complete the project.

Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi called the park a gateway to one of Utah’s most important ecological restoration projects. “Families can enjoy the playground and picnic areas while also learning about the critical wetland habitat that’s being restored right in our backyard,” Kaufusi said.