ALL NEWS

SLC to reopen portion of Allen Park, aka ‘Hobbitville’

Oct 1, 2020, 4:18 PM

Utah history...

Allen Park, which sits on 1300 East across the street from Westminster College, is home to several historic buildings and pieces of artwork -- which is why nearby residents pushed for the land to be preserved. (Photo: Utah State History via KSL.com)

(Photo: Utah State History via KSL.com)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — A portion of Allen Park, commonly referred to as “Hobbitville” among Sugar House residents, will reopen to the public Sunday in Salt Lake City. This comes nearly seven months after the city purchased the 7-acre site, promising to preserve the historic property. 

The park will officially reopen Sunday, remaining open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours. This is the first time in roughly half a century Allen Park will be available for city residents to use. 

“The preservation of this one of a kind space in our city is an important milestone for us, and for generations of Salt Lakers to come,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall in a statement. “I am happy that the day has finally come when everyone will be able to see and experience what a special place Allen Park is.”

 

The charm of Allen Park, aka “Hobbitville”

Commonly referred to as “Hobbitville,” the quirky neighborhood earned its nickname because of the small homes and log cabins found there. 

Neighbors say high school and college students, claiming to look for the dwarves who are rumored to live there, frequently trespass in the area. 

The park, located on 1300 East across from Westminster College, hosts several historic buildings and pieces of artwork. It was one reason why nearby residents pushed for preservation.

Earlier this year, the future of Allen Park was uncertain as several developers considered what to do with the property. 

Salt Lake City purchased the land for $7.5 million in March, promising to repair and preserve the land. The city promised it would eventually open it as a public art park. While there are still ongoing preservation developments, a portion of the park will reopen. City residents will be able to walk the entirety of Allen Park Drive, just along Emigration Creek. 

“Allen Park is an exciting addition to Salt Lake City’s green space inventory. It features one of the last remaining wild sections of stream,” said Brian Tonetti, executive director of Seven Canyons Trust. “The 1,200-foot stretch of Emigration Creek meanders its way among an old-growth riparian forest, historic homes, and creative works of art. Allen Park provides a community asset to escape the chaos of urban life.”

History of Allen Park

Originally established as a bird sanctuary in the 1930s, Allen Park became a refuge for residents escaping the growing city. The land’s original owner, George Allen, was a prominent local surgeon who served on the Salt Lake Zoological Society. He played instrumental roles in the creation of Utah’s Hogle Zoo and the Tracy Aviary. 

Residents who lived there often joked about the small houses and dwarfed appliances — granting the park its nickname, “Hobbitville.”

However, residents vacated the area in January 2019. That’s because the site’s owners and landlord died, and the city said maintaining it cost too much. 

Uncertain future for Hobbitville

After residents vacated Allen Park, developers attempted negotiations to renovate Hobbitville to create new living spaces. Area residents clamored for its history to be preserved.

“The community concern and community support Utah Open Lands witnessed in the effort to save Allen Park was a clear demonstration that this vital living riparian area and cultural landscape will continue to be a community treasure well worth the multiple efforts that went into saving it,” said Wendy Fisher, executive director of Utah Open Lands.

Developers also ran into several logistical issues with property plans: Parking, city traffic, building renovations, etc. 

The city announced its plan to buy the land and convert it to a public art park in March. 

“Few sites in Salt Lake City can claim as long and as powerful a hold on the public imagination as Allen Park,” said David Amott, executive director of Preservation Utah. “Preservation Utah looks forward to aiding Salt Lake City in restoring, interpreting, and programming Allen Park in the present moment and for years to come.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

All News

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

SLC to reopen portion of Allen Park, aka ‘Hobbitville’