As if Alan and Karen Ashton hadn't already made a lot people's lives more user-friendly with innovations in the world of word processing, now the couple has unveiled plans for a bit of heaven in the natural world, too.
Alan Ashton, co-founder of WordPerfect, and his wife addressed Lehi's City Council Tuesday and presented preliminary plans for a 480-acre parcel of annexed land soon to be groomed into a farmer's market. And a gardening getaway. And an 18-hole golf course. And a petting zoo. And a reception and convention center.The name will be Thanksgiving Point, in reference to the Ashtons' "gratitude and thankfulness to the creator who has given us everything and in appreciation of nature and the enjoyment of animals," Alan Ashton said.
The land, near 3100 N. South Frontage Road, is between I-15 and the Jordan River in north Lehi and will be annexed into the city. The Ashtons, along with landscape architect Leonard Grassli and organizer Cal Farr, are petitioning council members for the city's approval.
"I think we should be grateful that you decided to choose Lehi for this magnificent site," an emotionally charged Mayor Bill Gibbs remarked. "Words can't express the feelings I have right now."
Originally used as a farm by the Fox family, the Ashtons purchased the land in February. They explained to council members and the general public what Thanksgiving Point would become and how each part of the park would cater to different needs and aesthetics.
"Visitors will be greeted to the park by a large water tower," Ashton said. "The first areas will be the farmer's market and the vegetable gardens. We have a 10-acre orchard, and the gardens will provide food for the eating facilities.
"We plan to sell fresh produce, and have seasonal activities, such as pumpkins for Halloween and decorations for the Christmas season."
Production greenhouses, flowering garden centers and impressive landscaping will continue the visitors' tour, he said.
"We're growing a lot of our own plants and have already planted 12,000 trees," he said. About 4,000 trees are spruce and pine, he said, and the remaining 8,000 will be shade trees, mostly maples, sycamores and lindens.
"The idea is to have an appreciation and understanding for the things that are around us," Ashton said. "We want to encourage families to come out and learn about gardening and planting and to see the trees bloom."
A recreation area with sites for baseball, volleyball, basketball and soccer will be built, along with horse pastures and trails for riding.
"We'll have cows, goats, turkeys, chickens and Clydesdale horses for kids to come and see and experience," Ashton said.
An amphitheater will provide a location for families and organizations to meet as well as a place for entertainment, while secluded spots in the park will allow for wedding receptions with landscaping and natural beauty, he said.
The 18-hole golf course "was just what we needed to keep the area green and lovely" Karen Ashton added.
"But we don't intend on generating a revenue (with the course) because it won't be open on Sunday," she joked.
A minimal fee for users of the vegetable garden is expected to be announced at a later date.
Audience members who packed the council chamber room to get a glimpse of the project showed their appreciation to the Ashtons with applause following the presentation.