LAYTON — A breath of fresh air. A pristine view. And good, old-fashioned peace and quiet.
The newly renovated Fernwood Park in Layton provides "the great outdoors" to families or individuals looking for a way to escape.
Little-known Fernwood has always provided access to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and featured a few picnic benches. It is a quick drive out of Layton and into the hills. With its new makeover, it's now easier to get to, and as longtime visitor John Stevens says, simply more appealing.
"They've really done a lot of good work here," Stevens said.
He comes here about once a week to work — he connects his laptop to the Internet through a wireless connection — and meditate. He came before the renovation but says rain would make the road nearly impassable and that horse trailers blocked it sometimes.
Now, the horse trailers have parking places specifically marked just for them. And the road and foot pathways are paved.
Those looking for more than a pathway to a picnic bench can find access directly to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. From Fernwood, one can hike above the valley to Salt Lake City. Or, there is Kays Creek hike, an approximately three-hour, 8-mile round-trip venture rated "difficult" by Go-Utah.com.
The idea to renovate the park came from area residents who didn't like the way the park was looking. Worried about unattended campfires and partying close to their homes, they appealed to Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah. The Forest Service received a $500,000 allocation for the facility, and reconstruction began in summer 2004.
The park's four single-unit picnic sites now sit on concrete with winding walks to some. They are shaded by scrub oak and surrounded by wildflowers. Birds and butterflies inhabit the area.
The group picnic site is similar to the single sites around it, but it also features a small amphitheater. Around the site, two new restrooms and drinking fountains are available to guests.
Perhaps the most stunning part is the view from the overlook point. Layton to North Salt Lake is visible, with the Great Salt Lake outlining the panorama. With heavy spring rains, the lake is full and a pristine blue.
The renovation comes with new rules. Perhaps the biggest change for those already acquainted with Fernwood will be the lack of fire. Signs around the park alert visitors that all campfires, including those in charcoal grills are banned, due to the proximity of homes. Propane grills are allowed.
Fernwood will now assist in area firefighting. A city fire hydrant was installed at the gate. This allows a portable water dip tank to be set up in the parking lot for wildland firefighting. The cost was shared by Layton and the Forest Service with the water provided by Layton at no cost.
A helipad in the upper parking lot will also assist firefighters. The helipad looks like a plain spot of concrete but is intended to be used for fires and search and rescue for the nearby Adam's Canyon and elsewhere.
Directions to Fernwood Park from U.S. 89:
Turn east onto Cherry Lane (at Sinclair Station)
Take first left onto Valley View Drive and continue north about a half mile.
Turn right onto Fernwood Drive and continue up the hill
Turn right onto Fernwood Park Drive and continue through the gate to the parking areas.
E-mail: nandrews@desnews.com