By Justin Adams | [email protected]

There are a number of parks in Draper that have recently received a little bit of a facelift, others that are still in the process of getting some new improvements and one completely new park that’s under construction. The Draper Journal sat down with Rhett Ogden, the director of the Draper Parks and Recreation Department, to get all the details. 

Suncrest Park

A new six-acre park is being constructed in the Suncrest community and is expected to be completed this fall. The park will include a full-size multi-use athletic field (the first in Suncrest), a playground, group pavilion, restrooms, a walking trail and two pickleball courts. 

Trail Connection

In June, the city completed a paved connection trail between the Porter Rockwell trail to the Draper Canal trail as well as paved the section of the Porter Rockwell trail between 11400 South and 12300 South. “We’ve already received a lot of good feedback about that,” said Ogden. 

Ghost Falls Trail

One of the most popular hikes in Draper, according to Ogden, is the Ghost Falls trail. However, Ogden said the city has received complaints about how many mountain bikers also use the trail, which can be dangerous. In response, the parks and recreation department is working on a separate footpath where hikers can avoid the bikers. That project should be completed later this summer. 

Southfork Park

“We’ve been hearing from a lot of people recently who have said, ‘When is Draper going to get pickleball courts?’” said Ogden. Now Draper has six brand-new pickleball courts that were installed at Southfork Park (158 East Southfork Drive) earlier this summer. 

Splash pad at Smith Fields Park

It seems every city has to have a splash pad these days and Draper is no exception. A brand new splash pad was opened at Smith Fields Park (13400 South 150 East) on Memorial Day, and it’s been a huge hit with the Draper community. “Day to day, there’s over 200 people there,” said Ogden. 

Galena Hills Park

Some new additions are on the horizon for Galena Hills Park (12500 South 550 West) as well. It will be getting two new baseball diamonds and a new parking lot. The city will be accepting bids later this year and construction is expected to start next year.