By MARGA SCHMIE
Brigham Young knew what he was looking for when he entered the Salt Lake Valley and declared: “this is the right place.” While gazing from the mouth of Emigration Canyon, Young recognized Ensign Peak from a vision in which Joseph Smith appeared to him.
Last Friday night President Gordon B. Hinckley, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated the newly completed Ensign Peak Nature Park, Salt Lake City’s newest park.
From the historical and sacred spot, plans for the new city were envisioned and laid out.
Speaking of Young’s declaration, President Hinckley said it was an act of tremendous courage to say.
“As I think of his leadership, I marvel at his boldness,” President Hinckley said.
Through the years, many proposed to preserve and establish Ensign Peak as a public park. President Hinckley cited buildings, large neon signs and a concrete cross as evidence of attempts to commercialize the area.
Scattered hiking trails and automobiles driven to the summit have damaged the hill.
A concerned group decided to do something about it.
Five years ago, local citizens, encouraged by church, city and community officials, got involved in a public/private venture.
The Ensign Peak Foundation, whose purpose, said Judge Michael L. Hutchings, spokesperson for the foundation, is to raise money to build, beautify and develop Ensign Peak Nature Park.
The completed park was a collective effort made possible by the foundation, Salt Lake City and private individuals. $500,000 for improvements were raised along with many hours donated.
The city provided the land, and the foundation provided the labor to help develop the land, Hutchings said.
“This park is unique for numerous reasons,” said City Councilman Tom Godfrey in his acceptance speech. The 70-acre park which is equivalent to seven city blocks has both a historic and symbolic nature.
President Hinckley expressed gratitude to those whose contributions made the newly created park possible and to those in the past who blazed a trail to the mountains.
“I was overcome with a sense of gratitude for those who, 149 years ago, made the long trek and laid the foundation for what we enjoy today, he said.”
Information plaques throughout the park give visitors insight into the fascinating history of Ensign Peak.
“The first temple endowments were performed at Ensign Peak, in the Endowment House,” Hutchings said.
A ribbon cutting took place involving the descendents of nine of the original men who hiked the summit and named Ensign Peak after which an array of colorful balloons floated over the valley.
The entrance to Ensign Peak Nature Park is at 147 Ensign Vista Drive (1025 North). The park is open from dawn to dusk
