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Show rary Te CHARLESTON Nave re eS f ’ DANIELS rrerrn MIDWAY. Wasatch Mountain State Park tops list in annual visitors ene “ CITY raised money to make improvements to the park where other funding could not stretch, such as adding a playground and park benches to the visitor’s center.’ Other improvements may not be as noticeable as recently erected physical BY NICKI CALLAHAN COURIER STAFF ders Utah isa eric place to2 structures but enhance the park just the same, such as trail won- maintenance and spring clean ups that regularly take place. AG your- _ Another notable improvement, courtesy of fund-raising by Friends is the renovation of the old Tate Barn. Built around self when summer finally comes around. 4 ith its eDInDIen diversity on outdoor Sees the turn of the century Tate Barn, located near the Solider ig When planning a day outdoors many people look to local state parks to provide activities and entertainment. One such park, Wasatch Mountain State Park, has many amenities and hosts a myriad of eae round recreational5 gatherings. Ranked number one last year for the most visits of all 44: state parks, with a total of 930,000 patrons, Wasatch Mountain State Park is Utah’s most developed state park. Second in size only to Antelope Island State Park, Wasatch Mountain offers 139 camping/picnicking areas, two group use pavilions, modern restrooms, hot showers and utility hookups along with hiking/biking trails and horseback rid| ing Furthermore, the park is home to one of the finest golf courses around. While the park is frequently visited by out of state outdoor enthusiasts, many in the local community are unaware of its vast appeal. “Most people (in Heber Valley) don’t te that dere are 23, 000 acres of park right in their back yard, they don’t use i said Chip Higgins President and founder of Friends of Wasatch Mountain State Park. : Higgins established Friends four years ago in hopes of one people out to the park. “The park seemed foreign and underused to the residents of Wasatch County,” Higgins added. By the numerical statistics it appears Higgins and his group have met their goals. But Friends have other ambi- _ tious objectives in-addition to increasing attendance. “Our main goal is to preserve, protect enhance the park,” said Higgins. Friends have Friends stepped in and raised enough money for a rebuild. Although dismantled at the moment, the Tate Barn is slated to be completed before the Olympics. - Gone are the days when all you might find at a park isi what you packed yourself to eat. You might have driven to the park, unpacked your picnic, eaten and had a look around then gotten in your car and driven home. T oday there is so much more to do and see, thanks in part to the planning of groups such as Friends of Wasatch State Park, who have scheduled many events to take place at the park this peak - summer season. ! “pround. the beehive state a unique Summer play. Hollow Olympic venue, had been deteriorating for years until nt TM activities make | TT biking, water skiing, climbing and other open-air On Wednesday, June 20 at 7 p.m. at the visitors center, Kirk Robinson will give a lecture explaining the basic precautions when hiking in cougar country. The program titled Predator Program will last for approximately one hour. Saturday June 23, at 9 a.m. a summer hike is; planned to explore Dutch Canyon. Hiking should last about 3 hours. Good shoes, water and snacks are some of the suggested items to pack. Meet at the visitor’s center to car pool to os l] Hiking, trailhead. Numerous other events re the park throughout the summer and even into the Last year two full moon snowshoe trips were drew 75 people per night. “It was a huge Higgins. This summer you may wish perhaps rediscover are organized winter months. planned which success,” said to discover or Wasatch Mountain State Park. Chances are it may be right in your own back yard. and INSIDE: EVENT CALENDAR: B2 » MOVIE REVIEW: B3 « SUNDANCE B4 « HOROSCOPES: Bé To iN ere a re Oe |