THREE CREEKS CONFLUENCE

Uncovering where Red Butte, Emigration & Parleys Creeks meet the Jordan River.

Three of our creeks, Red Butte, Emigration, and Parleys, spill into the Jordan River at the same location, 1300 South and 900 West in Salt Lake City, UT. Sandwiched between an auto shop and half-burnt home, the site existed in a neglected condition. The area was paved over with a dead-end segment of 1300 South—weeds, garbage, and encroachments abound.

Over $3 million was secured for the construction of the Three Creeks Confluence. We uncovered 200 feet of combined stream in a newly restored channel. A 120-foot bridge connects the site to the Jordan River Trail. On the fishing bridge, anglers have restored access to toss a line in. The plaza provides a venue for relaxation, education, and celebration.

In 2017, the Seven Canyons Trust received an Achievement Award from the Utah American Planning Association for the innovative project design and creative community engagement process.

BEFORE

AFTER

GOALS

• Expand solutions to water quality impairments;

• Enhance habitat value and reactivating the neglected space;

• Diversify active transportation and recreation opportunity; and

• Create a gateway to the Jordan River for nearby community anchor institutions, schools, and the surrounding neighborhood.

BACKGROUND

Starting with City Creek, each waterway was traced from headwaters to their confluence with the Jordan River. A series of creek flyovers were created. We noticed Red Butte, Emigration, and Parleys creeks spilled out at the same location. Renderings and site plans were created to demonstrate the potential of this location and, more broadly, stream daylighting for the Salt Lake Valley. Highlighted as the centerpiece of 100 Years of Daylighting, the Three Creeks Confluence was born. As students, we presented this ambitious project to Salt Lake City in 2014.

DATA

Did you know three creeks flow under 1300 South? [01]

Do you support daylighting here?