On “Hidden Gems”, we discuss some of our favorite locales you may have overlooked in the Salt Lake City area, as well as name a song that fits the place best. Today I’m looking Faultline Gardens, a cozy park with a wonderful view.

Located at 1033 East and 400 South, Faultline Gardens isn’t exactly in the most obvious location; if you’re going eastward on 400 South the road takes a bend at 1000 East and turns into 500 South. Thus, if you want to get to the park, you’ll want to approach it from the East or North. In addition, there’s no easy way to spot the park from a distance; it’s hardly a fraction of the size of Lindsey Gardens of Liberty Park, nor is there any obvious signage pointing to its location. Only when you arrive at its address will you see a sign, facing westward and nestled between some rocks and bushes.

Once you are there, get ready for a treat. They key to this park’s appeal comes in two parts. The first is the simplicity of it; there’s a table to sit at, two swings, and a slide (albeit a very small one). Your options are limited, but that can be a relief when so many parks offer more of the same. If the swings and table are occupied, you can always take a breather and lie down on the grass (depending on the weather of course).

Two Paths Diverge

Whichever option you take, you’ll be able to partake in the park’s second appeal, which is the view. Neither too uphill nor too far away from the city, Faultline Gardens offers an excellent view of the metropolitan area, as well as the Greater Avenues and immediately surrounding hills. It’s the kind of view that reminds why I love this city so much; here you can see both the bustle of city life and the majesty of (and the proximity of) the outdoors.

To have two such elements in tandem requires a unique song. Thus, when deliberating on a song I thought fit Faultline Gardens best, I chose Björk’s arrangement of “Like Someone in Love”. Written by Jimmy Van Heusen, the song was originally popularized by a rendition by Frank Sinatra. Björk’s take brings the song into a modern, urban context; you can hear the sound of passing cars as she sings aside ethereal melodies played on the harp. The result is grounded yet surreal, capturing the mood Faultline Gardens so easily conveys.