Layton Commons Park (The Duck Park)

Layton Commons Park is a 47-acre city-owned park located at 437 N Wasatch Drive in Layton. This lushly shaded oasis is one of the most family-friendly local parks, with soft, thick grass, towering trees, a walking path, a duck pond, plenty of playground equipment and two swingsets (a seemingly rare commodity in Utah parks).

Except for some stretches of open field, Layton Commons Park is mostly shaded by tall, aged trees so even on those sweltering summer days Utah is famous for, you’re protected from the sun. We attend this park year-round, even when there’s snow on the ground.

Layton Commons Park is perfect for playing, picnicking, strolling, or simply relaxing with a book. The park bustles with toddlers and preschoolers in the mornings. Some area schools and home school organizations use the park for sports practices after school. Locally known as 'The Duck Park' or simply 'Layton Park,' the park features a nicely paved walking path along a stretch of Kay's Creek, which ends at a duck pond. (A quick stop at the Wonder Bread Store on Main Street in Layton will get you a bag of 'duck bread' for about a dollar.) The ducks can be a little agressive, so alway supervise children carefully.

Layton Commons Park has several picnic pavilions, grills, a small amphitheater, a heritage museum and restrooms. The park is ideal for large birthday parties or family reunions. On busy weekends or for special events you can reserve a pavilion. But if you don’t and the pavilions are all occupied, there are benches throughout the park, and plenty of grassy, shady acres to lay a picnic blanket.

This park is so beautiful that it’s not unusual to see professional photographers trailing families to capture perfect moments. This is a park where memories are made, and without a doubt, our family favorite. Trees, shade, grass, sand, slides, swings…what better way to spend the day? And what better way to end it, than with a happy, exhausted child who falls asleep on the way home.

Where: 437 N Wasatch Drive in Layton, Utah

When: Open year-round

Website: http://www.laytoncity.org/public/Depts/ParksRec/CityParks/laytoncommons.aspx

Takeaway: There are no trash bins, so pack out what you bring in to keep this park beautiful.

Noelle Graf is a freelance writer specializing in travel reviews and features about people, places, and things. Email her at noelle823@yahoo.com to inquire about writing, editing, blogging, and consulting services.