South Jordan punches above its weight for outdoor recreation. The city has built one of the most extensive park and trail systems in Salt Lake County over the past 20 years, anchored by Oquirrh Lake in Daybreak, the Jordan River Parkway, and a network of community parks that touch nearly every neighborhood. If you’re considering buying in South Jordan or already live here and want to make the most of what’s outside your door, this is the working guide.
If you’re looking to buy in South Jordan and want a home within walking distance of specific parks, call 801-999-8005 or visit our South Jordan Real Estate page. We know which neighborhoods sit closest to which parks.
Oquirrh Lake (Daybreak) — South Jordan’s signature park
Oquirrh Lake is the centerpiece of Daybreak and arguably the best urban lake experience in Salt Lake County. The 80-acre lake is stocked with rainbow trout, bass, and bluegill (a Utah fishing license is required, which is purchased through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources). A 3-mile paved loop trail circles the lake, popular for walking, jogging, biking, and strollers.
You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and small sailboats at the Oquirrh Lake Boathouse during the warmer months (typically May through September). The lake also has a small beach, swim area, and fishing piers. The summer concert series at SoDa Row regularly draws families to the lakefront for live music.
Adjacent to the lake: SoDa Row’s restaurants and shops, the Daybreak amphitheater, and the District park playground complex.
South Jordan Park — the original community hub
South Jordan Park (10800 South 1300 West) is the city’s longstanding flagship park, with multiple baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, tennis and pickleball courts, a large pavilion for events, a splash pad for kids in summer, and a small skate park. It’s the venue for the city’s Country Fest in mid-June and Independence Day fireworks each summer.
For homeowners in older South Jordan neighborhoods west of Bangerter Highway, this park is the walkable backyard. Recent updates added new playground equipment and improved drainage.
Glenmoor Park and Glenmoor Golf Course
Glenmoor Park sits adjacent to the public Glenmoor Golf Course on the east side of South Jordan near Redwood Road. The park itself has tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, and a popular community pavilion that’s frequently reserved for birthdays and family reunions. The golf course is one of the most affordable public courses on the Wasatch Front, popular with retirees and weekend players.
Riverpark — the Jordan River corridor
Riverpark runs along the Jordan River Parkway through eastern South Jordan, with multiple access points including 10400 South and 11400 South. The Jordan River Parkway Trail itself is a paved multi-use trail that runs from Saratoga Springs to North Salt Lake — over 40 miles total, with the South Jordan stretch being one of the most scenic. Look for great blue herons, mule deer, and the occasional pheasant.
For runners and cyclists training for distance events, this is the best long-mileage option in South Jordan. The trail is paved, gently rolling, and has frequent water/restroom stops.
Highland Park (Daybreak) — neighborhood-scale fun
One of several Daybreak village parks, Highland Park has one of the most-used playgrounds in the city. It includes a splash pad, picnic pavilion, sand volleyball court, and open turf areas. Connected by trail to Garden Park, Founders Park, and the District. Highland Park is in the heart of Daybreak’s family-density neighborhoods, so expect it busy during after-school hours and weekends.
The District park complex
The District in north South Jordan features a small lake, walking paths, a playground, and connection trails. The District is also South Jordan’s mixed-use commercial center — restaurants, shops, the South Jordan Library, and movie theaters surround the park. Strong fit for empty nesters and singles who want walkable urban-style living.
Welby Park and trail system
Welby Park serves the west side of South Jordan near 11400 South 4570 West. The trail system that radiates from Welby connects to neighborhood streets and provides safe routes to several elementary schools (Welby, Eastlake, Daybreak). Good fit for families with kids who walk or bike to school.
Mulligans Golf and Games
Mulligans is South Jordan’s family entertainment center: mini golf, batting cages, driving range, go-karts, and seasonal events. Not technically a park but a community recreation staple, especially on summer evenings and birthday weekends.
South Jordan Aquatic Center and Recreation Center
South Jordan Park is also home to the city’s recreation center and outdoor aquatic center. The aquatic center has lap lanes, a kids’ splash zone, lazy river, and slides — open Memorial Day through Labor Day. The recreation center is open year-round and is one of the most-used in the county.
Trail systems summary
Three main trail networks crisscross South Jordan:
Jordan River Parkway Trail: Paved, runs north-south through eastern South Jordan. Connects to a 40-mile regional system. Best for long runs/rides.
Daybreak trail network: Paved village-connector paths circling Oquirrh Lake and linking every Daybreak neighborhood to schools, parks, and SoDa Row. Best for families and short trips.
Welby trail system: Smaller network serving west South Jordan. Safe school routes for kids in elementary years.
How parks affect home prices in South Jordan
Proximity to parks is a measurable factor in South Jordan home prices. Homes within a 5-minute walk of Oquirrh Lake or major Daybreak parks consistently sell for 3-8% more per square foot than equivalent homes in less park-adjacent neighborhoods. The premium is most pronounced in Daybreak villages with direct trail access (Founders Park, Highland Park, Garden Park).
For older South Jordan neighborhoods west of Bangerter, proximity to South Jordan Park or Glenmoor is a noticeable but smaller premium — buyers value the parks but the homes are more established with mature landscaping that competes as outdoor amenity.
If you’re buying with kids, look closely at neighborhood-park access. If you’re an empty nester downsizing, prioritize trail connectivity over playground proximity — you’ll use the trails more.
Looking to buy near a specific park?
Call 801-999-8005 or request a free home value report. We can pull active and recent-sold listings within walking distance of any specific South Jordan park. For senior homeowners considering downsizing within South Jordan, see our South Jordan Homeowner Options page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Oquirrh Lake?
Yes, there’s a designated swim beach during summer months. The water is monitored for safety but it’s a natural lake, not a pool. Always check current conditions before swimming.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Oquirrh Lake?
Yes. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources licenses are required for anyone 12 and older. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill.
Are Daybreak parks open to non-residents?
Yes. Oquirrh Lake and the village parks are city parks open to all South Jordan residents and visitors. The Daybreak HOA maintains some additional residents-only amenities (community pools, etc.) but the public parks are open to everyone.
What is the closest park to most South Jordan homes?
Within Daybreak, almost every home is within a 5-minute walk of a village park. In older South Jordan neighborhoods, walking distance varies more — homes near South Jordan Park, Glenmoor, or Welby have the easiest access.
Which South Jordan park is best for kids?
Highland Park (Daybreak) and South Jordan Park are the top family-friendly destinations. Highland has the splash pad and best-equipped playground in Daybreak; South Jordan Park has the multi-field setup and seasonal Country Fest.
Is the Jordan River Parkway safe to bike?
Yes. The trail is paved, well-maintained, and patrolled. Some sections cross roads at unsignaled crossings, so cyclists should slow at intersections. Most of the South Jordan portion runs through natural areas away from traffic.
Do parks affect South Jordan home values?
Yes. Homes within walking distance of major parks (Oquirrh Lake, South Jordan Park, Glenmoor) typically sell at a 3-8% premium per square foot vs equivalent homes farther from park amenities. Daybreak village proximity to trails and playgrounds is especially correlated with sale price.
How do I find a home walking distance to a specific park?
Call 801-999-8005 and tell us which park matters most. We’ll pull active listings and recent sales within walking distance and tour homes that fit. Park-adjacent inventory moves fast in spring and summer.
