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Allen Park, commonly known as "Hobbitville," is an eight-acre property in Salt Lake City, Utah. The park was developed in the 1930s by Dr. George A. Allen as a bird sanctuary and later became the subject of local folklore, with myths suggesting it was inhabited by small, secretive people. Despite these stories, the park was primarily a residential area and has since been preserved as a public space following its purchase by Salt Lake City in 2020.
| Allen Park | |
|---|---|
  Location in Utah | |
| Location | 1328 Allen Park Dr, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States |
| Coordinates | 40.7300629°N 111.8534557°W |
| Area | 8 acres |
| Created | 1930s |
| Operated by | Salt Lake City Parks and Public Lands |
| Status | Open year-round |
| Website | slc.gov/parks/allenpark |
Allen Park is located along Emigration Creek in Salt Lake City, Utah. The park was established in the 1930s by Dr. George A. Allen and his wife, Ruth Larsen Allen, as a bird sanctuary. The couple purchased the land and constructed small houses and log cabins on the property, creating a quiet environment. Contrary to local legends suggesting the area was designed for hobbits or little people, the homes were actually one- and two-bedroom apartments intended for professors, students, artists, and even patients attended to by Dr. Allen.[1][2]
The park includes handcrafted stone light posts and mosaics with sayings such as "The night has a thousand eyes" and "List to nature's teachings." These features, along with the park's natural setting, contribute to its reputation as a secluded and quiet area.[1]
Dr. Allen also contributed to Salt Lake City through his role in founding the Tracy Aviary and his involvement with the Hogle Zoo. His interest in birds and wildlife is reflected in Allen Park, which became a sanctuary for various species, including the peacocks that continue to inhabit the area.[3]
The urban legend of "Hobbitville" developed over time, with stories claiming that the park was home to small, secretive people who would chase away intruders. These tales, largely fueled by the park's private nature and secluded environment, likely originated from the small size of the buildings on the property. The unique atmosphere, enhanced by the artwork and architecture, contributed to the spread of these myths.[1][4] Despite these stories, there is no evidence to support the existence of such "small people," and the legend remains a part of local folklore.[5]
Following Dr. Allen's death in the 1960s, the park began to fall into disrepair, leading to concerns about its future. In 2020, Salt Lake City purchased Allen Park for $7.5 million, ensuring its preservation as a public space. The park was opened to the public in October 2020, and ongoing restoration efforts aim to maintain its character while making it accessible to the community.[6][2][7]
The park remains a prominent part of Salt Lake City's heritage, with restoration plans shaped by community input. Future developments aim to balance the park's historical significance with modern needs, ensuring it remains a quiet and accessible space for future generations.[8]
In 2023, Salt Lake City Public Lands released an adaptive reuse and management plan for Allen Park, outlining the preservation of historical elements and the introduction of new educational opportunities. The plan emphasizes the park's role as a community asset, balancing ecological, historical, and artistic needs. The city has also encouraged public input to help shape the park's future, ensuring it remains a valuable resource for the community.[9][10]
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