Vivian Park - Provo Parks & Recreation

Vivian Park is a quick get away out of Utah Valley for some canyon activities. Vivian is the fourth park up Provo Canyon, after passing Canyon View Park, Nunns Park and Upper Falls Park. There are pavilions, barbeques, a fishing pond, playgrounds, volleyball areas, and lots of shade. The Heber Creeper steam engine ride also passes Vivian Park. The Provo Canyon Bike Trail enters the park from the west and is a good way to reach the park on crowded days when the parking is full.

Vivian Park is a historic location in Provo Canyon that was settled around the same time as Utah Valley. The area was first deeded to a William Ferguson in a land patent dating back to 1888. Ferguson began operating what became known as "Billy's Place", a convenient resting spot and eating place for canyon travelers. Around 1900, the area was purchased and was promoted as a vacation getaway. Cabins were built and the entire site was filled with recreation of all types including a dance hall featuring live bands, some restaurants and a boat rental business. According to one some accounts, the present name of Vivian Park can be attributed to a young girl named Vivian McBride, whose mother worked at the nearby Post Office. The resort owner thought the young girl was so pretty that her name was added to his canyon retreat.