From Homestead to Beach: The Story of Wayne Bartholomew Family Park, Springville Utah

by Lori Collins

If you’ve ever spent a summer afternoon at Wayne Bartholomew Family Park, you know it feels like a hidden oasis. Tucked away at the mouth of Hobble Creek Canyon in Springville, Utah, the park’s turquoise pond and sandy beaches seem almost like a desert mirage against the rugged mountain backdrop.

But long before it was a destination for paddleboarders and families, this land was a working homestead with a rich history rooted in the grit and legacy of one of Springville’s most respected families.

The Legacy of F. Wayne Bartholomew

The park is named in honor of F. Wayne Bartholomew (1922–2011), a man whose life mirrored the values of the "Art City" itself. A World War II veteran and Master Blacksmith, Wayne was known in the community as a "Master Gardener" who could make anything grow.

For decades, the property was a 25-acre farm and homestead. Wayne was famous for his pond, which he stocked with trout, and his incredible gardens. He was a man of the earth, often seen moving through his property with a wheelbarrow he used as a walker, refusing to let age slow down his labor of love. When the city acquired the land to create a public space, naming it after the Bartholomew family was a natural tribute to their stewardship of the canyon’s mouth.

Designing with History in Mind

When Springville City began developing the park in the early 2010s, they didn’t want to erase the land’s agricultural past. Instead, they chose to weave it into the design:

Salvaged Materials: The restroom and concession buildings were inspired by the traditional farm buildings that once stood on-site. In a beautiful nod to the past, builders used salvaged wood and corrugated metal from the original Bartholomew barns to construct the park's amenities.
A Natural Setting: While many modern parks feel manufactured, Bartholomew Park was designed to feel like a "passive and active" recreation hybrid—preserving the feeling of the canyon while providing modern comforts.

The Grand Opening

After years of planning and environmental work to ensure the spring-fed pond was safe and sustainable, the park held its grand opening on June 13, 2015.

The event coincided with Springville’s 50th Art City Days celebration. Mayor Wilford Clyde led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was followed by the now-legendary Duct Tape Regatta, where residents raced homemade boats across the newly opened pond. It was a day that signaled a new chapter for the city’s recreation.

The Park Today

Today, Wayne Bartholomew Family Park is a crown jewel of Utah Valley. It’s more than just a place to swim; it’s a community hub that features:

A 3-acre pond perfect for fishing (stocked by the DWR) and non-motorized boating.
Sandy beaches that bring a "West Coast" vibe to the Wasatch Range.
Five pavilions and scenic docks for family gatherings.
Concessions that serve up snacks during the peak summer months.

The park remains a testament to what happens when a city respects its history while looking toward the future. It’s a place where children now play on the same ground where Wayne Bartholomew once tended his gardens—a legacy of hard work transformed into a legacy of play.

Planning a trip to the park soon?

Parking is subject to specific seasonal fees and residency requirements designed to manage the park's high popularity during the warmer months.

Seasonal Fee Schedule

Parking permits are strictly required for all vehicles entering the park during the peak season.

Active Dates: May 1st through Labor Day.
Off-Season: No permits or fees are required from the day after Labor Day through April 30th.

Resident vs. Non-Resident Rates

The cost for parking depends on whether you are a resident of Springville City.

Springville Residents: Can obtain one free annual parking permit per household. These must be picked up in person at the Springville Civic Center with a photo ID and proof of residency.
Non-Residents: Must pay a daily parking fee of $15 per vehicle. This fee is typically paid via a mobile phone or internet service as directed by signs posted at the park.

Parking Regulations and Locations

To avoid citations, visitors must adhere to the designated parking zones and display their permits correctly.

Lower Parking Lot: This is the primary lot where parking passes are strictly required during the season.
Upper Parking Lot & Canyon Road: Limited free parking may be available in the upper lot adjacent to Canyon Road and on the south side of Canyon Road, but strict "No Parking" zones are enforced elsewhere along the road.
Permit Display: If you have a physical resident permit, it must be clearly visible through the driver-side windshield whenever the vehicle is parked.