Mathis Park

History and Origins

What we now know as the 19-acre Mathis Park began as a generous gift of farmland from the Mathis Family to the city. Like many places with stories to tell, this park has weathered its share of challenges - most notably a 2005 flood that claimed the original fishing pond and some of the property. In 2008, the park was rebuilt with several upgrades and new features.

Amenities and Facilities

Need a spot for your next family gathering? The covered pavilion offers plenty of picnic tables and barbecues under its shady roof. It's spacious enough for family reunions and group events, but visitors might want to toss a blanket in their car if they prefer the classic picnic-on-the-grass experience.

The park offers clean restrooms with running water and flush toilets. Drinking fountains are scattered throughout when you need to hydrate after frisbee sessions or playground adventures.

Landscape and Design

Three separate grassy areas give you plenty of room to spread out, whether you're looking to kick a ball around or find a quiet spot to read. One of the park's notable features is the abundance of mature shade trees that provide welcome shade during hot Utah summer days.

A stream flows through the back of the park, offering a touch of nature within St. George. Adding to the natural beauty are 120 trees from the city's tree farm, thoughtfully planted throughout the grass areas and along the trail to provide even more welcome shade.

Playground Features

The recently upgraded children's playground is a popular attraction for families. Modern play equipment caters to kids of different ages, with separate areas ensuring toddlers don't get trampled by enthusiastic big kids.

Kids particularly love the Hot Wheels track - a small ramp meant for racing toy cars. Just a heads-up though: the playground's turf surface can get pretty toasty during summer afternoons, making morning visits the smarter choice when temperatures climb.

Recreation Options

For disc golf enthusiasts, a casual 9-hole disc golf course winds through the park inside the walking path. It's not tournament-grade (no dedicated tee pads), but most tees conveniently start from the walking path, with baskets about 200 feet apart nestled among plenty of trees to keep things interesting.

The paved walking trail that circles the park offers a great loop for your daily steps or a leisurely evening stroll. You can find good shade at regular intervals, and it's rarely crowded - fantastic for those who prefer their exercise with a side of peace and quiet.

Community Atmosphere

Mathis Park has a calm atmosphere with a sense of safety that encourages visitors to stay awhile. Despite its tranquil vibe, the park still knows how to come alive during community events, including Saturday markets where you can browse craft booths, grab food from vendors, and enjoy live entertainment.

Dog owners will appreciate that four-legged friends are welcome (waste bags provided), but your pup needs to stay leashed. The overall feel strikes that perfect balance - spacious enough to find your own quiet corner, but with enough going on to remind you you're part of a community.

Future Developments

The city isn't resting on its laurels with Mathis Park. Plans are in the works for an additional covered pavilion, expanded playground equipment, and perhaps most exciting for families with kids - a splash pad. These planned additions will expand the park's offerings for community members.