Glendale, Salt Lake City facts for kids
Glendale is a fun and diverse neighborhood located on the west side of Salt Lake City, Utah. It's south of other neighborhoods like Rose Park, Fair Park, and Poplar Grove. Glendale was first planned as "Glendale Gardens," which is where Glendale Middle School gets its name. Mountain View Elementary, right next to the middle school, was also originally called Glendale Elementary.
People who live in Glendale, and its nearby areas like Poplar Grove, Fair Park, and Rose Park, love how many different cultures live there. They also say it's a great place to live because it's affordable and close to schools, parks, the airport, and downtown Salt Lake City.
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Where is Glendale?
The Glendale neighborhood is located west of Interstate 15, stretching all the way to the western edge of Salt Lake City. Its southern border is near SR-201, which is where the city of South Salt Lake begins. To the north, Glendale goes up to about 950 South. North of Glendale is the Poplar Grove neighborhood.
How Glendale Grew
Early Days
Some of the first families to settle in what is now Glendale were the George Q. Cannon family. Their Victorian-style brick house, built in 1876, is still standing today. This area was mostly farmland back then.
Around the 1890s, some factories started to appear near the northeast part of Glendale. These included a brickyard and a biscuit factory. Because of these industries and the railroad tracks, the west side of Salt Lake City became a place where many working-class families lived. Before the 1930s, the air in Salt Lake City was often hazy, and the Jordan River was used for waste, making it less appealing to live near.
Growing After World War II
A lot of homes were built in Glendale between 1937 and 1958, especially after World War II. Many families moved to Utah for jobs related to the war, and new housing projects like "Glendale Gardens" were created to welcome them.
During this time, a big factory called the Utah Ordnance Plant was built in the western, industrial part of Glendale. It made ammunition for World War II from 1942 to 1943. After the war, the factory closed down.
Modern Glendale
Glendale has continued to grow and develop into the neighborhood it is today. Many apartment buildings were built during this time. Also, the Jordan River Parkway was created, which is a great trail system along the Jordan River.
As of 2010, nearly 10,000 people live in Glendale. There are plans to make the west side of Salt Lake City even better, including improving roads and adding more bike paths. The 9 Line Trail is a new path that connects West Salt Lake City, including Glendale, to other parts of the city.
Life in Glendale
Glendale is known for its amazing diversity! More than 25 different languages are spoken by the people who live here.
Schools
Glendale has several schools for kids and teens:
- Glendale Middle School
- Mountain View Elementary School
- Dual Immersion Academy
- Parkview Elementary School
- Riley Elementary School
Parks
Glendale has 10 parks, covering about 88 acres, which is a lot of green space!
- 17th South River Park
- Bend-In-The-River
- Glendale Circle
- Glendale Park
- International Peace Gardens
- Jordan Park
- Jordan River Parkway
- Modesto Park
- Nelli Jack Park
- Weseman Park
Most of Glendale's parks are right next to the Jordan River, which is a very important natural area for the community. The International Peace Gardens, started in 1939, has special areas dedicated to 27 different countries, celebrating cultures from all over the world. Jordan Park is the biggest park on the west side of Salt Lake City and hosts the People's Market, where locals can buy and sell all sorts of cool things. Glendale also has an 18-hole golf course.
Businesses
Glendale is home to several businesses. The Suazo Business Center is a special place that helps Latino/Hispanic and other communities start and grow their own businesses.
Other Fun Places
Glendale is also home to the Sorenson Unity Center. This is a community hub where all cultures are celebrated. The center has art shows, cultural events, movies, and even a fitness center. It also offers a computer center, a robotics club, a music studio for teens, and many other programs for young people. The Unity Gardens, a community garden space, is also part of the center.
Glendale is also where Wasatch Commons is located, which is a unique community where people live together and share resources.
And for movie fans, one of the places where the famous baseball movie, "The Sandlot" was filmed is right here in Glendale! You can find the spot between Glenrose Drive and Navajo Street.
