International Peace Gardens Jordan Park is located at 1060 South and 900 West.

It is a occupied by mostly the working class and is a short distance from industrial areas. Along the west border of this parkland area lays the Jordan River with the Jordan River Parkway Trail. In between these two main recreational structures lays a completely fenced area with a gated archway, the gates are locked tight, but the archway names the grounds within: International Peace Gardens.

International Peace Gardens front gates

The gardens are locked for 6 months of the year, however this does not seem to prevent locals from accessing the grounds. There is a visible gap in the perimeter fence and evidence of frequent usage of this path is plainly recognizable with the gap in the fence deliberate. It is a testimony to the popularity of the park amongst the local residents. While the park gate is locked tight, it appears that eager outdoors types have used their own initiative to gain access to the grounds

Left: a small access way in the back of the grounds to the International Peace Gardens.

The International Peace Gardens seems to have been born out Irony, inspired by Mrs. Ruey Hazlet Wiesley. Her inspiration came about before World War II following a visit to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens in Ohio; however, construction of the gardens didnt commence for another 10 years, at the close of the war. The time period in which Mrs. Wiesleys vision of this peace park cannot be overlooked. There is definitely a correlation between the close of WW I and the initial idea of the gardens. While this vision of Mrs Wiesleys was put on hold for several years due to WWII, the time away from this project was not in vain. In fact, Mrs Wiesleys involvement in the war effort led to her being appointed as the Chairwoman of the women's division of the Utah War Finance Committee in August 1942. Further success followed for her and she was elected chairwoman of the Salt Lake Womens Council. With this new role she had the resources she needed to see the project for the International Peace Gardens come to be.Unsurprisingly, Mrs. Wiesley became permanent Chairwoman on the project and the International Peace Gardens were dedicated on the 15th of August in 1942.

above Left: Statue commemorating the Salt Lake City Council of Women. Right: a plaque mounted on a drinking water fountain that was donated to the grounds by the Salt Lake City Council of Women.

One enticing feature of the park is that it does not discriminate between class, race or religion. Within its walls all can find their place. There are numerous homages to different nations and many foreigners find solace in sitting on a small patch of grass in front of a monument to their culture and lineage. This brings to light an issue many face in the land of freedom. How does one embrace their new homeland but keep alive the traditions of their forefathers? The peace gardens are a wonderful reminder that it is

possible to do both. Here, an american migrant can sit in an area dedicated to their birthland, with their feet set firmly on American soil. The park presents other issues our society is now faced with. Anyone who may walk the grounds can see evidence that the intended use for the park is not always adhered to. In one corner of the grounds there is a temporary camping settlements remains in an isolated corner .It can be assumed, by the dank remains, that some transient or two may have taken refuge and sought protection from the elements as best they could. Many small corners in the bushes lay with similar nests or makeshift beds had previously been set up at one time or another. Trash and rubbish lay waste to some areas. The peace gardens, an idea to bring together all cultures of the world in unity, has a place for the poverty. The irony is that the park itself is in located in what is considered a wealthy nation by global living standards. yet still here in the Salt Lake City, in a park devoted to representing the world as a brotherhood, poverty has its corner.

The Ireland garden is presented as one of the more simple gardens, the only structures present are a flag and a gaelic cross (Right).

One of the gardens most noticeable and peculiar deficiency was that in many of each of the cultural representations present, there were places where there were missing plaques all around. What information may have been on the plaques is a mystery, be that it was a memorial to previous immigrants. Does this represent what happens to migrants as they assimilate into the american culture? Is it possible for one to retain the beauty of their heritage while immersing oneself into their new home? While I am sure this is not the intent of the dilapidated monuments that lack up keep, it certainly does present a strong visual image of what may result when cultures are diluted into westernized ways with their traditions no longer being tended. It has proven difficult to be able to find continued information on the gardens. Initially I had tried to find a contact within the Salt Lake City Parks Department, and they have

directed me to the contact listed on the International Peace Gardens website, oddly, the International Peace Gardens website, directs me to the Salt Lake City Parks Department. It appears that human contact regarding the actual physical care of the grounds has been leading me nowhere quickly, however, I have had contact with some of the people who visit the gardens regularly [I came] here with my families. We wanted to take pictures and enjoy an afternoon. It is beautiful and the landscaping, if it were well maintained, would be so much more beautiful. There's a small stream and pond for ducks, beware dead things are around the corners. Such a great design in the wrong neighborhood. Its right next to a local park. Which has been vandalised and treated poorly. -Lynna N. This poses a new notion. This park, built to unite all nations and represent the minorities, is forgotten in buratic tape. It appears those entrusted to its care are not even aware of their charge. Interestingly, everyday people that visit the park appear to cherish this little peice of global unity. Is it right to surmise then that the issue with cultural integration and immersion lays not with the everyday american, but rather with the big league players of politics and policy, who simply see no value in it?

Left: Tonga, With by far, the smallest garden present in the International Peace Gardens, stood with only this commemorative plaque and a flagpole on a sliver plot in the corner of the gardens.

It is noted in the history of planning the gardens that each plot was designed and planned and planted by members of the countries they come from. While some of the gardens have only a few planted flowerbeds accompanied with a national flag, others come complete with historical structures, ethnic landmarks, plaques honoring events, people, and historic benchmarks. Funding from one garden may vary to another based on outside donation it certainly seems parts of this park are in competition with other or perhaps there are too few members of one nationality involved with the park grounds as another nationality. An example of this, the Vietnam garden is complete with flowerbeds met with structures and park benches. The French Garden has a miniature replica of the eiffel tower. Denmark is complete with elaborate wooden scaffold to which has been elaborately used as a sort of welcome mat or red carpet to those who would visit their garden. Tonga, However has a small plaque, small

garden and a flagpole. Is this reflective of how different cultures are accepted differently by American society? France is renowned for glamor, Vietnam has a well documented history with the american heros of the Vietnam war, however Tonga, seems to serve no real purpose for American culture. Could it be that while appearing to be accepting of all other nations, america only really has room in its heart for those that serve a purpose to our own culture and interests?

Above, a bust of Margaret Thatcher that is located in the center of the England garden.

Nice enough place. It could be so much better if the hard landscaping was upgraded and the water features worked or even had water in them. I'm British and now live in Salt Lake City. I was curious to see the British contribution. A few rose bushes and a bust of Margaret Thatcher? Maggie is representative of peace??? I think not. I actually laughed because the concept of Maggie and peace is just ludicrous. -Christa L. an english-born visitor to the peace Gardens While Margaret Thatcher may have been one of the original icons for feminism, she is also well regarded as a woman who did advocate quite fiercely for peace. this [the International Peace Gardens] is a great concept with about 14 different nationalities sponsoring a small garden each, all next to each other. however, the gardens are old and city owned so maintenance is poor and the gardens are not in great shape [fountains without water, etc.]. red butte university gardens and thanksgiving point gardens are much nicer, large and immaculately maintained but they charge about six and eight dollars respectively in admission fees while

this city garden is free. but not worth going out of your way to visit. in disreputable neighborhood so do not go when dark -Tom S. The gardens website has posted that there is no room for expansion on the gardens, which I find quite disappointing. The supposed lack of room for more nationalities to be added has been mentioned publicly on their website. History as well as philosophy has dictated that lack of progression leads to stagnation, or in other words: not making progression, is the same as regressing. If there is such a limit on the available land, then why must the largest garden be represented by America? America is represented by all the land surrounding the gardens. This could be interpreted as showing evidence of the world seeing the United States as arrogant. Many who visit the park would appreciate seeing more foreign nationalities represented. Perhaps this progression without taking more land would lead to more volunteers and progression within the gardens itself.

(Left) The Denmark Garden is one or the more elaborate gardens present, complete with a miniature replica of the well known m onument on the coast of Denmark of The Little Mermaid (Right)

I went knowing it was a bit worn, but I found the dilapidation rather appealing. The only sad part was a few of the gardens had nothing more than a flag, while others were beautifully maintained. I enjoyed it a lot, and would go back. -Anonymous

Left: false gates that are located within the German garden, notice the missing Plaques to the left and right side. Right: a statue of children playing located on the Russian garde ns, also with a missing plaque.

The Gardens in August will change any skeptics opinion. -Fred F. Appearances can be deceiving, but we do live in a world that is judged a lot on appearance alone. Applying this philosophy, It is easy to judge the Peace gardens by a singular visit. This would not however, give an accurate summary of what the park truly represents. I would have liked to gather more research regarding the International peace gardens during its season. I plan to return to visit these gardens when they have officially opened and witness the park at a time when it has its best to offer. It doesnt take much imagination to see the potential for this park, with a few more volunteers, as well as some possible corporate donations, the International Peace Gardens could be much more than what they are. The imagination and the dream that Mrs. Ruey Wiesley had in her days can certainly be seen.