Rotary Park

Nestled amidst the arid landscapes of Utah, in the heart of Moab, lies a true green oasis — Rotary Park. This cozy three-acre corner of the USA is famous for its lush vegetation and mature trees, which create life-saving shade even on the hottest days.

The main feature that draws travelers here is the unusual open-air musical playground. It features an impressive collection of instruments crafted from industrial materials that anyone can play. This transforms an ordinary walk into an engaging creative experiment in the middle of nature.

Rotary Park is perfect for family vacations, offering a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle. It harmoniously combines opportunities for active play with spots for quiet contemplation, making it a must-visit on the itinerary of any tourist visiting the region.

For your convenience, we have gathered up-to-date contact information to help you easily find Rotary Park and reach the city administration if necessary.

There is something for everyone at Rotary Park, but it’s best to start with a visit to the famous musical zone. It features over a dozen percussion instruments: steel drums, xylophones, gongs, and tubular bells. All are professionally tuned so that even random strikes turn into harmonic melodies, bringing joy to both children and adults.

For those who enjoy active leisure, there is a modern playground, a basketball court, and a volleyball post. Picturesque paths cross the park, perfect for relaxing walks, while the proximity of Mill Creek adds natural charm and freshness to the location.

If you get hungry, make use of the well-equipped picnic pavilion, which features tables and BBQ grills. This is the perfect location for an alfresco lunch, enjoying the peace and cool air under the canopy of trees after a busy day in the desert.

Getting to this picturesque spot in Moab is quite simple. If you are driving from the entrance of Arches National Park, head south on US-191 for approximately 5 miles. After passing Moab Regional Hospital, turn onto Mill Creek Drive and follow it for about 1.5 miles. Rotary Park will be on your left, easily recognizable by its lush greenery.

For those who prefer active travel, the park is conveniently located on the city's bike and pedestrian path. This is a great opportunity for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride directly from downtown. If you are taking a taxi, the ride from central Moab takes only a few minutes.

An important advantage is that entry to the park is free, and no admission fee is required. Please note that the local parking lot has limited capacity, so it is advisable to arrive early on weekends or holidays.

Interestingly, Rotary Park has a deep historical connection to the Great Depression era. In 1933, the area served as the site for Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp No. PE-214. Until 1941, corps members lived and worked here on vital conservation projects, helping to preserve the region's unique ecosystem.

The park's modern appearance is the result of years of effort by the local Rotary Club Moab. It was their initiative that transformed this desert plot into a shaded garden. The century-old trees that provide long-awaited coolness today were planted decades ago, carefully cultivating the atmosphere of a classic community park.

One of the most notable chapters in the park's history was the creation of the musical installation in the mid-1990s. This unique collection of percussion instruments turned an ordinary recreation area into one of Utah's most creative and unusual attractions, where art meets nature.

To fully enjoy a stroll and try out all the musical instruments, a typical visitor will need about 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time for a leisurely exploration of every corner of the park and a short rest in the shade.

If you plan to have a picnic or are visiting with children who will likely want more time on the playground, it's worth setting aside half a day. Rotary Park serves as an excellent place to take a break between active hikes in the surrounding canyons.

Rotary Park warmly opens its doors to visitors daily. Official operating hours are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This allows you to enjoy the park both in the rays of the early morning sun and during cozy evening strolls under the starry sky.

While the schedule is consistent, we recommend checking the official Moab city website before your visit, as hours may vary slightly depending on the season or special events.

Exploring the surroundings after your park visit will allow you to further experience the unique atmosphere of the region and add new impressions to your itinerary. Near Rotary Park, you will find both dining establishments and interesting natural or historical sites.