Willow West Park (500 West 700 South)

Willow West Park is a great little park for photography. Not part of the photography goodness is the batting cages. It's an odd little place for them. But...I thought I would mention that they were there. The park there is worth mentioning, too. It's a really cool little park for older children. I would say 5-9 year olds would have a blast there. It's got bridges and tunnels, and a "white water raft" and a huge xylophone that shows you how to play "The Farmer in the Dell."

As far as photography goes, though, it's beautiful. There is a decent-sized fishing pond for children that makes a great backdrop for photos. I've included pictures of all the little vignettes I saw that would be great for Engagements, Individual, Family, and Bridal portraits.

Willow Park Zoo (500 W 700 S)

Willow Park Zoo is a great place to take young children, but is only so-so for pictures. It features a small zoo that is free to the public and is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. They just ask that you donate a small amount of money ($0.50 for kids and $1.00 for adults) if you're able.

Animal discovery center just outside the zoo

There is a duck pond where the kids can feed the ducks with pellets you buy for 5 cents/handful, but it's enclosed with a chainlink fence, so it's not much of a photo opportunity.

There is a great grassy area in the middle of the zoo, but all of the animal enclosures surround it, so unless the photographer blurrs the background, you're going to have chainlink fence as a backdrop if you take photos there.

Next to the zoo is a playground, a park, and a pavillion. It's a nice playground and has lots of tables for large gatherings, but the only photographic features are some nice trees and the side of the discovery center which is made of natural stone.

If you wanted to do photography here, I would recommend doing children's portraits or possibly a family photo.