Merlin Olsen Central Park ( 300 East Center)

Merlin Olsen Central Park is just a few blocks east of the Garff Wayside Gardens park. It's got some tennis courts, a wide open field and a great playground, but it doesn't have much going for it as far as photography goes.


The one thing it does have is a bridge over the canal under a gorgeous canopy of trees. It might be worth going there just for that, but then again, it might not. It faces the street on one side and the tennis courts on the other. A good photographer will probably be able to find a shot without those distractions in the background, though. This isn't a great picture of the bridge, but it gives you an idea of what I'm talking about.

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.