The land surrounding the confluence of the Virgin River, Ash Creek, and LaVerkin Creek was always a special place for those who lived or played there. Few others knew of its beauty until the 1990s, when the Virgin River Land Preservation Association initiated negotiations to purchase the land and create a public park and nature preserve. At the same time, Washington County Water Conservancy District negotiated the in-stream flow of LaVerkin Creek to ensure the survival of native fish in the streams.
Today, Confluence Park ownership rests in the hands of Washington County under conservation easements. Policy for the park is set by the Habitat Conservation Plan office and outlined in the 2019 Confluence Park Master Plan. Contributors to the master plan include Ash Creek Special Service District, City of LaVerkin, Hurricane City, Toquerville City’s Mayor’s Office, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Virgin River Program, Virgin River Land Preservation Association, and Washington County Planning Commission. The primary goals for park management are environmental stewardship, recreation/tourism, public education, research, and watershed protection.
Confluence Park Rules and Regulations
- Dogs must remain on leash
- No littering, dumping, or tree cutting
- Camping and campfires by permit only
- No motorized vehicles (except authorized personnel)
- Removal of natural materials (rocks, plants, etc.) is prohibited
- Defacing, damaging, or altering historic and cultural sites/artifacts is prohibited and punishable by law
- Trailhead use is limited to daylight hours
- Commercial activities and events by permit only
- No target shooting, archery, paintball, or airsoft
- Any waste from human activities must be disposed of properly and deposited in trash receptacles
Washington County of Utah
The Washington County Commission recognized the benefits of setting this area aside for the public’s use and enjoyment and for the preservation of its historic and natural resources. The County has worked with the Virgin River Land Preservation Association, a local nonprofit organization, to acquire the property. Over 330 acres have been purchased or secured, and agreements are being negotiated for additional acres. These acquisitions have been possible because of the support of local citizens and government officials. Generous funding was donated by many partners, including the State of Utah Quality Growth Commission, George S. and Dolores Dore’ Eccles Foundation, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Virgin River Resource Management and Recovery Program (“Virgin River Program”), National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Chums LTD, and other private funders.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Park lands are under an official conservation easement granted by the Utah Department of Natural Resources through their wildlife division. This conservation easement requires protection and enhancement of water quality, wildlife, habitat connectivity, riparian areas, and natural ecosystem functions. The easement allows certain activities (utility maintenance, limited agriculture, non-motorized recreation) and encourages things like scientific research, habitat restoration, and environmental education. Staff with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources help maintain Confluence Park and monitor wildlife within park boundaries.
Ash Creek Special Service District
One of the main objectives of the Ash Creek Special Service District is to develop a water reclamation facility on their property adjacent to Confluence Park and to distribute water throughout the park for agricultural use and riparian habitat. Formed in 1979 by Washington County, Ash Creek SSD is focused on providing wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal services for the general health and safety of the citizens living and working within Hurricane, La Verkin, and Toquerville. In addition to developing a water reclamation facility, Ash Creek SSD helps clean and manage Confluence waterways to protect the entire Virgin River watershed downstream.
LaVerkin, Hurricane, and Toquerville
The location of Confluence Park at the city limits of LaVerkin and Hurricane makes it highly accessible to nearby communities. One of their main priorities is planning and developing recreational amenities that connect with park trails and neighboring subdivisions. The park’s proximity to Zion National Park as well as numerous restaurants and hotels makes it a tourism hotspot and further encourages maintenance and protection by local municipalities. An important objective of all stakeholders is to preserve the simple and quiet atmosphere of Confluence Park to create a balance between local community members and park visitors.
Restoration Projects
The Confluence Park objectives are to preserve and protect historic and prehistoric resources, scenic vistas, native species and their habitat, and to provide a special place for people to enjoy these resources and cultural riches.
