A solution has been found for the historic gazebo located at the Ashley Valley Community Park in Vernal City. The gazebo, located near 500 North and 1000 West, originally served as a dome on top of the Uintah Stake Tabernacle before being donated to the community in the 90’s and renovated into the gazebo. Nearly a year ago, Uintah Special Service District 1 announced the need to relocate the gazebo because the base is rotting away, it attracts graffiti, and is not ADA accessible. Public input made it clear that the community did not want to see the historic structure disposed of but estimated costs to restore the structure were high. USSD1 Executive Director Cheryl Meier shared last week that decisions have been made and they will be seeking contractors to assist in moving the gazebo from the park to a new home at the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum on 500 West across from its original home, the Tabernacle that now serves as the Vernal Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “I have worked hard to find funding for this and currently have a matching grant up to $20,000 from the Delores Eccles Foundation to assist in the restoration and moving and set up [and] Vernal City has approved up to $5000 depending on final costs,” shares Meier. “This will be a great final home for the temple tabernacle gazebo.” It is hoped that weather and schedules cooperate to facilitate this move before the end of 2025.
