The Parley’s Park and Plaza project started out as a “lasting legacy” project of Parleys LDS Stake in 1997. The project resulted in the establishment of a landmark-mini park featuring the work of well-known Utah sculptor, Ed Fraughton. A literal sculptor with an academic background in design and human anatomy, Fraughton’s versatility covers a broad spectrum of human and animal subjects. He is primarily known for his epic monumental works and individual collector editions that often relate to the history of the American West.

The 8-foot bronze statue is of Parley Pratt, one of the historic characters from the days of the pioneers and Utah statehood. The statue stands atop a pile of huge granite boulders and depicts Pratt with a compass and transit, looking toward nearby Parleys Canyon, which is named after him. The monument was dedicated in 1998.