LEHI — Want a fun family day at a theme park but don't want to drive to Farmington? Now Utah Valley residents can just go to Lehi.

Liberty Land Fun Center in Lehi opened its doors Tuesday night. The four-acre America-themed park features 15 attractions including a small roller coaster, go-carts, miniature golf and a carousel.

"There was a need for family entertainment in the valley," said Jerry Bradshaw, owner of Liberty Land.

Bradshaw and his wife, Laura Lee, saw the lack of family fun parks and decided to put together one of their own. The prevalence of these parks in California, where the Bradshaws formerly lived, made Utah Valley's lack that much more noticeable, he said.

The American theme for the park came to Bradshaw and his wife quickly, he said, and Laura Lee began to re-create recognizable aspects of the country. She set about sculpting the Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial and Mount Rushmore, as well as an eagle and several other sculptures throughout the park, Bradshaw said. He said the theme was "fitting and unique" and he was surprised to find few America-themed parks in the country.

Clearly seen from I-15 between the Lehi Main Street and Lehi 1200 West exits, the park is in a prime location and relatively easy to get to. Bradshaw said that people are excited by the sculptures and they receive feedback from many I-15 travelers honking their horns or waving.

Lehi became their place of choice because of its location in Utah Valley.

"It's centrally located and just far enough from Salt Lake," said Dave Crandall, general manager of Liberty Land.

He added that they are working on putting direction signs from I-15 to the park. The Bradshaws began construction of the park two years ago and intend to add another four-acre phase in the next two years. Attractions in the new phase will include an adult go-cart course, more miniature golf and a train.

Bradshaw said he also wants to put in a gift shop and museum in the future. An indoor facility is also being constructed, which Bradshaw hopes will be finished by late September. It will include an arcade, laser tag, a 1950s-style diner and party rooms.

Crandall said they want the fun center to be open all year, not just the summer.

Several dozen people attended the first full day on Wednesday, enjoying the pleasant weather and the new rides.

Shena Allen of West Jordan took her four children to the fun center Wednesday. The family was in Provo for sports camps and she decided to check it out, she said, and she was happy that there were rides for all her children.

"It's nice to have another option," she said.

Liberty Land Fun Center is located at 1320 N. 300 West, Lehi.

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