During the Great Depression customers of the city-owned power plant who couldn't pay their utility bills were given the opportunity to work off their debt. Their work resulted in the creation of Utility Park. The park's stone walls are a tribute to the workers, and stone used for steps, footbridges, and to line the bed of a small creek offer a nice accent to the lilac hedges, flower gardens, and flowering trees. In 1934 Better Homes and Gardens awarded the park its highest community honor with a More Beautiful America Achievement Award. A bronze plaque commemorating the award is on a large red glacial rock in the center of the park.