🌿 A Big Day for a Small Town

Rachael Shine
Nov 19
2 min read

Mendon, Utah Centennial Park Groundbreaking Ceremony Photoshoot

Group in red shirts posing outdoors, smiling under arch of red, white, blue balloons. Green field and trees in background, festive mood.

There’s something special about photographing community events — especially when they take place close to home. Recently, I had the honor of capturing the groundbreaking ceremony for Mendon’s new Legacy Park, and it was one of those mornings that perfectly blended hometown pride with the excitement of what’s to come.

Person in a red shirt with text on the back stands in a grassy field, observing a blurred yellow excavator in the distance. Overcast sky.

The air was crisp, the energy was high, and the whole community came together to celebrate the start of something meaningful for Mendon. You could feel the anticipation — families chatting, kids running around, and town leaders ready to mark this new chapter in the town’s history.

📸 Documenting a Community Milestone

As a photographer, there’s a unique joy in documenting events like this one. They might not have the glitz of a wedding or the intimacy of a family shoot, but they hold a kind of collective significance that’s just as powerful.

From the first shovel of dirt to the group photos of local officials and community members, every image told a story — not just of progress, but of legacy. Mendon’s Legacy Park isn’t just another development; it’s a space built for connection, laughter, and memories for generations to come.

People with shovels at a groundbreaking event under a balloon arch in a field. Overcast sky, festive and collaborative mood.

💬 Faces of the Future

One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was watching all of the youth council members set up for this big occasion — a small but symbolic gesture showing the work that they had put in to make this dream a reality. Their joy was contagious, and it reminded everyone there exactly why projects like this matter so much.

Moments like those are why I love community photography — you get to freeze a piece of local history in real time.

🌤️ Pride, Legacy, and Looking Ahead

The groundbreaking wasn’t just about starting construction; it was about celebrating the people who make Mendon what it is. From the town leaders who’ve been planning this park for years, to the families who will one day walk, play, and gather there — everyone shared a sense of ownership and excitement.

Four people in a field gather around a table with equipment. Two wear red shirts, one in green. Mountains in the background; calm mood.

Standing behind the camera, I couldn’t help but feel proud to be part of documenting this milestone for Mendon. It’s one of those sessions that feels small in the moment but grows in meaning as time passes — a visual reminder of where the town’s heart truly lies.

🤍 A Moment to Remember

The Mendon Legacy Park groundbreaking ceremony was more than a photo assignment — it was a glimpse into the future of a community rooted in tradition but ready to grow. I’m so grateful to have captured that energy, those smiles, and that shared sense of purpose.

Here’s to many more sunny days, community gatherings, and laughter in Mendon’s newest space. 🌳✨

A group of people stand on a road shoulder by parked cars, with mountains and trees in the background. The mood is calm; a red stop sign is visible.