Chesterfield — Niki Chan Wylie

Chesterfield is a small neighborhood of 4,100 tucked away in West Valley City, 10 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. Chesterfield's rural charm lies in its largely agricultural zoning, many residents own horses, goats, or sheep. There are two animal sanctuaries, one for abused horses and one for birds.

Chesterfield has a mixed history of Latino immigrants, Mormon pioneers, farmers and criminals. In the last 15 years, the addition of a school and five religious institutions have changed Chesterfield.

These photos were taken for a Salt Lake City Weekly story by Stephen Dark.

Louise Griggs has lived in Chesterfield for 69 of her 72 years.  She loves animals and has several horses, goats and dogs.

Louise Griggs has lived in Chesterfield for 69 of her 72 years. She loves animals and has several horses, goats and dogs.

The Redwood Nature Area, a 63 acre bird refuge, borders Chesterfield on the east.

The Redwood Nature Area, a 63 acre bird refuge, borders Chesterfield on the east.

On a hot summer day, Jose Luis Pimentel cools down his horse.

On a hot summer day, Jose Luis Pimentel cools down his horse.

Richard Nowak runs Avian Sanctuary and Protection, a refuge for rescued birds.

Richard Nowak runs Avian Sanctuary and Protection, a refuge for rescued birds.

Pigeons rescued by the Avian Sanctuary and Protection.

Pigeons rescued by the Avian Sanctuary and Protection.

Birds are housed in an old single-wide trailer.

Birds are housed in an old single-wide trailer.

Mohammed Jbailat inside the Khadeeja Islamic Center, a Muslim place of worship.

Mohammed Jbailat inside the Khadeeja Islamic Center, a Muslim place of worship.

Mohammed Jbailat.

Mohammed Jbailat.

The Chesterfield landscape is often a mix of rural and urban scenery.

The Chesterfield landscape is often a mix of rural and urban scenery.

Many residents can be seen riding horses in the streets.

Many residents can be seen riding horses in the streets.

Puppies enjoy the Chesterfield land.

Puppies enjoy the Chesterfield land.

The American Preparatory Academy is a school for grades K-9.  A Kindergarten class is pictured above.

The American Preparatory Academy is a school for grades K-9. A Kindergarten class is pictured above.

El Calor Taqueria sits on the edge of Chesterfield and is operated by a resident.

El Calor Taqueria sits on the edge of Chesterfield and is operated by a resident.

Willow Alexander rides a pony-drawn cart to school.

Willow Alexander rides a pony-drawn cart to school.

Livestock is a common sight on Chesterfield's country lanes.

Livestock is a common sight on Chesterfield's country lanes.

Jose Luis Pimentel leads his horse across his farmyard.

Jose Luis Pimentel leads his horse across his farmyard.

Pimentel family at their farm home.

Pimentel family at their farm home.

Mother and pup.

Mother and pup.

Trailer home on a Chesterfield street.

Trailer home on a Chesterfield street.

John Sanders, co-operator of The Stable Place, a shelter for abused horses.

John Sanders, co-operator of The Stable Place, a shelter for abused horses.