Bobbie Bicknell Coray, reporter
Rich Civic Times
GARDEN CITY, Utah. July 26, 2016. Garden City Recreation Center public hearings were held. The City hired JUB for a preliminary design to decide what the project would cost. GKB Investment Bankers provided expertise about bonding. Bob Peterson, City Administrator worked with other communities of similar size to see what they had done to build their community rec centers. National trends seem to be for multipurpose centers for all ages and abilities.
Amenities include indoor walking/running track, climbing walls, and therapeutic pools. Seniors are the fasted growing segment of health club memberships and they have 70% of disposable income. Top sports include group exercise, walking, swimming and running.
Youth are discouraged from taking drugs if they are active in sports. Half of teens said that they would not use their screens as much if they had a place to play and do sports. Plus it combats youth obesity.
The Garden City Master Plan suggests developing a facility, park and trail system or family recreational activities. Pickleball, volleyball or basketball courts were suggested.
So far 100% of people polled in Garden City in a non-scientific poll used the parks and recreation facilities, most used is the bike trail. Over 75% of respondents were second home owners.
Residents would like more recreational opportunities especially in the form of trails and access to public lands. Residents would like to see improvements continue at Heritage Park and fish pond. However, several individuals felt there were enough amenities.
Over 70% of residents indicated that grants were their preferred source for funding additional services and facilities. The majority of respondents were opposed to increasing property tax.
The City Pool has over 4,600 people using it yearly. This number did not include adult spectators. January and August had the most visitors. The pool is being used year round.
The rec center is proposed to be 32000 square feet, with 2 basketball courts 4 volleyball, 6 pickleball, batting cage, golf driving range and rock wall. Also proposed are activity rooms, workout room, and an elevated jogging track. It will be open 24 hours a week during off season and 90 hours during peak season.
The City believes it will cost $6.14 million for the entire project. The average home $244,580 in city, with a primary resident 45% deduction it is taxed at $134,00 177.61 so there would be $14.81 extra a month. Membership costs family for residents would be $360 a year which included the pool. Nonresident passes would be $660.00 a year for a family. Single senior non- resident pass would be $240 . It will be handicapped accessible.
The Council needs to pass a resolution to start the process. On Aug 11 they will vote on authorization to put the bond on the November ballot will be voted upon.
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The city expects revenue of $215,000 expenses $190,000 but under a worst case analysis there would be a $46,000 loss in the first few years. PAL taxes would have to make up the differences.
The City anticipates 150 residents buying passes and 50 non residents. 10,000 would buy day passes.
Scott Tollentino asked, "How about saving for it and planning for the future? It's a great idea but the timing is bad. For example $280,00 was just spent for non contiguous land to the park and that money could be spent for saving for the park."
Peterson said, "the city is growing and services need to be made for that growth. Cities control parks and rec.
Chris Coray asked what fraction of property is owned by non registered voters. Councilman Bruce Warner said that 80% are second homes and they pay 100% of the property value. "The fact that they cannot vote on this is a problem we face on every issue."
The city is proposing a General Obligation Bond at 2.81% interest over 20 years. ($410,000 annual debt service.)
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