SPANISH FORK — Residents reacted negatively to a preliminary plan for redeveloping Spanish Fork's North Park that was presented at a public open house Tuesday night.

City officials and a private architect presented a rough outline of a developer's proposal to reorganize and redevelop approximately 40 acres of land in the north part of town, located just to the north of 1000 North, nestled between I-15 and U.S. 6.

"We believe this is a wonderful opportunity to make the North Park a premiere recreational facility for this city," city planning director Dave Anderson said.

The city has received no official requests or applications to develop the land, but has been meeting with a would-be developer who proposed the change more than a year ago.

According to the site plan presented Tuesday, the developer would move the park from its present location on the east side of the area to a spot in the northern tip, butted against the interchange from I-15 to U.S. 6. The park would be reduced from 15 acres to 12.8 acres, but would receive a number of upgrades in the process.

The remaining land, which fronts 1000 North, would be used for commercial development.

Presently, the park is primarily an open space facility with playing fields, a pavilion and playground. The new park would be a meticulously designed facility with an amphitheater, playground and interactive water fountain similar to the one at the Gateway in Salt Lake City.

The park's neighbors balked at the plan, saying they preferred the simplicity of an open park to one with so many intricate features.

"We're talking about our community, our town and preserving the last bit of green space for our kids," said resident Scott Carson.

Parents also expressed safety concerns, saying their kids had direct access to the park in its present location, but would have to make their way through parking lots and retail shops just to reach the new park.

Mayor Joe Thomas and members of the city council emphasized that no deals have been made and the purpose of the meeting was to put the feelers out and get the input of residents in the proposal and some ideas for the new park if it is approved.

Thomas said the project would bring much-needed business to the city.

"If you're like me, you get on this freeway and you head north to do your shopping, because you can't get everything you need here," Thomas said. "This would put an end to that ... and these businesses subsidize 15 percent of your tax bill."

While most residents said they would support more development, they opposed trading park space to have it.

"I understand we need it, need it, need it," said resident Jay Birch. "But there are other ways than taking out green space."

The city will be accepting public comment through Dec. 31 either on its Web site, www.spanishfork.org, or written comments delivered to the city offices, 50 S. Main.

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