Payson plans survey on recreation

PAYSON — The City Council voted Wednesday to survey residents to see what they want in recreation facilities.

Recreation has been a controversial topic the past couple of years, particularly after the City Council voted to raze the city's historic horse racing track and replace it with new ballfields. Four new fields were recently completed and six more are planned.

Officials have since considered building a new pool and recreation center. They are now considering whether to invite other south Utah County towns to participate in building the structure, but first officials want to know if Payson residents will back them — thus the survey.

A council-appointed recreation committee with former Mayor Russell Hillman as its chair recommended the survey, which could cost as much as $15,000.

The committee also suggested the city consider putting a 20-year general obligation bond on the November 2005 ballot to finance construction of an aquatic fitness facility.

Council members Colleen Jacobson and Burtis Bills suggested the council consider other options that might reduce the amount needed from bonding. Jacobson suggested they city look at grants and impacts fees, while Bills recommended imposing some kind of recreation fee "so not to borrow the whole shootin' match."

City Manager Andy Hall said he would scour the city budget for any other funds that could be used. Hall noted Utah County doesn't have a recreation tax like Salt Lake County, but could get access to 1/16th of the sales tax.

"A city of 17,000 is small for a pool and recreation center, but it's possible other communities (might want to join in)," he said.

The cost is still an unknown, but a 60,000-square-foot recreation center with an indoor pool could cost $9 million, Hillman said. Generally, those kinds of recreation facilities demand a 10- to 20-percent public subsidy. Outdoor pools generally pay for themselves, he said.

Research showed that a $10 million bond would cost homeowners $13.23 a year for a home valued at $175,000.

Committee members include Payson High school swimming coach Sheila Thurston, city swimming pool manager Joanne Baker, high school teacher Dean Moody, Mountain View Hospital administrator Kim Anderson, City Council members Jacobson and Brad Daley, city recreation director Karl Teemant and city resident Joanne Mattinson, who served on a similar committee 28 years ago when the last pool was built.

The committee toured several recreation facilities in Utah, including an outdoor pool in Roy, an outdoor pool and recreation center in Magna, an indoor pool in Tooele, a recreation center in Lehi, and recreation centers and indoor pools in West Valley, Dimple Dell and Kamas.

Panel members also looked at several potential locations for the proposed facility, including:

• Between Payson High School and a nearby fast food restaurant on Main Street.

• South of the equestrian area at Main and 800 South.

• West of Memorial Park near the city's existing and aging pool in the downtown area.

• On the east side of Mountain View Hospital near 100 E. 100 North.

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