Davis rec center plans draw supporters

BOUNTIFUL — If the public hearing was a representative indication of how south Davis County residents feel about forming a special district to build a $24 million recreation center, officials can fire up the bulldozers on schedule.

Thirty-four people spoke at the public hearing held this past week by the Davis County Commission, and only one was negative on the proposal. The other 33, plus their supporters in the audience inside the Bountiful Commission Chambers, were overwhelmingly in favor of the project, estimated to cost about $4 per month for a home with a valuation of $170,000.

Many of them, in fact, urged that it be made even larger.

Before the new recreation complex that will replace the present Bountiful city complex at 400 North and 200 West goes up, a special service district with taxing powers must be established. Mayors from six south Davis cities have asked the Davis County Commission to set up the district. The Farmington City Council, however, decided not to be part of the district last month, citing the recreation improvements it has built recently.

The 30-year-old Bountiful pool, called "the bubble" because of the plastic bubble covering it during winter months, is worn out as is the adjacent ice rink, Bountiful city manager Tom Hardy told the crowd. He said combining the financial abilities of the south Davis cities of Bountiful, North Salt Lake, Woods Cross, West Bountiful and Centerville, will make it possible to build a large complex to serve the whole area.

Several speakers complimented the mayors and city councils for working together to build a large regional complex, with many noting that skaters using the ice rink come from as far as Ogden to Provo and an Olympic-size rink will add skaters and make it possible to host international skating competitions.

The lone voice speaking against the project, Chuck Lazerus, Centerville, opposed the project, he said, because Utah ranks last in public funding for schools and the money could be used for schools and the existing facility is underutilized.

He criticized the maintenance of the facility, adding it could last longer if it were properly maintained and rules for its use were enforced. Teenagers, he said, urinate on the sauna heating elements, the toilets are often plugged up and shower heads stolen.

Doug Killam, the maintenance supervisor for the complex, said a lack of maintenance is not responsible for its condition, rather deterioration comes from old age. He did say that some patrons cause problems at the complex.

Of the more than 100 people present, a majority were senior citizens who urged the construction of the complex, saying it offered health-building and maintaining activities such as swimming and walking they need.

Residents wishing to comment on the project have until 5 p.m. June 9 to submit written comments to the Davis County Clerk/Auditor.

County Commission Chairman Dannie McConkie, who ran the hearing, complimented the speakers for their positive comments.

"We need you back," he said, "when we talk about jail bonding."

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