Park City OKs major projects

Park City residents who enjoy their historic downtown, appreciate parks and open space, and who like participating in sports activities were those most likely to be grinning after the City Council approved the budget for the 2004-05 fiscal year.

Those in favor of city officials receiving a pay raise while actually losing money might also be smiling — although that might be wiped off a bit when they see their next water bill.

The Park City Council voted to devote $23.5 million of the $29 million budget to capital improvement projects in the historic downtown area. This includes money earmarked for a community plaza between Swede Alley and Main Street by the post office — its main features being an outdoor stage for performing arts, bands, theater and films and an additional 300 free parking spaces.

"Really cool!" is how Park City Mayor Dana Williams described the future gathering place that will accommodate 3,000 people in the middle of the already popular downtown street.

Other improvement projects include a new police facility and seismic upgrades to Marsac City Hall.

Another $10.5 million will go to the construction of a sports complex at Park City's back door step in the Quinn's Junction area near SR-40 (highway to Heber City) and SR-248 (Kearns Boulevard).

The new recreation center will include up to six soccer and rugby fields, three baseball/softball diamonds, a state-of-the-art city-county ice facility and trailhead parking.

Support for the massive long-term capital improvement projects was unanimous among the City Council members, with the idea that it's what's best for Park City's current and future residents.

"It's very good. These are pretty big projects," Williams said. "I would sum it up (the capital-improvement-oriented budget) as very progressive and aggressive — (one) that is geared toward setting Park City up for what will be going on here for the next 20 years."

Williams said city leaders have a goal of Park City being known as a year-round resort "and not just a winter skiing area," and they believe this budget will help accomplish that directive.

Myles Rademan, Park City's director of public affairs and communication, said the feeling is that the "projects will provide a great return on investment in terms of increased tourist visitation events and activities." Williams explained about $9 million of this budget will be funded by sales tax revenue from tourism, so the more tourists, the better for future budgets.

Also included in the budget: