Some neighbors are concerned with federal ramifications. But board members assured them they have looked into all the potential legal scenarios with regard to leasing state-owned land.

Jensen, who spoke on behalf of Sunnyside East residents, criticized the park's financial past and questioned why the board is just now looking to make money.

"This lease is going to give them $400,000 a year to the $2.5 million budget, and they're saying this lease is going to fix everything?" he said.

Jensen thinks the park should offer classes and more activities related to the cultural nature of the park to make money.

Jensen said he spoke to the Yale Crest Neighborhood Association just last week about the park's proposed development and said he thinks the community and state will regret such a massive development on state-owned land.

"Ultimately, I hope the public can have more voice in the future of This Is the Place state park," he said.

The Division of State Parks and Recreation board meets on April 20 in St. George to make a decision on the land lease. In mid-April, division director Mary Tullius said, the board will host a public hearing about the matter in Salt Lake City.

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E-mail: astowell@desnews.com