Spring Lake works to preserve lifestyle

SANTAQUIN, Utah County — Kaye and Clyde Westwood have been Spring Lake residents for 37 years, though they now live in Santaquin.

Their 12.5 acres were part of Santaquin's last major annexation last fall of about 1,500 acres on the west side of state Route 198, just across the highway from Spring Lake.

Founded by Mormon pioneers in 1856, Spring Lake is sandwiched between Payson on the north and Santaquin on the south. Many descendants of those early pioneers still live there.

"It's a nice little community that surrounds the lake," Clyde Westwood said.

Most folks own about an acre of land, he said.

"People here are self-sufficient and don't want any outside interference," Kaye Westwood said. "Santaquin has been helpful in meeting with the people in Spring Lake and finding out what they want."

To the north, Payson has already annexed part of the unincorporated rural town of fewer than 700 residents, including the lake from which it gets its name. Santaquin, on the other hand, has no further interest in acquiring Spring Lake land, city planner Dennis Marker said.

Because Spring Lake residents are anxious to preserve their rural lifestyle, Marker recently set up a committee of Spring Lake and Santaquin residents, including the Westwoods, to learn what Spring Lakers want.

"Legally, they can't (have a say)," said Santaquin City Councilman Jim Linford. "But we want to be good neighbors."

Payson, on the other hand, is eyeing property to at least 12400 South, Mayor Rick Moore said, "although, not aggressively."

Future growth on the south end centers on a planned temple for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Santaquin Councilman Rick Steele said Wednesday during a City Council work session. Spring Lake is a short distance from the temple site.

"I have no desire for a knock-down, drag-out fight with Payson," Santaquin Mayor Jim DeGraffenreid said, responding to rumors of a land grab. "We need to work it out so the people in the middle's needs are met, no matter if they come to either city."

Spring Lake residents don't want to be pushed into either city, Marker said.

More than a year ago, town residents took a measured look at incorporating, then decided against it.

"The longer Spring Lake waits," Santaquin Councilman Fil Askerlund said, "the greater chance of being forced into a battle zone."

Regardless of what happens, "we're always going to be Spring Lake," Kaye Westwood said.

e-mail: rodger@desnews.com