Plan for Salt Lake sports complex near Jordan River polarizing

SALT LAKE CITY — Mayor Ralph Becker's plan to build a multimillion-dollar sports complex along the Jordan River has pitted soccer moms against environmentalists.

Dozens of residents, weighing the needs for more soccer fields against the impact on wetlands and wildlife along the banks of the river, took sides Tuesday night during a public hearing before the Salt Lake City Council.

"I've watched a lot of soccer on some really poor fields," said Greg Dehnert, one of a handful of parents to support the sale of voter-approved bonds. "And I've seen kids trying their hardest and having a great time, but they deserve better."

The mayor's plan calls for building 13 soccer fields and two baseball diamonds near 2200 North, using the $15.3 million bond voters approved in 2003, and the $7.5 million gift from Real Salt Lake.

A second phase, running about $17 million, would add four more soccer fields and two more baseball diamonds, as well as improved access and landscaping.

City leaders acknowledge the size of the project has shrunk while the price has ballooned in the years since the bond's passage. But with RSL's secured letter of credit expiring at the end of this year, officials say now is the time to build.

Opponents believe the environmental impacts far outweigh the advantages.

"It was never really that good of an idea in the first place," Sam Schmidt said. "I am moved by the soccer players and athletes that are for this. That doesn't change the environmental aspect of this."

Ty Harrison, a former Westminster College ecologist, said the 160-acre stretch of land was the city's "best chance for ecological restoration along the river."

Becker, meanwhile, said planners have "gone to great extent to consider environmental impacts." City officials point plans for 220-foot buffers between the river and the complex as a chance to restore the riparian habitat.

Councilman Soren Simonsen, however, said he believes the complex conflicts with the council's support of the Blueprint Jordan River plan.

"The overarching concept of the Blueprint Jordan River is that remaining open space along the Jordan River be preserved as natural open space," Simonsen said.

Dennis Haslam, a consultant for Salt Lake City, said the complex would be an "economic engine" for the community. Haslam said weeklong tournaments in Hawaii and California each brought about $14 million to the host cities.

Real Salt Lake also has expressed interest in building a soccer academy, a high-priced institution for youth players, nearby.

"People move their families to these kinds of academies," Haslam said.

The complex would provide a place for games and tournaments for a fee, officials said. Early estimates showed the complex could require a subsidy of more than $250,000. If both phases are completed, however, officials said the facility could end up $24,000 in the black each year.

The council is expected to make a decision on the matter later this month.

e-mail: afalk@desnews.com