A scaled-down version of a park struck down by voters last November is being pitched to the City Council by the Recreation Advisory Commission.
The commission wants the city to build four lighted softball fields and a combination softball-baseball field at the Lakeside Park site.In addition, the commission wants the city to light the existing baseball and soccer fields at Community Park, 581 W. 165 South. Total cost of the projects is $450,000 to $500,000.
The city is finding it tough to accommodate on its existing fields all residents who want to participate in baseball and soccer leagues, said Jerry Ortiz, director of recreation. An example of the growing demand: In 1986 there were nine baseball teams for youths 14 and 15 years old; last year there were 24 teams.
The Recreation Department uses playing fields at some schools for baseball and soccer but is concerned about the liability associated with the fields - most of which are not fenced and are bordered by homes.
"I hate to think of the year we have to turn away 14- and 15-year-olds and say find something else to do on the street," said Candy Belliston, commission member.
Last November, Orem residents voted against a property-tax increase to pay for a $2 million park on 55.54 acres of city property at West Geneva Road and 400 South. Dubbed Lakeside Park, it would have included six soccer fields, five softball diamonds, four tennis courts, a regulation rugby/football field, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, a milelong jogging path, horseshoe pits, two sand play areas, rest rooms, two pavilions and two parking lots.
The recreation commission proposal is pared to a size that the city could handle without a tax increase, commission members say. Ott Dameron, director of public works, said it would cost $250,000 for one ball field, a parking lot and restrooms. Each additional field would cost $102,000."If we're going to continue to flourish as a city, we need to have the needs of our youth uppermost," said Carol Mitchell, vice chairwoman of the commission.
The city needs to recognize the growing demand for recreational activities despite the cost, City Councilman Steve Heinz said. He suggested that area businesses may be willing to help pay for new parks.
The council will discuss the request for creation of additional ball fields at a future work session.