Not since the mid-1950s have Clearfield residents had an opportunity to vote yea or nay on a major recreation facility.
About 38 years ago, Clearfield received voter approval for a new city swimming pool. Now, bonding for an almost $7 million recreation complex is on the line in the Nov. 8 election.North Davis County doesn't have a recreation complex. The nearest comparable facility is located in Roy. The city recreation department conducted a telephone survey a few years ago that indicated majority support (80 percent of 600 people) for such a complex and got the ball rolling for today's proposal.
The complex would be 66,000 square feet in size. It would include a swimming pool, gymnasium, multipurpose room, craft room, game room, weight room, aerobics room, racquetball court, kitchen, office, meeting room and several classrooms. It would replace the old swimming pool that would be torn down.
To pay for the construction of the center, a $6.95 million bond would be required. It would be financed by a $67.20 annual property tax increase ($5.60 a month) on a $75,000 home over the next 20 years. City growth could decrease that general tax obligation in the future.
If the bond is approved, construction on the facility could begin in the spring of 1995. It would take 18 months to build and would be located west of the city's current swimming pool on five acres of city-owned land.
The city commissioned the Ballard, King and Associates Co. to do a budget analysis on the proposal, and it estimated there would be an annual shortfall of $121,000 in the complex's operations. However, the city has modified that estimate because the study did not include some already budgeted recreation department items that would go directly toward the complex's operations.
For example, Clearfield would reduce use and rental of the Clearfield High gymnasium if it had its own gym. The complex could thus end up $25,000 or more in the black, with no increase in city recreation spending - besides the bond - according to Jack Bippes, city manager.
City Council members unanimously support the recreation complex. Councilman Martin Eliason said surrounding communities have gained new golf courses recently and while Clearfield may not receive one of those, it can be a great location for a recreation center - suitable for the entire family.
Councilman Don Ormsby said Clearfield can no longer confidently expect to rely on the use of school facilities in the future. The city needs its own.
Tracy Heun, Clearfield recreation director, expects the proposal to pass.
However, Curt Oda is a Clearfield resident who has publicly said he does not favor it. He questions the responsibility of government to provide recreation and doesn't like government competing with private enterprise. He's organized a committee to oppose the project.
During 1992 and 1993, the city did try to find private investors to pay for a portion of the recreation complex, but none could be found. The city's aging swimming pool will need considerable remodeling in the future if it is not replaced.