Residents voted more than 2-to-1 against a $6.9 million general obligation bond for the construction of a community recreation center in Tuesday's general election.
"It's really disappointing," said Clearfield City Recreation Director Tracy Heun of the 69 percent vote against the bond.She believes the city gave it a good effort in getting the facts out on the facility, but in the end people spoke out, and that's what the City Council ultimately wanted - for the people to choose.
The complex, planned for city land in Fisher Park at 700 S. 1000 East and across from Clearfield High, would have been the first such facility in Davis County and could have given Clearfield something to brag about and put it back on the map.
Three public meetings were held on the proposal, beginning in mid-October. Cost for a homeowner with a $75,000 home would have averaged $67.20 per year had the proposal been approved.
The complex would have been 66,000-square-feet in size and designed to 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 also would have replaced the old swimming pool, that would have been torn down.
The city's 36-year-old swimming pool will now need considerable remodeling.
Opponents of the recreation complex argued the city has no obligation to provide recreation - that's something private businesses can do better.