Two men have plans to develop the land between Burraston Ponds and Mona Reservoir, an idea county commissioners were quick to approve though they indicated they think the plans may be grandiose for what may actually happen.
I. Dale Despain and John Gardner were somewhat vague about their development plans but said they envision some type of recreational vehicle park and possibly also cabins. They also have plans to help with development of the pond area itself, which is owned by the state and administered by the Division of Wildlife Resources.Despain and Gardner met with Juab County commissioners to gain approval for their plans. Despain has been the planner for both Orem and Provo, and Gardner is a physicist and professor.
"We have looked at maps and have talked to the Fish and Game officials. We think you have a tremendous opportunity," said Despain.
Scott Pederson is current owner of the property next to Burraston Ponds. Pederson had started to build a KOA campground there but will probably not complete the project, said Despain.
Commission Chairman Gordon Young said Burraston's is currently more of a law enforcement problem for the county than an asset. "If workable, it would be an improvement."
The Burraston family gave the ponds to the state. At the Division of Wildlife Resources' request, the county took over garbage pickup, law enforcement, and closed two roads used by troublemakers.
In turn, the county has fought proposals by the state to charge a fee for day use and overnight camping at the ponds, pointing out that the family intended the ponds to be free to local people for fishing.
Despain and Gardner said Wildlife Resources has given preliminary approval to their ideas, including running a road from the RV area and even raising the water level in the ponds.
"The road into Burraston's is a county road and we do not want to relinquish our right to the road, which would happen if we charged for day use," said Young.
Despain suggested that, to help law enforcement problems, no fee be charged but people be required to register when entering the recreation area.
Despain said he and Gardner wanted the area to be named Burraston Park rather than Burraston Ponds, as it now is known. "We will need to obtain government grants. My guess is that there are some good grants available. Recreation is becoming very big."
"Depending on what you think of our ideas, we will talk to the landowners," said Despain.
Regarding the recreational vehicle area, said Despain, "We would call this a planned unit development and members would pay association fees."
They hope to raise the water level at the ponds by 6 inches. Despain said members could use Mona Reservoir for boating and Burraston's for fishing.