BYU NewsNet - Provo Debates New Rec Center

Hard economic times and the Sept. 11 attacks may have blown Provo's plans for a new recreation center off course seven years ago, but the city, in partnership with Salt Lake City-based VCBO Architecture, hasn't given up on upgrading and consolidating its current recreational facilities with a new center despite the cost. Some city officials even believe a new center could ultimately save Provo taxpayers money.

"Right now we're subsidizing our three rec centers at $800,000 a year," city councilman Steve Turley said after a public meeting Thursday night. "Bottom line - we could have the best features these facilities have to offer and save $600,000 [with a new rec center]. People have been screaming for it."

City officials and VCBO, the company contracted by the city to build the new facility, held a public meeting and ice cream social Thursday night as part of an ongoing process to gauge interest and gather public input about the desired location, features and size of a possible new rec center. Their efforts could potentially replace Provo's three centers: the Eldred Senior Center (270 W. 500 North), the Provo Recreation Center (1155 N. University Ave.) and the Center (222 W. 500 North). But plans are still tentative - even the location of a new center is up in the air.

"We've tried to keep this as open-ended as possible," VCBO representative Brent Tippets said. "Nothing has been determined at this point. We just want input."

So far, the input is music to Tippets' ears. According to a survey conducted by Kansas-based Leisure Vision, about 72 percents of Provo residents say they would use a new rec center monthly. Only 8 percent said they would never use the center.

"That's just ridiculously low," Ken Ballard of Leisure Vision said. "We consider 15 to 20 percent low. It's a very strong response for this type of project, much higher than we've seen in other communities."

Perhaps even more surprising than the favorable response this year is its correlation to a similar survey administered in summer of 2000. Long before iProvo drained millions from the city's coffers, favorable local and national economic conditions created a positive atmosphere for the project. Despite shrinking revenues and the high cost of a new rec center, which ranges between $5 million and $23 million, support for the project is as strong, if not stronger, than it was eight years ago.

"All in all it was a very positive survey," Ballard said. "You look at the economic times we're in and think a rec center may not be a high priority, but it's still envisioned as being very high on people's list of priorities for the community."

Smaller communities up and down Utah Valley have already built new recreational facilities. Lehi and Payson both have centers featuring indoor pools, aquatic centers complete with water slides, jogging tracks, weight training and cardiovascular equipment, and multi-purpose sport courts. The enthusiasm for the project amidst tighter economic conditions may be fueled in part by some Provo residents' desire not to be left behind.

"Much smaller communities in the valley have been building newer facilities," Ballard said. "I think that starts to play into it. We're very optimistic and really excited about the positive response."

Based on the results of surveys and available sites, Ballard said the area surrounding the Eldred Senior Center on 500 West is a potential location. If that doesn't work, the city and VCBO will likely consider other publicly owned properties first to minimize the costs associated with purchasing new property.