The Salt Lake Tribune, the state's largest daily newspaper, and The
Enterprise Business Newspaper have both endorsed passage of Proposition No.
5. The Enterprise noted that the bond for Salt Lake's Regional Sports
Complex "make economic sense" and is "the most fiscally responsible" of the
bond questions on the November ballot.
This Bond Issue Makes Economic Sense
Along with a mayoral election pitting Rocky Anderson against Frank
Pignanelli, the Salt Lake City ballot on Nov. 4 will include a vote on
several municipal bonds to support city development projects.
Included are proposed bonds for $5.4 million to build two new branch
libraries in the city; $10.2 million to help fund an arts and science center
in the former main library building; $10.2 million to fund renovations of
Hogle Zoo exhibits; $5.4 million for an open space and park trust fund; $1.1
million for improvements to Tracy Aviary; and $15.3 million for a
recreational sports complex to be located between Redwood Road and I-215
near 2000 North.
Some have legitimately suggested that the bond proposals are part of an
effort by the mayor to boost his support and illustrate his progressive
efforts in an election year.
Nevertheless, there has rarely been a better time for bonding, and the
recommended bonds will each serve to benefit their respective communities
and the city as a whole. Rates remain surprisingly low in spite of an
improving economy, and subsequently, by voting in favor of these bonds, the
city can fund projects at a cost far below what it might be a few years down
the road.
The most expensive bond, and at first glance perhaps the most objectionable,
is also the most fiscally responsible - although each has its merits.
Proposition #5 would provide funding to build a recreational sports complex
in Salt Lake City that would be unmatched in the Intermountain region. The
complex would consist of approximately 30 soccer fields, eight baseball
diamonds, a handful of playgrounds, facilities, and 3,000 parking stalls.
Although the project may seem excessive, backers have provide ample evidence
that not only is the complex needed locally, it could be a boon for the city
as well.
In June of 2002 the U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championships were
held in West Valley City at a smaller complex than the one planned for Salt
Lake City. According to a report by the Bureau of Economic and Business
Research at the University of Utah, 13,442 participants from outside Sale
Lake County attended the event. Based on interviews conducted with
attendees, economists from the university concluded that visitors to the
competition spent approximately $5,203,583 during their stay, and the
estimated total spending per nonresident attendee was $387.23.
Supporters of the recreational sports complex in Salt Lake City believe the
complex could attract 10 or more regional competitions each year, benefiting
local hotels, restaurants and retailers. Organizers also hope to relieve
some of the stress on the West Valley site (which has suffered from overuse)
and believe that synergies with the West Valley facility could attract
larger competitions to the Salt Lake Valley.
These are some of the benefits that the recreation/sports complex could
offer to Salt Lake City. Of greatest import to bond supporters, however, is
providing local sports enthusiasts with additional open space for
recreational activities. Currently, the city estimates that only 60 percent
of youth soccer needs, and 70 percent of baseball needs, are being met by
existing facilities. Children living in the city, particularly teenagers,
are forced to travel great distances outside of Salt Lake City proper to
gain access to decent soccer facilities.
As part of Salt Lake's ongoing efforts to maintain its population, attract
residents downtown and remain the center of activity for the county, the
city must accommodate residents and provide the open space whose absence has
incited a flee to suburbia.
Nov. 4 will mark the day we re-elect a mayor to our city's top office, but
more notably, it will hopefully also mark the day that we pass bonds that
will continue to attract interest, activity and residents to our community.
This editorial appeared in the October 13, 2003 edition of The Enterprise
Business Newspaper, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101, 801-533-0556, and is
reprinted with permission.
