Ogden invests $3M to enhance sidewalks and recreational facilities

The Ogden City Council held a work session on February 4, 2025, focusing on various infrastructure and recreation projects within the community. The meeting began with a discussion led by Justin, who highlighted the importance of public safety in relation to infrastructure improvements, particularly sidewalks and street conditions.

Since 2020, Ogden City has replaced 240,002 square feet of sidewalk at a cost of approximately $3 million. The annual replacement figures have steadily increased, with 55,000 square feet planned for 2024. Priority for sidewalk replacement is given to areas near schools, government buildings, and churches, ensuring safe access for the community. Notable projects include sidewalks leading to several local schools, such as Shadow Valley Elementary and Ogden High School.

The council also addressed street construction, noting that the current funding of $1 million for street reconstruction yields limited results, covering only about one block. To optimize resources, the city is combining street repairs with utility projects, particularly in areas where water lines are being installed. Recent significant projects included the reconstruction of North Street and 20 Sixth Street, funded primarily through grants from the Weber Area Council of Governments (WACOG).

Another key topic was the city's street lighting. Ogden City owns one-third of the street lights, and efforts are underway to map their locations to prevent damage during infrastructure work. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining functional lighting for public safety and discussed plans to collaborate with Rocky Mountain Power to take over ownership of street lights, particularly in parks and main thoroughfares.

In addition to infrastructure, the council reviewed recent improvements in recreational facilities. Upgrades to sports fields, including turf installations and lighting enhancements, were highlighted as part of ongoing efforts to provide safe and accessible recreational spaces for residents.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing the challenges posed by rising costs in infrastructure maintenance and improvements, with plans for further discussions on pavement conditions and funding strategies in the near future.