Resident proposes 20,000 sq. ft. multisport complex, seeks city land or partnership

Kevin Marchant told the Santaquin City Council on Feb. 18 that he is exploring development of a privately funded multisport facility and asked whether the city could provide land, help identify parcels for purchase, or consider a development agreement to support the project.

Marchant said the building he envisions would be smaller than many regional complexes—"around 20,000 square feet"—and would offer courts and indoor practice space aimed at youth athletic development and community mental-health benefits by getting kids off screens and into physical activity. "What it is is a multi-sport facility...around 20,000 square feet," Marchant said.

City staff responded that several possible locations exist, including two uncommitted lots in the industrial park (referred to in the discussion as lots 2 and 3) and property adjacent to current pickleball and soccer facilities. Staff advised Marchant that price and negotiation terms are normally handled off the public dais and that a formal development agreement would be required if the council elected to convey or dedicate land.

Council and staff members raised standard site- and code-related questions: parking demand based on participant and parent counts; setbacks and building size limits in industrial areas; architectural and utility requirements; and whether the project would need a conditional use or site-plan review. Staff referenced an active planning effort to consider a commercial recreation parking amendment that could affect how parking requirements are applied to gyms and similar facilities.

Financing options were discussed in general terms. Marchant was advised to meet with city staff and the mayor to review site options, parking and architectural requirements, and to prepare materials for a Community Development and Renewal Agency (CDRA) meeting if the council wishes to consider a land contribution or development agreement. Councilmembers also suggested Marchant contact the Chamber of Commerce and investigate Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) programs; one councilmember noted that GOEO had supported low-interest financing for other small-business projects in the region.

No formal council action was taken. Staff agreed to schedule follow-up meetings with Marchant, coordinate with planning staff regarding code and parking questions, and — if appropriate — place a CDRA discussion on a future agenda so the council can consider development terms in public session.

Planning staff and the mayor encouraged Marchant to return with refined site drawings, an estimated participant count to gauge parking needs, and a financing plan so the city can evaluate options and any potential public contribution or partnership.

Ending: Marchant left staff with printed materials and staff agreed to coordinate a meeting; no timeline for a CDRA presentation was set at the meeting.