Candidates back recreation center in principle but flag cost and regional options

County officials are paying for a study on a possible recreation center in North Logan; candidates at a forum said they broadly support increased recreation opportunities but differ on funding, scope and whether the project should be a valleywide effort.

Why it matters: A recreation center would add year-round programming and cooling/warming spaces but could require new taxes or partnerships and long-term operating funds.

Emily Schmidt cited a 2022 resident survey that she said asked whether residents wanted a recreation center and, if so, how much they would be willing to pay in taxes. "We had upwards of $50 a year to raise the taxes," Schmidt said, adding she favors pursuing the project as financially responsibly as possible. Several candidates said a ballot measure with concrete site and cost details would allow voters to decide.

Larry Hepworth and Kirk Larson warned about the high operating costs for facilities with pools and urged close study. Larson raised the question of competition with private operators, saying: "We have the sports academy, which is a private business, and I question whether we should be in competition with a private business." Multiple candidates, including Lindsay Peterson, advocated a valleywide or county partnership, arguing recreation facilities draw users from across jurisdictions and that a joint approach could reduce duplication.

No funding decisions were made at the forum. Candidates suggested next steps: use the county study to outline costs; hold public workshops; consider intercity or county partnerships; and, if a viable plan emerges, place a specific proposal on the ballot so voters can approve tax or bond measures with full cost disclosures.

The candidates agreed that if the city proceeds it must plan for both construction and ongoing operating costs.