Midvale moves to buy former Midvale Elementary land to keep park space; purchase agreement authorized

Midvale City Council on May 6 authorized the mayor to sign a purchase agreement for roughly half of Midvale City Park — the former Midvale Elementary School property owned by Canyons School District.

City staff said the parcel is roughly 10.41 acres across seven parcels; the district set an asking price of $4,399,000 and the purchase agreement is written at full price. Under the terms presented to council, Midvale will deliver earnest money (reported in the meeting as $49,330) within five days of signed agreement by both parties and aims to close on or about June 16.

The site has been leased to the city since February 2012 for $1 per year under a 15-year lease. During the lease the city made improvements and has been responsible for maintenance and programming. City staff listed amenities and uses on the property: pickleball and tennis courts, basketball courts, a splash pad, an open field used by local sports leagues (including the youth football conference) and annual events such as Harvest Days and fireworks.

City manager and staff told council they waived due diligence in the contract because the city has maintained the property for more than a decade and is familiar with its condition; however, the city will secure an ALTA survey and had already obtained a title report so closing conditions can be met.

Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the sale and purchase agreement; the motion passed unanimously.