South Cache Valley rec‑center survey finds strong local interest; River Heights respondents show willingness to pay modest tax

Chad Wright, recreation director for Nibley City and staff facilitator for the South Cache Valley feasibility study, presented survey findings showing significant interest across the valley for an indoor community recreation center and summarized results specific to River Heights.

Wright said consultants collected roughly 4,700 completed surveys across the South Cache area; 76 of those responses came from River Heights residents. Wright told the council River Heights has about 695 households, so the local response rate is roughly consistent with a high engagement level for a small city.

The survey ranked desired amenities; indoor courts, open-access cardio/strength areas and indoor field sports scored highly. Aquatics (lap swimming and learn-to-swim) drew particular attention, though Wright cautioned pools are the most expensive facilities to build and maintain. Among River Heights respondents, a noticeable share said they would support a property-tax contribution for a facility and most cited a comfortable monthly level of about $15 per household.

Wright reviewed other findings: a significant portion of respondents reported they would use a facility weekly; proximity mattered (respondents preferred sites within roughly 15 minutes); and many commenters urged prioritizing multiuse spaces that support youth and adult sports, community classes and rentable rooms.

Wright outlined funding and delivery options, including: (1) a single city pursuing a smaller facility, (2) a special service district of multiple municipalities to pool resources and build a larger facility, and (3) potential public‑private partnerships that could offset operating costs. He summarized a timeline that would reach bond language preparation in mid‑2025 and a ballot measure as early as November 2025 if multiple jurisdictions move quickly; otherwise the ballot option could slip to 2026.

Council members asked about comparative case studies and management models. Wright said his consulting team (VCBO and subconsultants) has experience and will explore operations that range from taxpayer‑supported facilities to tournament-driven public‑private models that can substantially offset operating costs.

On next steps, River Heights council members expressed interest in learning more about a possible special service district for the South Valley. Council member Chris Milbanken (parks and recreation lead) and one other council member indicated willingness to attend an informational meeting with Nibley and other city representatives. Wright and Nibley staff asked councils to identify their preferred contact and noted there would be no obligation at the informational stage.

The council did not take a binding vote on the rec‑center concept; members asked staff to receive the consultant report, consider sending representatives to a coordinated special service district briefing, and return to the council with any further information that would be necessary before committing the city to funding or district formation.