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Resident proposes private golf and recreation complex on nearby state trust land
Summary
A local resident presented a conceptual plan for a privately funded golf/recreation complex on state trust land near Bicknell, saying it is early-stage and not a request for council approval; council members urged continued engagement and information-sharing on water, land sale and management questions.
Tyrese, a Bicknell-area resident, outlined a conceptual proposal to develop a golf and recreation destination on nearby state trust land and asked the town for feedback, not immediate approvals.
"I'm not necessarily here to ask for any approval or applications or anything of that matter," Tyrese said, describing the idea as early in an investigative timeline. He said the parcel under discussion is state trust land, and that Trust Lands representatives had been contacted about a possible sale or auction but no agreement is guaranteed.
Tyrese argued the project could create economic benefit for Bicknell and Wayne County by drawing visitors to stay overnight and spend locally. He cited a feasibility finding reported by the development group that "for every dollar spent on the golf course, a dollar twenty-five was spent in town," and noted high visitation to nearby Capitol Reef as evidence of tourism flow through the region.
Council members pressed on feasibility questions. Several members raised water supply and rights as a major constraint; Tyrese said he had begun discussions with the Wayne County Water Conservancy District and that a likely route would be a long-term lease of water shares or drilling a private well if irrigation shares were not available. "I think it would have to be an approach of a long term lease," he said.
On management, Tyrese said he preferred private operators experienced in the region to run the course and related amenities rather than asking the town to operate the facility. He described a membership-and-amenity model—combining golf, gym, pool or field-house access—to broaden local value beyond golfers.
Council members noted potential local benefits but flagged key hurdles: securing water rights, determining whether the state trust would sell the parcel, infrastructure needs, employee housing and the long time horizon for large-scale development. Several members said they were supportive of Tyrese continuing discussions and requested to be kept informed if and when formal proposals or feasibility studies advance.
Next steps: Tyrese said management representatives may visit the area for further assessment; he requested no immediate town action and the council agreed to remain engaged and responsive to future, more formal requests.
