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Orderville pushes ahead with proposed recreation complex; veterans’ Legion Hall could be moved or preserved
Summary
A volunteer-led plan for a multi-component recreation complex in Orderville — including a mirrored baseball field, playground, splash pad and ADA restrooms — prompted debate about whether to relocate or preserve the American Legion building on site. The town is awaiting a Utah Department of Recreation grant decision and technical studies before any formal action.
Courtney, the volunteer project lead, presented detailed renderings and a phased plan to develop a multi-component recreation complex on town land adjacent to the Little League field. The proposal includes a Zion‑themed, two‑story playground, a toddler play area, a splash pad, a pavilion, an all‑ages fitness course, ADA restrooms and a second baseball field mirrored beside the existing field. Courtney said excavation bids and design work indicate the site can accommodate parking (an estimated 35 spaces plus three ADA stalls, with an option for 10–15 additional spaces via setback use) and tiered parking cut into the hillside.
Why it matters: the project would increase recreational access and could allow Orderville to host more tournaments, extend playing hours if lights are installed, and provide a centralized family space the town currently lacks. The board and residents repeatedly stressed the community‑wide benefits for youth and families.
Key details and constraints: Courtney said the town applied to the Utah Department of Recreation for grant funding and has been told an award could be up to $200,000; award notices are expected around April and, if received, phase‑1 work (excavation, playing fields, fencing, lighting, sprinklers, the concession/bathroom building and pavilion) must be completed within two years. Board members and residents raised technical questions that must be resolved before excavation begins — notably whether the town has sufficient water pressure for irrigation/sprinkler systems, and whether moving the project’s location would affect grant eligibility. Staff and several board members recommended engineering and water‑system reviews and coordination with contractors prior to any work.
Historic‑preservation concerns: The proposed second field would intersect the footprint of the American Legion building as currently sited. American Legion representatives and long‑time residents described the small Legion Hall as historically significant and still used for meetings and storage; they urged the town to explore whether the building can be moved, disassembled and reassembled, or otherwise preserved. The board suggested researching prior minutes and MOUs and conducting a title search to clarify ownership and existing agreements before making decisions that would affect the building.
Next steps: no formal vote was taken on site changes or demolition. The board tabled any action pending: (1) grant award confirmation and exact award amount, (2) engineering and irrigation/water‑pressure assessments, (3) title/MOU reviews for the Legion property, and (4) additional outreach between the park committee and American Legion representatives. Courtney asked for a timeline request once grant details are confirmed; she said she will serve as project lead for administrative tracking and filing of receipts and reports if the grant is awarded.
Courtney summarized the community aim: to create a multiuse complex "so our kids can run around, the other kids play baseball, and it creates a unified space for families." The board emphasized that no building would be moved or demolished without further study and community input.
