Residents urge American Fork to preserve gym space and reconsider $4 million rec-center plan

Dozens of residents urged the American Fork City Council on June 9 to preserve the gymnasium at the city recreation center and to reconsider a proposed $4 million allocation in the FY2027 interim budget that some speakers said would repurpose existing youth-program space.

The budget hearing for fiscal year 2027 — which the council described as running July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and that includes a proposed property-tax increase — drew repeated testimony from parents, coaches and program participants worried that repurposing the gym would displace competitive and recreational gymnastics, tumbling and youth programs.

"I support the police department and fire department, but I propose we design a new facility that meets the needs of residents and is financially self-sustaining," said Joseph Call, who told the council he would support a bond for a new fitness center and cited the city's projected population buildout near 80,000 by 2041. "$4 million is better suited towards a new fitness center in my opinion than on repairs of an antiquated one." (Joseph Call, general public comment period.)

Longtime rec-center staff and program parents said the gymnasium supports programs that cannot be moved to other parts of the building. "You cannot cut these programs," said Michelle Anderson, a daycare and rec-center employee of nearly 20 years, who warned that removing or repurposing the gym would harm working families and childcare options. Rita Love, speaking for many program participants, said the gym "supports several children and youth programs" and argued that repurposing the space would eliminate specialized equipment and reduce revenue-generating programs for the city.

Representatives of Twisters Gymnastics also spoke. "This program... it would be really unfortunate if it was let go of," said Alina Degraphth, who described Twisters as producing competitive gymnasts and bringing significant community support and revenue to the rec center.

At the hearing Mark Walker — who said he has experience in development and local commissions — raised a separate budget concern about development financing in the city's southwest lakeside area and recommended a moratorium on new development until a larger share of impact fees is paid by developers or the RDA return is accelerated; he said the city previously bonded roughly $20 million for improvements and that costs rose above $22 million, with roughly $780,000–$870,000 carried into the current year (speaker claim).

Council members closed the public hearing after hearing from the commenters; no formal council vote on the $4 million allocation occurred that night. City staff indicated public input will be considered as council and staff continue budget deliberations.

What happens next: The council moved from the public hearing into its regular session; any formal budget decisions, bond proposals or changes to the rec-center plan will appear in subsequent council agenda packets and hearings.