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Council weighs levels of Fitness Center improvements, considers ballot timing for bond
Summary
City staff presented three upgrade scenarios for the American Fork Fitness Center — a $3–$5M remodel, a 90,000 sq. ft. expansion, or a 120,000 sq. ft. option including an indoor pool — and recommended the city put a clear proposal before voters on a future ballot.
David Bunker, City Administrator, and Derric Rykert, Community Services Director, told the council the community has consistently ranked a new or improved fitness center among top capital priorities in recent surveys. Rykert presented three options: a modest $3–$5 million remodel including family-friendly locker rooms; a 90,000-square-foot ‘‘Better’’ expansion with pool improvements; and a 120,000-square-foot ‘‘Best’’ facility that would add an indoor pool while keeping the existing pool.
Rykert summarized the decision point plainly: "The question was no longer whether improvements are needed but what level of facility the community wants for the future." He said the modest remodel could be done without full bonding, while larger expansions would require putting a bond before voters. Staff flagged the need for clear public information on what would be included in any ballot measure and emphasized sequencing with other projects to manage debt capacity.
Finance Director Anna Montoya told the council the fitness center operates with an average annual subsidy of about 36% and that capital improvements have historically been covered from the general fund. She noted PARC tax revenues (about $14 million total since 2015, with roughly $1.58 million available this year) could be part of funding. The next procedural steps are for staff to refine cost estimates, select a preferred option, and bring a ballot-timing recommendation back to council.
