Recreation center to be built by spring 2008 Dan Rodgerson

Aldon Rachele


The facility will be built to have extremely low maintenance costs and last more than the usual 30 to 40 years. says Architect Burke Cartwright

Ground was broken on the Uintah County Recreation Center one week ago and the main message to area residents was that its all tax free. Revenue to build the $15.9 million facility comes from mineral leases paid by oil and gas companies who are leasing federal land in the country.

There are many positive things for the community through oil and gas production including a good economy this counterbalances some of the negative effects, said Dan Rodgerson, Uintah Recreation District executive director. The construction crew has hit the ground running. They are really churning the dirt.

The new center is being built at 600 South Vernal Avenue, on land formerly owned by the Kay family. John Millecam, a Uintah Recreation District Board member, worked with the

Kays on the purchase of the 80 acres of land by Uintah County for the state-of-the-art recreation center.

According to Millecam, the Kay family was offered double the money the county could afford to pay, but turned it down. Lanny Kay, ex-Naples City mayor, added that his parents wouldnt have wanted their land to become a subdivision and would be proud that it is being used for a recreation center that will benefit all citizens in Uintah County.

Millecam thanked oil and gas companies for drilling in Uintah County. Not one dime comes from property taxes. The center will be paid from mineral lease monies, Millecam stated.

He credited ex-Utah legislator from Vernal, Jack Seitz for his legislation ago that allowed counties of mineral origin to receive monies derived from production in their counties. He also noted that Seitzs successor, Rep. John Mathis, (R-Naples), was pushing to maintain the policy.

The facility will include swimming pools, gymnasiums, a track, support and office areas. It should be completed by spring 2008.

In order to drop the cost per square foot we reduced the size of the two gymnasiums and delayed the tennis court until phase two, plus made little changes like eliminating the hot tub, said Rodgerson.

Uintah County Commissioner Jim Abegglen, who is recovering from cancer, sees the center as lending him a helping hand and others as well. l be using the facility to learn how to walk again, he said.

The architect, Burke Cartwright of Edwards & Daniels pointed out that the buildings multiple sloping roofs are similar to the formations that are prominent at Red Fleet Reservoir and that the initial cost will be nothing compared to its lasting value. Layton Construction won the bid to build the facility. They are also building the REAL Salt Lake soccer stadium.

I believe that you are going to be the envy of the State of Utah, he said. The building should have an extremely low maintenance cost and should last more than the usual 30 to 40 years.

We are 100 percent committed to doing a great job. If we are too noisy, or the road gets too busy, bring it to our attention, he said.

(Also contributed Joni Crane)

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