LOCAL NEWS

Sandy City Council to vote on rec center renovation

Jul 12, 2024, 11:12 AM | Updated: 12:50 pm

SANDY — Sandy City Officials are working to upgrade a 40-year-old recreation center.

“It’s not built for today’s needs,” Cyndi Sharkey, city council member at large, said. “But this is so much more than a gym.”

The renovation of the Alta Canyon Sports Center will dot the agenda of the city’s upcoming council meeting on July 23 at 5:15 p.m.

“We are trying to reconstruct this with grants, sponsorships, and not impose a property tax as we move into Phase 1,” Sharkey said. “We need to give our neighbors a break, They already funded a new fire station.”

In 2023, Sandy residents voted to approve a $21 million bond to reform and rebuild Fire Station 31. The new station will sit at 9295 South 255 W. in the heart of the city’s downtown Cairn’s District.

According to the city’s public information officer, Susan Wood, $11 million has already been allocated to the Alta Canyon Sports Center remodel.

The breakdown looks like this:

  • Fiscal year 2024
    • General revenue: $3,000,000
    • Grant funds: $460,000
  • Fiscal year 2025
    • General revenue: $7,194,733
    • Impact fees: $1,085,372
  • Total Funds: $11,740,105

Sandy resident Pat Jones has lived in Sandy since 1987. Jones attends most city council meetings and voted in the recent Flash Surveys to gather public opinion about the Alta Canyon Project.

“There needs to be a majority voice, but it is missing,” Jones said. “I wish every resident would receive a survey in the mail. Instead they have to opt in and request the surveys. Very few do that. I just want representation on this local level.”

Sandy has polled its residents over the years about the ACSC.

An average of 450 neighbors took part in the Flash Vote surveys. There are more than 95,000 residents in the city.

“That is disappointing and shocking,” Sandy resident John Knab said. “We need hundreds and thousands of people to weigh in. This facility is only being used by 2% of Sandy’s population. It seems odd to dedicate money to that.”

Marci Houseman, the Sandy City Council Member representing District Four said Community Centers are at the core of unifying a city.

“It’s an investment in wellness. It’s an investment in connection and combating mental health struggles and loneliness,” Houseman said. “This investment pays off in a lot of different ways.”

Houseman has helped facilitate town halls to discuss the ACSC renovations. She said Phase 1 will be capped at $15 million.

“We are dedicated to listening to our constituents,” Houseman said. “I have received hundreds of emails asking for indoor pickleball courts. People want to play pickleball year-round. We are practicing fiscal management across the city. Just because we are now focusing on the Alta Canyon Sports Center doesn’t mean we didn’t financially support public safety. Our fire station bond is evidence of that.”

Public comment is always welcomed at council meetings.

Houseman clarified the meeting on July 23 will not identify what the rebuild will look like or when construction will begin. City planners said Phase 1 will envelop the next 20 years.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Steven Willard Anderson...

Michael Houck

Body of missing man found in Starvation Reservoir, sheriff’s office confirms

Authorities confirmed they found the body of a man who went missing nearly two decades ago in Starvation Reservoir.

41 minutes ago

A group of cancer activists at Utah's Capitol Hill for Cancer Action Day. (American Cancer Society)...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Cancer activists to gather with elected officials on Capitol Hill

Activists and patients will be at Utah's Capitol Hill to meet with elected officials, sharing their stories and pushing policies that aid the fight against cancer.

3 hours ago

KSL’s Matt Gephardt blends cream, milk and sugar to make ice cream. The cost of his homemade ice ...

Matt Gephardt

Gephardt Gets It: We made five often used foods on our own. Here’s where we saved money on our groceries

Groceries have gotten pricey. But by making some of your own food, you can cut costs by over 30%.

12 hours ago

A Provo City banner pictured Oct. 2024. (Mark Less, KSL TV)...

Brian Carlson

Provo proposing water rate hike, city council to vote Tuesday

An upcoming vote could force Provo homeowners to pay more for water. The city council plans to vote Tuesday on a proposal to increase water rates across the board and penalize those who use the most.

13 hours ago

Police give update to large protest downtown over the weekend that led to a minor confrontation dur...

Darby Sparks

Salt Lake Police respond to weekend protest, vehicle vs pedestrian incident

Police give update to large protest downtown over the weekend that led to a minor confrontation during a march that blocked traffic.

14 hours ago

The Utah State Capitol is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025....

Annie Knox, Andrew Adams and Courtney Johns, KSL TV

Lawmakers are considering major changes to Utah’s open records law

A First Amendment attorney tells KSL the moves are a “multi-front assault on the public’s right to know,” but a lawmaker says change is needed.

14 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Sandy City Council to vote on rec center renovation