Council discusses new indoor recreation facility; staff to obtain designs and engineering for two options

Brigham City staff presented data April 16 showing a long‑term decline in gym hours the city can secure from community partners and outlined two design/estimate options for a new indoor recreation facility at Pioneer Park.

Chris (parks & rec staff) summarized 20 years of program participation and said average annual gym hours have declined from more than 900 in the earlier five‑year period to roughly 387 in the most recent five years. He and Derek presented two concept footprints: a larger option with two full‑size gyms plus six cross‑court youth courts (engineer estimate ~$12,000,000) and a smaller option with two full‑size gyms plus four cross‑court youth courts (engineer estimate ~$9,000,000). Staff emphasized the figures are engineer estimates and that formal engineering and bidding will be required for final costs.

Council members asked about operating costs, parking, potential partners (school district, Boys & Girls Club, county or private partners) and the impact on existing leased space. Staff said capital costs could be funded without a general obligation bond or property‑tax increase for construction; however, operating and maintenance costs will affect future budgets and require planning. Several council members also stressed program quality and staffing as critical considerations if a new facility is built.

Council indicated support for staff to proceed with two engineered designs, detailed operating‑cost estimates and community outreach and asked staff to return with bids and implementation details in a few months. A motion to move into a closed session to discuss purchase/exchange/lease of real property followed and was approved.