The Southwest Recreation Center will include lap and leisure pools, a fitness center, a multipurpose room, and offer aerobics and child care, according to Holly Adams, senior associate of the design firm Edwards & Daniels Architects.

"We're thrilled," Adams said. "We look at it as a way to build one of the best rec centers in Utah."

Salt Lake County will fund part of the facility's construction through Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) tax funds, plus additional cash from Riverton, said the county's project manager, Ryan Henrie.

The least expensive of the three alternatives would cost $12.8 million and feature cardio training, aerobics, a natatorium and day care. The mid-priced option would have those amenities, plus leisure and lap pools. The most expensive version, at $23 million, would have added a multipurpose room, running track, gymnasium, diving well and racquetball courts.

Raquel DeLuca, Herriman councilwoman, said she was happy with the county's choice.

"People want all the bells and whistles we can provide, and we need to make sure we serve all our residents," she said. "If we would have gone with the least expensive version, we'd leave out some of those people."

Bluffdale and Herriman still want the track, racquetball courts and spectator seating. But both are willing to raise private money - $8 million - to eventually add those features while overall construction is under way. If the cities can't raise that amount, those features could be added in the future, Adams said.

"It's very family oriented," Riverton Mayor Bill Applegarth said. "Families will be able to go there year round. They'll be able to swim, and it will help improve their health, which is so important." Another plus to the $16.1 million version is that it will not increase taxes, Applegarth said.

omunoz@sltrib.com