This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Supporters of an open-space initiative hope to dot West Valley City with new parks, placing one within 2,000 yards of each family and increasing open space by 20 percent.
Their dream hinges on voter approval of Proposition 3, a $25 million bond that would pay for the project. The West Valley Parks and Trails for Families Committee, made up of unpaid community members, is campaigning for the measure.
Kevin Fayles, a 20-year resident and committee chairman, said passing the proposition would save taxpayer money in the long run.
"I know money's tight, but now is the time to do this because of the historically low interest rates and construction costs," Fayles said.
He added: "Some people will say these are amenities, but I say these are necessities. These investments in the city will change it for the better in the future."
Residents of an average home, valued at $177,000, would pay an additional $25 a year for 20 years. The West Valley City Council in August unanimously approved putting the bond on the Nov. 2 ballot. This is the first time in the municipality's 30-year history that residents will get the chance to vote on a general obligation bond.
The bond would be used to improve trails; create a 4- to 7-acre "village green" that would be a gathering place and regional amenity; and build 17 new neighborhood parks, including the city's first off-leash dog park and skate park.
Mayor Mike Winder describes the proposition as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity."
"For less than seven cents a day we can change the face of West Valley City forever," he said.
The Utah Taxpayers Association has taken a neutral stance on the measure, according to Winder. The West Valley Clean & Beautiful Committee and the Granite Board of Education both have endorsed Proposition 3.
A resolution by the board noted that 25 percent of Utah children are overweight and said the availability of parks has been shown to reduce obesity rates.
Also supporting the measure are some students in a business communications class at Granger High School, who made brochures on the proposed parks and buttons on Proposition 3. Their teacher, Christine Drage, said the project was a way for them to learn how to get a message out.
"Students need to care and this is a great way to get involved," she said.
But not everyone is a booster. Lifelong West Valley resident Bill Barton said a recession is the worst time to increase taxes.
Barton said businesses would be hit hard with the increase. In addition, although $25 a year seems like a small amount, paying the money could hurt the many retirees in the community, he said.
"Some of these people are living day to day and they're having a hard time," he said.
Barton, a retiree who served as a Utah state senator for 12 years and ran unsuccessfully last year for a seat on the West Valley City Council, said cities must set priorities.
"You can't just have everything you want," he said.