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Ogden • Mayor Matthew Godfrey's vision of a world-class waterpark and sports facility in downtown Ogden — a concept two years in the making — has now solidified enough that residents are being invited to engage in the process.
City administrators will unveil details, answer questions and receive input about the "Field House" project — formerly known as the Velodrome — Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the outdoor Amphitheater at 343 25th St.
"We're excited about being able to draw hopefully the hundreds of people that should be here [at Christmas Village] on Thursday night to come through and give us feedback," Godfrey told City Council members earlier this week.
In early 2009, Ogden unsuccessfully sought $2 million (over four years) in Recreation, Arts, Museums and Parks (RAMP) funding to build the proposed $15 million Velodrome project at 2675 Wall Ave. That structure included a regional archery center which has since been scrapped.
The proposed location has also shifted to land between 24th and 25th Streets along Grant Avenue.
Last month, the City Council approved a $38,000 feasibility study that the Cleveland-based Hotel & Leisure Advisors should finish by year's end. That data will aid officials in applying for Weber County's RAMP funds — up to five years worth at $3 million per year — by the Jan. 15 deadline.
"There's RAMP funding set aside for a legacy project," Godfrey said. "And there are partners that have been wanting to build these facilities anyway. If we can collaborate and do this together, it will cost everybody a whole lot less right now."
Weber State University supports the project, which would provide tennis tournament space and indoor practice facilities for football, soccer and track-and-field sports.
"We have about five teams in our athletic department with inadequate facilities to train during the winter," said Norm Tarbox, WSU's vice-president for administrative services. Efforts to launch its own facility failed to gain traction, he added.
So far, the university's financial contribution has not been discussed.
"Just like other state agencies, we've faced significant budget cuts over the last two to three years," Tarbox said. "I can't say what kind of support would be asked of the University or what it could provide at this point."
The Field House proposal
Includes indoor fields for soccer, baseball, football; walking and running track; Olympic size swimming pool; mega-waterpark for kids and families; six tennis courts; and a bike track.
Project partners
Weber and Ogden school districts, Weber State University, Weber County and the Greater Ogden Athletic Legacy (GOAL) Foundation.
Source • Ogden CAO John Patterson