"We can't miss this window of opportunity," swim coach Suzie Earnshaw told a gathering of faithful patrons at the center Monday. "This center doesn't have five or 10 more years left in it."

City officials in Bountiful, Centerville, North Salt Lake, West Bountiful and Woods Cross recently formed a taxing district to fund a $23 million makeover of the existing center and have scheduled an Aug. 3 bond election to see if residents are willing to pay for it.

The proposed tax would cost homeowners an extra $36 a year on a $180,000 home.

The Utah Taxpayers Association and other residents have begun criticizing the project as too elaborate.

Proponents fear that, with summer vacation season in full swing, their dreams of updated fitness equipment and facilities will be defeated.

"Why did they have to do this in August?" asked Mary Rampton, who attends an early-morning water aerobics class at the center. "It's a nuisance to people to go vote this time of year."

Organizers of Monday's meeting, which included parents whose children take ice skating and swimming courses at the center, handed out a 10-point talking plan for patrons to use to persuade their neighbors to get out and vote.

The plan addresses issues such as health concerns of older residents and a need for an attractive community center for youths. It hailed the center as a "progressive step for Bountiful" and pointed out that the upgraded center will take the place of the existing one.

"To have five cities come together on this is a remarkable cost-saving opportunity," said Jerilee Jones, who is heading up the Citizens For Recreation movement. "It's on existing property. Not every city is going to go out and build their own."

Part of the opposition apparently has started to fade. Owners of nearby private health clubs who once complained about competing with the taxpayer-supported center have agreed to teach health-education courses at the center.

"The mayors agreed to keep the size of the fitness center to 6,000 square feet. That's about what it is now," said Gary Seljaas, co-owner of Excel Spa and Fitness. "Working with them will open up even more people to the benefits of physical fitness."

lorib@sltrib.com