"This is a great opportunity to forge a partnership with the U. and use a facility that has already been built," said Councilman Courtland Ashton. "It's just sitting there. By us participating in the capital costs, we can expand recreational activities for all our kids."
U. Athletics Director Chris Hill was on hand to field council members' questions. He emphasized that joint ownership of the 75,000-square-foot facility was not an option.
Hill also said U. administrators like the idea of bringing youth groups on campus.
For its 2 million, the county will have use of the Guardsman Way facility on weeknights - Monday through Friday - from 6 p.m. to midnight. On Saturdays and Sundays, county residents will have the run of the big building from 10 a.m. to midnight.
Having access to a big indoor facility means group sports such as lacrosse and soccer can be played year-round.
Salt Lake County also will not pay utility costs or other maintenance expenses. That responsibility remains with the U., the facility owner. The county is required to provide its own staff when the facility is open for county recreation.
The length of the partnership agreement was unclear Wednesday. Even the 11-page document "Facility Shared Use Interlocal Agreement" - including blank spaces and questions inserted in bold type - did not have an actual date the partnership would become effective.
The agreement also does not set a timetable to evaluate whether the U. is a suitable location for county youths and if the agreement is meeting the needs of both parties.
"We decide when we need to build a rec center and we live with what we build. We do the best job we can upfront," Ashton said.
But that aside, the concern Wednesday was securing the 2 million and deciding how it is to be paid to the U. It could come over several years, said one county official, noting that was part of the motion.
The county does have some money in its travel and recreation account now to begin the process.
"They're giving us a grade A facility proffered for much less than we would have to spend for our own facility," said Councilman Joe Hatch. "It is an incredible deal. They're going to guarantee times, guarantee usage, almost in perpetuity for a fairly nominal fee."
sykes@sltrib.com
Tribune reporter Derek Jensen contributed to this report.
Items still to be addressed:
l Payment terms
l Length of partnership
l Reasons for termination
l Additional police and security
l Equipment ownership and theft
l Campus parking For $2 million, Salt Lake County residents could use a University of Utah athletic facility - saving the county more millions by not having to build a new recreation center itself.
