This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2005, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Fundraising for Salt Lake City's proposed regional sports complex may gain some momentum now that the city has approved money for a preliminary study. On Thursday, the council diverted $350,000 from Rosewood Park to create a preliminary design for the sports complex approved by voters in 2003. Residents agreed to put $22 million of their property taxes toward a complex of soccer and baseball fields on 190 acres at 2300 North between Redwood Road and Interstate 215, but only if $7.5 million is raised privately first. Backers say they need a design to show potential donors. Jeff Salt, executive director of Great Salt Lakekeeper, urged the council not to approve the funds. He wants the proposed site to become a regional nature center. He brought two bags of soccer balls collected from the Jordan River and called them pollution. The council considered delaying a vote, but ultimately agreed to fund the study because it will address environmental issues at the site. - Heather May
