| Colton Howes
|
On May 1, the members of Carbon County’s youth commission hosted local public officials and interested stake holders to a think tank discussion at the College of Eastern Utah.
The forum focused the continuation of the ongoing discussion regarding the youth group’s proposed miniature golf course.
The youth commission had been advised by Carbon County commissioners to seek a partnership with the city of Price in going forward with the group’s plans.
The proposed miniature golf course was originally slated to be built at the Carbon County Fairgrounds near the new convention center and softball fields.
But the members of the youth commission, in conjunction with city officials, are now considering moving the proposed project to property located west of the Price Desert Wave pool.
“As we work forward to a venue for this course, we need to look for a high traffic area where operation and maintenance costs can be mitigated,” said Price City Mayor Joe Piccolo.
Although several locations were discussed by the think tank attendees, the property located south of the city’s wave pool appeared to be the primary area of choice.
“I would like to see our community leaders validate the youth’s wishes for recreation,” continued Piccolo. “For a little more money it is my feeling that we could also look at including a water spray park and climbing wall in conjunction with the miniature golf course.”
Piccolo stated that existing infrastructure and work force at the wave pool would go a long way to help minimize the costs associated with operating such a facility.
“I see our community as Carbon and Emery counties. While tax base and boundaries separate us, we are in this together. I would like to see these attractions bundled as a yearly pass for our youth,” commented the Price mayor.
“There are alot of 14- to 16-year-old kids out there. They are not free, but they are not playing little league anymore. They have a good amount of idle time on their hands and idle time is a dangerous thing for a young person,” explained Piccolo.
Frank Ori of Carbon County Recreation concurred with placing the venue close to the college.
“Placing the course in the suggested area gives you nearly 2,000 young people within walking distance of the facility,” commented Ori.
Also in favor of the location was Price city customer relations representative Brett Cammans.
“As far as the boiler system in the current building goes it would optimized running at double the capacity that it is now,” explained Cammans. “Adding additional facility space to the wave pool would actually increase the efficiency of our boiler.”
According to Price City Engineer Gary Sonntag, space is going to be the biggest obstacle regarding the preferred location.
“There may be space for the golf course but I don’t know if there is going to be room for anything more,” said Sonntag.
Sonntag explained that moving farther into the park was something that would go against the way the founding fathers of Price city had laid out their plans for that area.
It was Sonntag’s opinion that the city honor the father’s plans while developing this project.
The plans for the proposed project were developed by Harris Miniature golf with the total structure running upwards of $300,000 in cost.
It is the feeling of the members of the youth commission that the course would become a popular, well-used establishment in the local community.
Project supporters also believe that proposed facility would provide opportunity for tournament play.
During the meeting, Ori recommended that miniature golf leagues could be installed by Carbon County Recreation.
Also the commission feels that the facility would draw visitors to the area busting the local economy as a whole through use of additional local services.
“The wave pool already draws schools and visiting families to the area several times a year,” concluded Tammara Grey, manager of Desert Wave. “Adding to the facility will only increase that revenue.”