By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
The city should not abandon the planning they have done
to make the Pink School Park to accommodate a private
money-making business enterprise&emdash;a movie theater.
"I find it hard to believe that in just two weeks you
would consider abandoning eight years of planning and
developing that have been put into a new recreational
facility for our community," Philip Baker, Nephi City Parks
and Cemetery Superintendent, said.
"For many years," he said, "a need for a movie house
or theater has been a concern for some people. But let us
consider the location of such a facility. Let us consider
what is most important and of most value to our
community."
Baker asked permission to address Nephi City Council
concerning the proposal of Kelly Andersen, Mike Cowan and
Tyler Cowan to allow them to purchase or trade property for
the park property to construct a movie theater.
"Cities all over Utah and the nation are under
pressure to provide, preserve and develop the very thing you
have in your hands and are considering throwing away," said
Baker.
"The location of the Pink School property is prime,"
he said. "No matter what price you would be able to attain
for it, it would be inadequate. You would never be able to
replace what you already have."
The property, said Baker, is centrally located, it is
the finest setting for a public park in all of Nephi. It is
intersected by the two main highways that bring people into
the city and, in essence, is the heart of the city.
Baker said that park systems, throughout the nation,
have been designed to help preserve open spaces for
recreation and relaxation. Open spaces are places where
citizens could come and relax, recreate, and renew
themselves with nature. So, he said, as civilization
expands, the threat of natural and native surroundings
disappear.
"One of the greatest responsibilities of a city park
and recreation department is to provide such and area for
the community," he said. "In such an effort it has been a
constant effort for many years to provide opportunities for
our citizens that would be beneficial to them and also good
for their health and well being and to also include as many
people as possible in the allotted space available."
He said everyone knew what a trip to the park did for
them and how it made them feel.
"We have also agreed to allow the construction of an
advertising kiosk to be constructed at the site to direct
tourists to the Scenic Nebo Loop area," said Baker. A
citizen committee, involving agencies and residents from
Utah County and Juab County has been working on the
advertising of the national science route.
In an effort to provide for some of the needs of the
community, the Old Pink School Park was designed to feature
a baseball diamond, currently under construction, situated
away from major highways to help facilitate optimal
enjoyment and safety. Even when the baseball complex is
completed, the diamond will be used by young players.
There are, already in place, tournament quality horse
shoe pits, built and designed to meet highest quality
standards.
In addition, other facilities such as two volley ball
courts, will be provided to involve people of all
ages&emdash;youth, young adults, and older people; outdoor
basketball courts and skating facilities, because, at the
present, there are very few facilities available for these
two areas of recreation in Nephi; a much needed walking
trail in a safe environment for people of all ages.
Soccer field facilities, the ever more popular sport
among youth and adults in the community, are in great
need.
"The combination of recreation and relaxation is
increased by the development of the Old Gym Recreation
Center and also the Community Arts Theater, all centrally
located," said Baker. In combination with the park facility,
the site will be further enhanced.
"Now contrast with me the two project proposals," said
Baker. "On the one hand I see a complete recreational
setting which is either filled with the sounds of children
cheering at a ball game, the sight of families at a picnic,
exuberant youth at a fun-filled volleyball game, the
dignified horseshoe pitchers, a family reunion, basketballs
bouncing and dancing off the rim of an outdoor court. There
is the quiet park-like setting for a walk in the early
morning, or the serenity of the evening as the city quiets
for a cool summer night."
This would create an inviting atmosphere for people
passing through Nephi, he said.
"In contrast, here is what I picture with the other
proposal presented tonight," he said. "Open landscaped
environment with nature is replaced with asphalt and a big
building that obstructs the view."
"If you want a neat experience, go to the park at
daybreak and listen to the sounds of peace and the serenity
of nature. If you go to a theater parking lot at daybreak
you will probably find a whole different atmosphere, pop
cans, pop corn, candy wrappers, and good old asphalt. The
setting is just not the same."
Baker said he urged the council not to abandon the
Pink School Park and Recreation Center but to find another
locality for the theater.
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