- Splash Pad project gets a $400,000 boost from Special Service District 2
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By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
Thanks to a contribution from Juab County Special Service District 2, Nephi is in a little better position to pay for some of the costly items needed to make the new splash pad an outstanding part of the summer recreation program in Nephi.
Special Service District 2 board members: Chad Winn, chairman; DeEtte Worthington; Craig Sperry; Glenn Greenhalgh; and Byron Woodland gathered at Nephi City Council meeting on Tuesday to present a check for $400,000 to help pay for the splash pad and pool improvements.
"Nephi City approached the district several months ago to request participation," said Randy McKnight, city administrator. "The district committed $400,000 to the project as a way to help enhance recreational opportunities in Juab County."
The money comes from mineral lease monies which are payments to the feds by private companies for mineral production leases on federal land.
All money received from the United States under the provisions of the Mineral Lands Leasing Act is to be deposited in the Mineral Lease Account of the General Fund; can be appropriated by the Legislature giving priority to those subdivisions of the state socially or economically impacted by development of minerals leased under the Mineral Lands Leasing Act, for: planning; construction and maintenance of public facilities; and provision of public services.
Seventy percent of money received from federal mineral lease bonus payments is deposited into the Permanent Community Impact Fund and is used as provided for Community Impact Alleviation.
Thirty percent of money received from federal mineral lease bonus payments shall be deposited in the Mineral Bonus Account.
"We want others in the community to know that we will also welcome private contributions to the improvement project," said Nephi City Mayor Mark Jones. "Had it not been for this sizable contribution from Special Service District 2, the improvements would not have come about."
Winn said that the swimming pool was originally built in the late 1950s, and was opened and dedicated in 1959.
The original pool was built with community contributions and, said Winn, there had been a thermometer erected at the old city hall site, on Main located just south of Family Dollar to keep track of the donations made so the city could have a swimming pool.
"I am old enough to remember the city hall across the street," said Winn. "I remember the big thermometer which was put up there and how it slowly climbed until enough money had been collected to build the pool."
"It has made our lives better—me, my kids, many community members—and has done so for 50-plus years," said Jones.
In another 60 years, people would likely still be enjoying the improvements to the pool. Just as city residents, and those from nearby communities, have enjoyed swimming at the pool which was opened in 1959.
Winn said that Stephen Morgan and Trudy Boswell had been the two youth selected in a contest to be the first to dive from the swimming pool diving board when the pool was opened and thought it might be good to make a similar section for the future.
Lisa Brough, council member, said that the splash pad features were quite expensive.
In fact, a web search found permanently mounted toys ranging from a water gun of $1,500 to more than several thousand dollars for some of the more advanced water toys. There are toys that spray upwards and toys that spray downwards. There are slides and toys that can be sat upon and all types of sizes and varieties. All are expensive.
"Those private individuals, families, businesses or groups who donate money to the splash pad will get a plaque on the feature they help pay for," said Jones.
The more contributions that are received, the more money the city will have to add fun toys to the splash pad.
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