For those outside of 'happy valley' A.F. is Americian Fork
Thursday, 10 April 2008 A.F. may use reservoir for scuba, kayaking
Barbara Christiansen - NORTH COUNTY STAFF
Lessons in kayaking, canoeing and scuba could be a part of the new secondary irrigation reservoir to be built near the Fox Hollow Golf Course, if state and federal officials give the proposal their approval.
The proposal is an attempt to meet requirements to have the American Fork property continue to have recreation uses. The land was included in property granted to the city to be used for recreational purposes. If that use does not continue, the property would revert to state ownership. Another option would be to mitigate the property with other land that would have new recreational uses, but city officials considered that more expensive and time-consuming.
The city had proposed putting trails and picnic benches around the reservoir, but when they met with Seth McArthur, who coordinates state and federal grants, they got the message that there needed to be more.
Howard Denney, director of public works, said McArthur first indicated that his experience told him the trails and picnic area would not be enough for the federal government to call it recreational property.
"We did it level by level, adding onto it," Denney said. "When we got to the scuba park, there was a brightening of his demeanor. He told us that if we could provide a recreational activity not available in the area, it would go a long ways toward solving the problem."
City engineer Andy Spencer said the canoeing and kayaking lessons would be under the city's recreation department. The city would probably turn over the scuba lessons to an outside entity.
All programs would be available only from April to October when there is water in the reservoir. As the city grows closer to being fully built out, there may be times of the day when the water level is too low to conduct the lessons, even during the summer months, Spencer said.
In a meeting last week, the council members mulled the options.
"It seems like a minimal cost to provide this," said Councilman Dale Gunther. "In my opinion, we have got to find recreation use for this, and [scuba] makes sense to me."
Recreation director Derric Rykert was enthusiastic.
"I'm actually excited about it," he said. "I think it is some opportunities we don't have."
Denney said the city's current proposal would first be reviewed by the state Parks and Recreation Department, then sent on to representatives of the federal government.
"I am just guessing, but it could perhaps take a month or so," Denney said.
Until the city gets federal approval, construction of the reservoir is on hold.
For me this is a great idea putting a diveable body of water on a golf course. This will help feed my other passion..golf..less money spent on balls and what a better way to spend a surface interval.
I know there is another site under consideration in Utah County that is geothermal that will be 'similar' to Seabase, Belmont Springs and the 'Crater'. ie: commercial operation.
