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PROVO — Provo Mayor John Curtis believes in dreaming big.
That is why, in addition to adding a water feature to Pioneer Park, he included in his 20-year plan for the city a goal to add a recreational beach on the shores of Utah Lake by the year 2030.
It may not be possible, the mayor said, but it is more likely now than it would have been had he never put the words on paper. He said one advantage to the 20-year plan, Vision 2030, is that "you get to dream."
‘You don't have to be as realistic," Curtis said. "When you dream, you don't limit yourself in what you are able to accomplish. Paths open up if you dream."
The plan, laid out in March 2010, was formed by a 20- member steering committee in an attempt to provide long- term direction for the city. It covers 14 different topics, from education to safety to governance.
Some of the goals will have a concrete completion date: the water feature can be "checked off" a list. Others are more nebulous, though, such as the recreational beach.
Curtis said he is unsure of a path that will lead to a beach on Utah Lake without competing with other city interests. The city's first priority is sticking to the values laid out in the Vision 2030 master plan, which focus on responsibility and respect for individuals, families and the environment.
"Our values trump everything," Curtis said.
Particularly important to Provo residents is the environment, according to Curtis, who noted there has been consistent demand for parks and other recreational opportunities within the city. And as a part of Vision 2030, city leaders are amping up projects to make parks more inviting than ever, including adding an interactive water feature to Pioneer Park, located at 500 W. Center Street.
The park used to be home to a canal running along 500 W. The canal was a popular place for children to play in the summer months, but was covered over due to safety concerns. Curtis said the city has since desired to replace the canal with a water feature that showcases the city's unique culture and history.
The city has gone through the bidding process for the water feature three times, according to project coordinator Dean Hutchison. After the last bid in Feb. 2011, the city downsized the project and eliminated some features in order to keep the project in line with the town's financial values.
Monday's bids will be evaluated based on the companies' qualifications and whether they can keep the project under $1 million. If a bid is successful, residents can expect the project to be completed within four or five months, according to Hutchison.
The water feature is a small part of the projects Provo City has undertaken to revitalize what was once a struggling downtown district.
In the near future, the city will see the opening of the Utah Valley Convention Center, the addition of an LDS temple and a newer feel for downtown as new sidewalks are laid and the facades of old businesses are improved or replaced.
"There is a long list of exciting things going on downtown," Curtis said. "We've had tremendous success in the area. I think our residents are getting the sense it is becoming what we'd like it to be."
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