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SALT LAKE CITY -- Years ago voters first approved a bond to build a new soccer complex in Salt Lake City. The project soon begins taking shape. The question: Can Jordan River restoration peacefully co-habitate with soccer competition? Backers of the long-delayed new Regional Athletic Complex say yes.
"That 17 fields will do wonders for our competitive youth leagues here in the city," said soccer complex supporter Dave Spatafore. "Some rec leagues will play there. But it will be a great economic engine for tournaments coming into the Salt Lake valley."
Soon, Salt Lake City starts construction on the project, just east of I-215 near the airport. In 2003, voters passed a $15 million bond for construction, contingent on $7.5 million from private sources; a sum professional club Real Salt Lake has kicked in.
Construction will happen in two phases, with 16 or 17 multi-purpose fields going in first -- half with lighting and one with all-season sport turf -- plus a championship pitch with seats for 2000.
Leaders in Salt Lake City say they hope the project will become a model for future Jordan River restoration
The proposal drew sharp criticism from residents preferring to keep the land open space. The city says 23 acres along the river will be restored and preserved, with a 100 to 400 feet buffer between the river and the fields, management of storm water runoff and mitigation wetlands.
"There are probably people who are not satisfied," said Emy Maloutas, open space lands program manager. "But I would say that this plan really strives, more than any other project that's happened on the river, to strike a balance."
The city expects to hold a groundbreaking late this month or in early November. A spokesman for Real Salt Lake says the project will provide a big boost for soccer in the state.
If all goes according to plan, the facility could host its first event, perhaps a cross-country running race, in about a year.
Most fields are expected to open in the spring of 2012.
