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EAGLE MOUNTAIN -- A free public swimming pool has been added to plans for a wakeboard park in Eagle Mountain.
The complex will include three wakeboarding pools for different skill levels, a public wading/swimming pool and space for volleyball and Frisbee golf, among other outdoor attractions. The final plans have not yet been released.
The park will join fifteen other wakeboard parks in the nation, and will be the only full-size cable park in the West.
"Right now, people from this area are will travel to Texas or Florida to go to a park like this," park developer Darcy Hanks said. "Otherwise, the only way they can do it is if they have access to a boat. It opens the sport up to everyone."
Hanks originally proposed the complex in May 2010, but the plan changed when professional wakeboarder Patrick Panakos got more involved with the project.
"I have been working with him from the beginning," Hanks said. "After the city showed an interest, we wanted to come up with ideas that would make it more financially viable as a business. We wanted to make it a destination."
That destination will provide definite economic benefits to the city, according to Hanks. The complex is expected to create 35 new jobs and draw 35,000 visitors a year, for an expected revenue of $1.5 million per year.
"What we're trying to accomplish is to provide amenities for the city," Hanks said. "We're putting this on land that is just dirt. This will be something they can be proud of as they drive by."
One thing it'll do for the city is bring a lot of positive publicity. When word gets out that Patrick Panakos is involved with this park, it's going to be in the national spotlight.
–Darcy Hanks
The city was attracted to the development for the same reason, according to Economic Development Director Iso Pili.
"A significant factor in our decision was that they are developing 29 acres worth of park that is currently our responsibility to develop as a city," he said. "That would cost millions of dollars, even with just sod. By allowing a private company to come in, it takes away from our cost."
Instead, the city expects to spend $200,000 to provide the park with needed infrastructure such as utility lines.
The location of the park, adjacent to a skate park and rodeo arena, is expected to attract businesses to the area.
"The location and variety of attractions in the area provide some synergy that would naturally attract economic development," Pili said.
Hanks, too, believes the park will benefit Eagle Mountain, and in a big way.
"One thing it'll do for the city is bring a lot of positive publicity," he said. "When word gets out that Patrick Panakos is involved with this park, it's going to be in the national spotlight."
He is a legend in the sport," he continued. "He's been pushing the envelope and really taking it to the next level. Having a big name and a phenomenal park is going to be a positive thing."
Residents have largely reacted positively to the idea, according to Linda Peterson, Eagle Mountain public information director.
"Everyone I've talked to has been really excited about it," she said. "Not only is it a recreation opportunity in the city for residents, but it'll be good economically for the city. Not everyone may feel that way, but they'll have the opportunity to tell us their thoughts."
"We want to give residents a chance to see what's going on, ask questions and voice concerns," Hanks added. "We're still working on the approval process and have a lot of steps to take before the park opens."
Hanks and Panakos will present their plan at a town hall meeting Nov. 16, after which the city will notify them of the final conditions for approval. They hope to open the park by Memorial Day 2012.
