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SALT LAKE CITY — After 10 years of legal battles, Salt Lake City is set to build 16 new soccer fields by 2015.
The origin of the 16-field soccer complex dates back to 2003 when voters approved a $15 million bond to build it. Environmental and legal battles delayed the project, but as of Thursday, all those problems have been ironed out.
In 2003, Salt Lake City voters approved a bond to develop the soccer complex near the Jordan River on the northwest side of the city. Shortly thereafter, the Jordan River Restoration Network filed the first of seven legal actions to block the plan. Two of the lawsuits related to a dispute over access to public records; another appealed a rezone and master plan amendments; and another challenged the $15.3 million bond approved by voters in 2003.
The group also appealed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ issuance of a permit that allowed the city to move forward with the project after litigation was initially filed, and it accused officials of illegally filling in wetland areas to build the soccer complex.
The city fought back, filing a petition in response to legal challenges by the group, which had prevented the Salt Lake City Council from authorizing the sale of bonds to construct the complex near 1900 West and 2200 North.
Thursday, Real Salt Lake presented Salt Lake City with the $7.5 million dollar check, which is the final piece needed to get the soccer fields built.
"In spite of the legal problems, the soccer fields are sorely needed. More than 50,000 youths play soccer in Utah right now, and playing fields are at a premium," said Dell Loy Hansen, owner of Real Salt Lake.
Mayor Ralph Becker and Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen were among those on hand to recognize the official restart of construction on the city’s voter-approved Salt Lake Regional Athletic Complex.
“This is a day many of us have been anticipating for years now,” Becker said. “Getting this project back online is a benchmark for our residents who approved it and for the numerous youth and adult teams who will show their skills on its fields.”
The new complex will feature 16 soccer/multipurpose fields, including a stadium field that will feature bleachers, artificial turf, a scoreboard and concession area. A gift from Real Salt Lake covers $7.5 million of the financing for the $22.8 million project that is scheduled for completion by summer 2015.
In spite of the building delays, there is excitement in the air about these new soccer fields as a growing number of people find passion in this sport.
