sTARTING THE CONVERSATION

A Possible Cache Valley Recreation & Community Center

A potential place for families and seniors for swimming, running, sports, reading, weightlifting, yoga, and more!

EXPLORING THE IDEA

Cache County Cities are exploring building a Recreation & Community Center.

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Let’s cultivate a vibrant hub where families and Seniors can thrive, and where our community can unite. A community recreation center and public library are on the distant horizon. 

STEP 1: See Which Cities Would Like to Explore a Rec Center and Community Center/Library for Families and Seniors.

STEP 2: Create a Recreation District to serve Those Cities.

STEP 3: Explore Possible Sites, Amenities, and Funding Sources.

STEP 4: Calculate the Cost to Build and Operate.

STEP 5: Residents Vote to Decide if the Plan Moves Forward.

Data and research indicate that it is financially possible for communities to create an affordable space for much less than what you might expect.

Just as farm co-ops have empowered our local farmers by pooling resources for collective benefit, a Recreation District represents a shared investment in the health and well-being of Cache Valley’s residents. A joint ownership of recreational spaces would foster healthier lifestyles, benefit families and seniors, promote social connections, and enhance the quality of life for Cache Valley residents.

Our mission is to foster community engagement and enhance the quality of life for families and seniors by assessing the interest of local cities in developing a Recreation and Community Center. We aim to establish a dedicated Recreation District that identifies accessible sites, desirable amenities, and sustainable funding sources. We will thoroughly analyze the costs associated with building and operating these facilities, ensuring transparency and community involvement through a resident vote to determine the future direction of this initiative.

Questions to Ask Your Mayor or City Council Rep:

1. “Based on the 2025 County-wide survey, did you know the majority of our community wants a community center and is ready to help fund it?”

2. “What are your thoughts about making this happen?”

3. “What do you know about setting up a Special Service District for Recreation? Are you open to working with other communities on this?”

Why Here?

Why a Community  Center in Cache Valley?

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Cache Valley’s population is rapidly growing, yet available recreational spaces, senior centers, and libraries are thinning out

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There are few options for residents to stay active and engaged.
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The Logan Recreation Center is stretched thin, limiting access for many, particularly during peak hours. 

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Many church facilities have implemented new security measures, restricting public access.
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The senior and homeschool demographic in the valley is growing, and access to more facilities is needed.

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Cache Valley’s long, cold winters further exacerbate the need for accessible and affordable indoor spaces.

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Private options are often unable to meet the needs of families and low-income residents.

How Much Will This Cost?

Once each city makes the decision to explore the possibility of building a community center independently or collaboratively through a district approach, we will gain a better  understanding of the costs involved.

The first step to see which cities would like to access a community center for their residents to have access. Ultimately, the project might be funded by local government, grants, sponsorships and partnerships, membership fees, and public/private partnerships to share the costs of construction, maintenance, and operation.

Each of these funding sources can help ensure the sustainability and growth of an affordable community center, fostering engagement and well-being in Cache Valley.

What is the First Step?

Step 1: See Which Cities Want to Explore A Possible Solution

With long winters and limited reading, gathering, and recreation options, residents have urged city leaders to consider creating a community center. Surveys and outreach have shown significant interest, leading to an exploration of possibilities.

This initiative began in Nibley City, including support from neighboring communities. In June 2024, Residents expressed a desire for indoor spaces and interest in collaborating with nearby communities to pool resources and expand options.

As a result, the South Cache Valley Indoor Recreation Study was launched, involving multiple communities interested in exploring solutions.

A critical step this project is to explore which cities want to come to the table to discuss the feasibility and costs of a community center.  Study facilitators may also explore other community services like a public library and senior services and spaces.

A recent survey indicated a strong interest among South Cache Valley residents expressing a willingness to financially support a community-owned facility. Adding a public library and Senior Center as part of the ongoing data collection process is essential for establishing priorities, which will be confirmed through a scientifically administered survey.

For now, The FIRST STEP is to see which cities want discuss the feasibility and costs of a community center.

 

Survey Results

High Usage Likely

Most residents are projected to use the facility on a weekly basis or more.

High Interest

A majority of residents express enthusiasm for various recreational programs and other facilities.

Willing to Participate

A substantial portion of residents have indicated a willingness to financially support a community-owned public facility.

Interest in Long-Term Sustainability

Data shows strong community support for initiatives that promote the ongoing maintenance and operation of the facility.

Costs of construction, materials, and labor are increasing. Let’s act now.
Benifits

Why Explore a Community Center?

Physical health benefits

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Disease prevention
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Weight management
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Increased longevity
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Immune system boost
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Improve sleep
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Strengthen bones and muscles

Mental and emotional benefits

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Library access to all residents

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Reduce stress and anxiety
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More productive workforce (Economic Benefit)
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Reduce depression symptoms
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Improve cognitive function
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Enhanced self-esteem and confidence
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Greater life satisfaction

Social benefits

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Stronger community
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Improved relationships
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Skill development
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Decreased addictive behaviors
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Decreased Delinquency/Less spent on Law Enforcement
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Community Connection/Human Connection
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Improve Cache Valley Economics through Travel and Tourism

Let’s come together as a Community

To explore innovative solutions for expanding our recreational spaces, senior center, and library access, ensuring that everyone in Cache Valley can enjoy the activities and resources they need, no matter the season and without significant financial impact.

Possible Features

What Might Be Included?

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A space to benefit ALL residents and families of Cache County
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Pickleball Courts
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A Scaled/Right-sized Public Library

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Indoor Track
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Swimming Pool (a leisure pool and a competition pool)
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Yoga Studio and Group Exercise Rooms
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A senior center with health and support services, and skilled staff to promote physical well-being, mental health, and a vibrant social environment.

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Indoor and Outdoor Sports
Fields
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Multipurpose Gymnasium
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Game Room (Pool, Table Tennis, etc.)
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Childcare Facilities
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Event Space for Workshops and Classes

Want More Info?

Other Facilities

Other Cities with Comparable Demographics Have Comparable Facilities

South Davis Rec Center

Family Activity Center

Marshall White Center

Riverdale Community Center

Clinton City Rec Center

Roy Recreation Complex

Farr West Rec Center

Data from the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) indicates a higher likelihood of aquatics participation among households with appropriate income. The median family income in Cache Valley aligns well with this observation, standing at $68,372, with a mean of $83,770, thereby providing ample support for aquatic and recreational pursuits. Moreover, Cache County displays a considerable level of education, with 93.1% of the population aged 25 and over holding a high school diploma or higher. This education level strongly correlates with engagement in regular fitness activities and recreation pursuits. The Census data also suggests a projected population growth within the area, which is likely to fuel increased demand for aquatic and recreational services in the coming years.
What Community Says

Community Outreach

A two-question survey was shared on social media with Cache Valley residents. After a brief overview, participants responded to:

If the facility were available at a reasonable price, how likely would you be to purchase this service?

84.73% indicated they would be likely or very likely to purchase admission ( include a percentage widget here)

How new and different is this event center compared to other services in Cache Valley?

80.56% agreed that these services were new and different. ( include a percentage widget here)

STAY IN THE LOOP!

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Have Questions?

STAY INFORMED

How can I stay updated on the progress of exploring the Cache Community Center?

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Join local community gatherings to stay informed.

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Look for petitions and surveys about exploring a new recreation center and public library and add your name.

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Share information about the possibilities of a recreation center and public library with friends, family, and social media.

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Reach out to your city council reps or other local officials.

Get in touch

Stay in the Loop!