Category Archives: State Fair Park

Utah Legislature Action Show Challenges to Utah Fairpark Future

As the Utah State Legislature passed the half-way mark for this year’s legislative session, the future of the Utah State Fairpark remains unresolved. A subcommittee fails to recommend that the State implement a 50-year lease as authorized in 2010. Another subcommittee considers requiring that private developers and State agencies be given the opportunity to express interest in developing the
White Ball Field.

At stake is an agreement between the Utah State Fair, Inc. and the REAL Salt Lake major-league soccer to team to construct an 8,000-seat stadium to house a new minor league soccer team, the Real Salt Lake Monarchs, at the Utah State Fairpark. The REAL Salt Lake will cover the projected $18 million cost of the new stadium.

But this agreement is contingent on several factors: First, the soccer franchise wants a lease of at least 40 years. Second, the lease must be in place by April 23, anticipating the 2017 soccer season. Finally, there is the question of the availability of the White Ball Field, the vacant property across North Temple to the south of the Fairpark, for parking.

A 40-year lease for the soccer team is impossible unless the lease the Utah State Fair, Inc. has with the State for the use of the Fairpark is extended for at least 40 years. In recent years, the nonprofit corporation has operated with much shorter leases with the State. Its current lease expires 2017. The Utah State Fair, Inc. is also approaching the Legislature for $675,000 for ongoing maintenance and improvement of Utah State Fairpark property and $100,000 to conduct a study on the best ways to enlarge the Fairpark’s rodeo grandstand.

To-date, the Utah State Fair experienced a set-back with the failure of the Natural Resources, Agriculture, Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee toendorse a motion to require the State to sign a 50-year lease for the Fairpark, as was authorized by the Legislature in 2010.

Another complicating factor is that, several years ago, the lease for the use of the White Ball Field for parking was separated from the lease for the Fairpark property. In the current arrangement, the State can assume direct control of the White Ball Field with just a 30-day notice.

As a result, a new challenge to the Utah State Fair/ REAL Salt Lake deal is that members of the Legislative appropriations subcommittee, Infrastructure and General
Government, have expressed concern with leasing the White Ball Field to the Utah State Fair, Inc. for parking without opening up a “Request for Information” process for others, including the State of Utah, to state an interest in using the property for other purposes. For example, in last year’s study on possible future uses of the White Ball Field and the Utah Fairpark, the State’s need for more office
space was identified as a possible use for the property. According to State administrators, this process will take three to five months, a time-frame that extends well beyond the April 23rd agreement with the Utah State Fair, Inc.

This year’s session of the Utah Legislature ends at midnight on March 12th. No issue is closed until this day. In the discussions in the Legislative subcommittees, the support of the communities surrounding the Utah Fairpark has been
continually mentioned. It is important that the Fairpark Community continues to express its hopes for the future of the Fairpark.

To keep up-to-date on the status of Utah Fairpark issues in the Legislature and what actions residents can take to support a successful future for the Fairpark, visit fairparkcommunity.org.

Breaking: Deal Signed between REAL and State Fairpark Board of Directors

Today the Utah State Fairpark Board of Directors signed an agreement with the REAL Salt Lake ownder Dell Loy Hansen to build an $18 million, 8,000 seat stadium at the Utah State Fairpark.

Hansen has agreed to pay the entire cost of the stadium’s construction after initially proposing to form a public-private praetorship to build the stadium. Per terms of the agreement, the minor league Real Monarchs will operate and maintain the new stadium. The deal is contingent on the state extending the Fairpark’s lease— which expires in 2017 — on the state fairgrounds site for an additional 40 years.

Read the article here.

Fairpark Changes: A Resident Speaks Out

As a long-time resident of the Fairpark area, I have been asked many times why I would even want to live in “such an area”. The West side of SLC for years has been a less desirable address in the eyes of some people. However, it seems things are changing, and property in this area has shown a new interest. Just as other areas, such as the Marmalade District, have seen a resurgence of development, so, too, our area is on the cusp of development.

The type of development in our area is something with which the current residents should be concerned. It is one of the last near-downtown areas of the Valley that still has affordable homes and larger residential lots. We enjoy spending time in our yards and gardens and feeling that we are still close to the attractions of Salt Lake City such as arts, education, and civic events. However, changes are happening all around us. You only need to look at what has happened near the intersection of North Temple and 600 West. Hundreds of apartments and Condominiums have gone up, forcing out the few homes that used to exist there. It seems that when there is any land available near us, a developer wants to put in as many people as possible.

We have been fortunate that current Zoning laws in the Greater Fairpark area have kept this development restricted, and we can still enjoy our homes and neighborhoods. However, development is starting to spread its gaze here. Currently, the old 29^th Ward church building on the corner of 400 North and 1100 West has stood vacant for many years. The LDS Church could not find a reasonable, affordable use for the building and deeded it to the City. Recently, the city Housing and Development agency held some meetings concerning the disposal of this property. It is listed as a City Historical Site, so there are limits as to what I can be used for. The Agency floated the concept of changing the Zoning on that parcel to make it more attractive for a buyer. This is a dangerous step, as once the Zoning has changed, (in this case, to a mixed-use residential and commercial use), anything that fits that zoning description could be built. The emphasis of the agency representatives seemed to be turning it into multi-family residences. The lot is so small that to make it cost effective, the homes would be multi-level and very small square footage (sound like high-density apartments?)

The general feeling of the residents attending the meeting was that other possibilities ought to be explored WITHOUT changing the zoning. There are certain variances that can be taken in using a Historic Building that would not require changing the zoning. Among those, using the building for a Professional Office, Arts Organization, Charter School, or something similar. The location is close enough to Downtown or I-15 to make it convenient for this type of use.

Why should we be concerned about it? Because once it is gone, it can’t be replaced. (Isn’t that the argument used by those who want Wilderness Areas and National Parks?) We live in a community that was built with families in mind, and for people who have long-term plans to stay in their homes here. There is nothing inherently wrong with rental units, but studies show that those who own and reside in their own homes have a greater interest in their communities and are more willing to work for the better good of the area. We must do all we can to preserve the quiet neighborhood we now enjoy.

It is important for any of us who have such long-term plans and a desire to
keep our community “livable” to show interest in what is happening around us, and to become involved in any plans for the future. Before it is too late, let your voice be heard and let the City officials and developers know that this is a NICE neighborhood, and we want it to stay that way.

Roy Luker, Fairpark resident

Fairpark Future Poised for Legislature Action

This last year, Fairpark Community residents played a significant role in a study on the possible future of the Utah State Fairpark. What was the best use for this property? Should it be offices or other commercial development? Or should the State invest in upgrading the existing fair grounds to create a successful venue for the Utah State Fair and other events?

As the study progressed, what did become evident to residents was that, regardless of the study’s final recommendations, the final decisions on the future of the Utah State Fairpark rest with the Utah State Legislature.

Michael Steele, executive director of the Utah State Fair, states that the future of the Fair, and the Utah Fairpark, are on the table for Legislative action this year.

Steele reports that the proposed agreement for the REAL Salt Lake to build a soccer stadium, costing between $23 and $24 million, on the Fairpark property is moving ahead, with an agreement of “terms” being brought before the Utah State Fair Board of Directors for a vote this week.

Steele emphasizes that the new stadium will not require any tax-payer money.

But what will it require?

Steele states that the Utah Legislature should return the White Ball Field to the Fair’s lease with the State. “REAL Salt Lake cannot consider building a soccer stadium in the Fairpark without the parking space offered by the White Ball Field across North Temple from the Fairpark.”

But the lease is much bigger – for years, the Utah Legislature has limited the State’s lease with the Utah Fair to one or two years. For REAL Salt Lake to make a long-term commitment, “We need to have a 40 year lease with the State.”

The Utah State Fair is also approaching the Legislature for its long-time $675,000 allocation to cover the Fair’s ongoing expenses. “This represents less than 20% of our operating budget; most of our funding comes from the State Fair and other events here at the Fairpark.”

Any other plans? Steele states that they are also approaching the Legislature to fund a study and development of an initial design to expand, and complete, the Fairpark’s rodeo stadium. “In the last several years, we have two master-plan studies that state the completion of the rodeo grounds as being instrumental to the future of the Fairpark. We need to move ahead on this.”

State Fairpark Update

Fairpark board wants to pursue discussions with Hansen,
RSL Published on Sep 22, 2014 05:21PM The Utah State Fairpark
board is eager to pursue a partnership with Dell Loy Hansen and
Real Salt Lake. That much is clear. But if the club’s owner and
the Fairpark are to officially enter contract negotiations regarding
the building of a potential minor-league soccer stadium to house
the club’s USL Pro team, the Real Monarchs, other developments
need to progress. Fairpark executive director Michael Steele said
Monday the board came away extremely impressed after Hansen
made his pitch on Sept. 10.

“I haven’t heard really of any detractors,” Steele said. “It’s about
getting the correct deal for the team and the Fairpark.” The Utah
State Fairpark Corporation’s lease on the Fairpark grounds
expires on June 30, 2017, but upgrades on facilities within the
park need to be made for the longevity of the grounds.

Steele said per the terms of the lease, any improvements made
on the grounds over $100,000 immediately become property of
the state of Utah. Which means Hansen’s potential stadium —
after the planned 40-to-50-year-lease — would be donated to the
Fairpark Corporation and then become an asset of the state. Now, it’s ensuring the landmark deal benefits the Fairpark and its long-term survival. “The board wants to pursue this and that was right from the meeting,” Steele said. “They want to pursue discussions with Real and Dell Loy…but by no means will this soccer complex save the Utah State Fairpark. It will help.

“Steele said the rodeo grounds must be renovated and an expo
center must be constructed to help boost the overall versatility of
the Fairpark.

Located a few blocks west of downtown Salt Lake City, the
Fairpark has been in discussion with the state on extending its
lease on the 65 acres despite decades of dealing with struggles
and lack of funding to maintain the historic buildings. Hansen’s
stadium pitch — estimated to be as much as $18 million —
would be paid for solely out of his own pocket, which would allow
the Fairpark to avoid needing taxpayer money for upgrades or
subsidies from the state.

The stadium, which would feature artificial turf, is expected to
seat 6-to-8,000 and be ready for the Monarchs to begin play in
2016. In the mean time, Steele anticipates further negotiation
with Hansen, Gov. Herbert and the legislature to continue in the
next couple of weeks. While the Fairpark board wants to engage
in official discussions with RSL, the next part of the process turns
to the nailing down how a new master plan of the grounds can
generate revenue and impact business along 10th West and North
Temple.