Proposed Southwest Athletic Complex

Overview

Herriman City is considering a proposal to develop an athletic complex in the northern part of the city with the goal of reducing the financial burden on residents to fund City operations. The complex would also help support business growth and meet community needs for playing fields and open space.

Since the City does not own the land for the project, a property trade involving public and private properties is being considered. Housing developments are proposed on the would-be traded land to ensure an equitable exchange. Community input is being sought as the City Council evaluates the proposal.

Draft rendering of a multi-field athletic complex in northern Herriman

Draft rendering of the proposed Southwest Athletic Complex

Financial Impact

Increased sales and tourism tax revenue could help reduce the future need for property tax increases to fund essential City services such as road maintenance, park upkeep, and snow removal. The proposed athletic complex offers an opportunity to boost Herriman’s local businesses and sales tax revenue by attracting visitors for large-scale tournaments, practices, and games.

Projected Financial Benefits:

  • Sales and Tourism Taxes: Visitor spending on food, lodging, and retail is expected to provide new revenue for City services and infrastructure.
  • Business Development: The complex could attract new commercial businesses and strengthen the existing commercial base, fostering a more vibrant local economy.
  • Long-Term Sustainability: Revenue generated by the complex would help manage the City’s growth and future costs more effectively.

Note: The complex is not expected to lower current property taxes but may reduce future reliance on property tax increases.

Meeting Community Needs

Herriman’s youth sports leagues currently face a shortage of fields, with some teams traveling to other cities for practices and games. The athletic complex would fulfill these needs while hosting regional and national tournaments that attract visitors to the City.

Key Sports Benefits of a Complex:

  • Space for 16-18 multi-sport fields to meet current and future demand.
  • Hosting more than a dozen tournaments annually for various sports.
  • Improved recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.

Why Is a Land Trade Needed?

Herriman City does not currently own the contiguous 56-acre property required for the athletic complex. To make the project feasible, the City is working with private developers to execute land trades. These trades will enable the City to secure the necessary property while qualifying for outside funding sources, as the City does not have the financial resources to build the complex without external support.

Land Trade Proposal

The proposed land trade involves reconfiguring land uses between the City and private developers. In exchange for property that can be developed into residential housing, the City would acquire the land needed for the complex.

Proposed Land Trades:

Creek Ridge (29 acres): Directly west of the athletic complex site. Shift from a planned regional park to residential use with up to 136 single-family homes. Swapping uses with the athletic complex site.

Draft subdivision layout for the Creek Ridge property in northern Herriman

Big Bend Cove (2.5 acres): Transition from public property to 11 single-family residential lots. Previously discussed as a potential fire station location, which has since been relocated to Walker Cove.

Draft Big Bend Cove rendering of 11 single-family homes in a 2.5-acre subdivision.

Walker Cove (20.43 acres): Transition to mixed residential use with up to 212 units, including single-family homes and townhomes. This property was previously expected to house a public works facility. It will also be the site of the rebuilt Fire Station 103, which will begin construction in 2025.

Draft rendering of a proposal for a maximum of 212 single-family and townhome housing.

Teton Ranch and Olympia Adjustments

Additional changes to private properties are part of the proposal to finalize the agreements:

  • Teton Ranch: Approved to reduce lot sizes from half-acre to one-third-acre for 17 additional homes. This change is finalized and consistent with other homes in the area.
  • Olympia: Increase the development entitlement by 50 units, resulting in a total of 6,380 residential units in the 930-acre development.

Impacts of the Proposal

This proposal introduces higher-density housing in some areas where it was not previously planned. While these changes bring new opportunities, the impacts—such as increased traffic, infrastructure needs, and community feel—are being carefully evaluated by the City Council.

Public Engagement and Timeline

The City values transparency and community input:

  • Community Meetings: Held with property owners near affected areas to gather input.
  • Resident Feedback: Welcomed online and in-person for consideration by the City Council.
  • Timeline: A decision is expected in late February or early March.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is this proposal needed? The City does not own the necessary land or have the funding to construct the complex without outside funding sources. The land trade is key to securing the property and funding required.
  • Will this reduce my property taxes? The complex is not expected to lower nor raise current property taxes. However, sales and tourism taxes may help reduce the future need to raise property taxes for City maintenance and operations.
  • What are the benefits for businesses? The complex is expected to attract new commercial ventures, such as hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, while boosting visitor numbers for existing businesses.
  • Does this affect the future Jackson Park? No, the future Jackson Park is unaffected by the athletic complex proposal. It is still planned and expected to be funded within the next 3-5 years.
  • What was planned for the traded properties before?
    • Big Bend Cove: Previously discussed as a fire station site.
    • Walker Cove: Expected to house a public works facility.
    • Creek Ridge: Planned as a regional park.