Springville breaks ground for aquatic center By Christi C. Babbitt Springville residents gathered Sept. 20 with government and other officials to formally break ground for the city’s anticipated new aquatic center. “We’re just very happy that we can get this built in Springville,” said Springville City Councilman Chris Creer to the crowd during the groundbreaking ceremony. “It’s a long time coming.” The center will be built in an area at 1200 West and 700 South that is now open fields. It will be located next to the recently completed Meadow Brook Elementary School and the new Smith’s Marketplace that is currently under construction. The aquatic center will replace the current Springville city pool, which is more than 40 years old. Completion of the new center is expected by the end of 2017 or early 2018. Springville Mayor Wilford W. Clyde said in his address during the ceremony that seven years ago, when he asked his wife what she thought about him running
building a recreation center in Springville. He had originally planned to serve only
one four-year term as mayor, but achieving both these goals took longer than anticipated, Clyde said. Economic development took longer than expected because he took office during an economic recession. With more businesses now coming to town – Clyde hinted that there would be some announcements soon – and the aquatic center underway, he said he has fulfilled his wife’s requests. “I will be done next year,” he said. Springville voters approved an $11 million bond issue in November 2015 to fund construction of the Springville Aquatic Center. At the time, preliminary plans indicated the total cost of the center would be $18 million. Nebo School District will contribute money toward building the aquatic center project as students from the district’s high schools will use the facility for swim team practices and activities. The remaining funding will come from other sources. The city has spent the time since the bond issue vote working with architects to See CENTER, Page A3
Mapleton City will present its first ever Scarecrow Spectacular Contest on Saturday, Oct. 15. Residents are invited to show off their scarecrow-making skills, with the city providing the posts. Individuals, families, businesses or organizations can participate and compete for prizes. Decorating and set-up will take place on Oct. 15 at the Mapleton City Park, located at the corner of Main and Maple streets, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Judging and
viewing will be from 3 to 5 p.m. that day. Creations should remain appropriate for family viewing and fall into one of five categories: Traditional, Scary, Original, Business and Minor League (children up to age 15). Food trucks will be on hand with treats for sale. The scarecrows will remain on display through the end of October. For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 801-806-9114.
Springville City officials and members of the public officially break ground for the new Springville Aquatic Center on Sept. 20.
for mayor, she asked him to concentrate on two issues: economic development and
Mapleton City plans first scarecrow contest Oct. 15
Staff at Maple Dell Scout Camp sing a musical number during the dedication ceremony for the new Stake Activity Center at the camp.
Activity pavilion opened at Maple Dell Scout camp By Christi C. Babbitt A new facility at Maple Dell Scout Camp in Payson Canyon was officially dedicated and opened for use Sept. 9 with hopes it will attract not only more Scouts, but also family reunions, church groups and other gatherings. The Stake Activity Pavilion, located on the mountain high above most of Maple Dell’s camping areas and other buildings, houses a full kitchen large enough to cook for 150 people and a dining area as well as private bathrooms and showers. Next to it is a small outdoor amphitheater with bleacher seating and a fire pit. Paid for through donations, the build-
ing has garage-style doors that can be opened to the outdoors in the summer. Heaters installed inside make the building usable during cold winter months. There are areas around the building where tents can be pitched. The facility can accommodate groups of up to 150 people. Scouts will use the building, but it will also be open to other groups such as families and churches. Scout Executive Dave Pack of the Utah National Parks Council, which owns and operates Maple Dell, said the council is moving from the traditional Scout camp model to a more multi-purpose, multi-functional model. See PAVILION, Page A3
After 36 years working at the Springville Police Department, Lt. Dave Caron officially retired from the force on Sept. 15. Caron started working in the department in September of 1980 after working for seven years a police officer in California, meaning his retirement comes after a total of 43 years in police work. Above, Springville Police Chief J. Scott Finlayson presents Caron with an award recognizing his service during an event held Sept. 15 at the Springville Civic Center.