CACHE COUNTY – A committee representing Cache County and partner cities in the valley has awarded a $75,000 contract to conduct a feasibility study of a new county recreation facility to VCBO Architects of Salt Lake City.
“This study will give us a clear plan for what facilities we need, how much it will cost and what it will take to make it a reality,” according to County Executive David Zook.
In October of 2024, members of the Cache County Council allocated $75,000 in revenue from the Recreation, Arts, Parks and Zoos (RAPZ) Tax to fund a consultant to study the possibility of building one or more recreation centers in Cache County.
That allocation came after several local cities – including North Logan, Nibley and Logan – brought the issue of the growing need for recreation facilities to the attention of county council members.
The motivations for that appeal included the looming closure of the Logan Community Recreation Center, growing demand for indoor pool access and continuing population growth.
“Cache County has one of the youngest populations in the nation,” Zook agreed with local officials. “We have a lot of kids and they deserve to have access to recreational opportunities.”
In response to that need, Zook said that Cache County is now taking the lead in studying option for local indoor recreational opportunities.
The primary goals of the study by VCBO Architects are to learn what types of facilities are needed as well as the feasibility of building and operating those facilities.
The study will also explore options for long-term ownership and maintenance of a new recreation center.
The consultants at VCBO have extensive experience in planning and development of public recreation centers, having completed more than 40 feasibility studies for such facilities.
They also have years of experience working in Cache Valley, including projects for Logan, Utah State University, Nibley and others.
Zook explained that he feasibility study will be conducted in two phases.
The first phase will focus on information gathering, visioning, concept design and data assessment.
The second phase will focus on a detailed funding analysis, including project visualization, operational analysis, cost estimates and funding models.
Zook added that the current allocation from the RAPZ Tax is expected to fully fund the first phase of the feasibility study, with additional funding for the second phase as needed to be requested later.
“My hope is that this study will result in recreation facilities that provide year-round recreation opportunities to improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of our resident,” the county executive added. “Especially our kids.”