LOGAN—North Logan Parks and Recreation Director Alan Luce presented a plan to the Cache County Council Tuesday night for sports fields in the Meadow View Park area behind the Eccles Ice Arena.

Luce said North Logan and Hyde Park have growing needs for more parks to accommodate the growth of sports such as soccer, lacrosse and adult softball. The new plan would include more soccer fields, tennis courts, softball and baseball diamonds.

The current Meadow View Park area consists of about 20 acres used for both sports fields and an equestrian park. Luce said that the new plan would more than double the area, using land just north of the park, and would move the equestrian park to a new location.

The equestrian center would be moved to one of a number of possible locations, including some in Hyde Park and throughout the county, he said. Luce said both Hyde Park and North Logan are more than willing to help move the horse park.

The cities aren’t trying to kick the equestrian facility out of the area, but more space is needed for the playing fields.

“We haven’t talked to those involved with the equestrian park yet,” said Luce. “We wanted to present it to the Council first.”

Luce said that the sports park would be a joint venture between North Logan and Hyde Park. The land of Meadow View is owned by the county, but is leased to North Logan. Luce said that the land for the proposed expansion is also owned by the county and would require a lease.

Councilman Gordon Zilles was concerned about whether other county residents would be able to use the facilities if the property is leased to North Logan and Hyde Park. If the two cities maintain and operate the area, he said, they will want complete control, which could exclude other county residents. Luce said that the park would be open on a first-come, first-served basis, and that no favoritism would be given to citizens from North Logan or Hyde Park.

County Executive Lynn Lemon encouraged the Council to look into this project and the good that it would bring.

“I’m glad to see North Logan and Hyde Park working together to have joint facilities,” said Lemon.

The Council made no decision on the proposal, which Luce presented only as an information item. Both cities and the county will go through further negotiations and meetings before the park plans are finalized.

Published in cooperation with the Hard News Cafe. Original story is here.