SALT LAKE CITY -- At least two golf courses slated for closure will leave behind hundreds of acres of land.
The Salt Lake City Mayor's Office is looking at what to do with that land, and preparing to ask taxpayers if they are willing to spend more money for new facilities and improvements to other spots all over the city.
"We are interested in expanding open space opportunities," Mayor Ralph Becker told FOX 13. "Do we need more playing fields? We know we need more trails. Do we need some other improvements that will meet today's needs going forward?"
Glendale and Jordan River golf courses have been eyeballed to close due to declining use and a loss of money. Taxpayer money would need to be spent to convert the golf course land for other uses. A report recently prepared for the Salt Lake City Council suggested it could cost up to $30 million to repurpose the 160-acre Glendale Golf Course.
The mayor's office is proposing a bond on the November ballot, but the amount has yet to be determined.
"It would be for an increase in property taxes to pay for a bond to make some of the kinds of improvements that people want today for their recreational needs in Salt Lake City," Becker said.
At some of the city's parks, people who spoke with FOX 13 about the concept had mixed reaction.
"I'm a golfer, so I'd just as soon keep the golf courses," said Joe Pietramali.
Alexis Rosier said she would support a bond.
"I'd like more parks, more open space," she said.
The mayor's office has said it will be planning open houses in the coming months to get citizen input and prioritize needs.
