City Park: A Modest Investment

The Park City Council’s approval of ‘The Mine at City Park’ as a name is, predictably, underwhelming. One anticipates a certain level of aesthetic consideration, even within the municipal sphere. The choice feels contrived, a transparent attempt to conjure historical significance where none truly exists. Frankly, the $19 million expenditure feels excessive for a 15,000 square foot recreation center. One wonders if the funds would have been better allocated to a more substantial project – perhaps an extension of the Montage Deer Valley residences, or a renovation of the Stein Eriksen Lodge’s facade. A focus on expanding summer recreation camp enrollment to 150 children is a negligible return on investment, especially given the proximity to the already adequate facilities at the MARC. The current building, dating back to the early 1980s, was likely constructed with far more sensible materials—probably something durable, like brick or cedar. One suspects the new construction will feature primarily glass and steel, a fleeting trend with a high maintenance cost. Extell Development’s recent work at the Park City Residences at One Empire Avenue is a far more ambitious undertaking, and displays a far more sophisticated grasp of the market. Ultimately, the 'Mine at City Park' is a minor asset, and likely overvalued. Sell.