Dan Desler told a coalition of groups that want to replace worn out sports facilities to figure out what they want, let him know and see if there is a way that such community improvements can be included in his proposed resort development.
Desler met with the community group Wednesday night last week. He described his proposed development, which would include a destination resort, an 18-hole golf course that may be under construction by spring and some type of sports complex.
The group met to discuss possible funding sources for replacing the pool, tennis courts and track and building a skate park.
All of these things, including a 10,000-meter cross country route, are possible within Desler’s scenario.
Desler said he has obtained all of the property, 350 acres either through purchasing or partnering, he needs for the project between Clark Mill Road and Wiley Creek Park along the South Santiam River.
The project will develop, over three to seven years, similar to a shopping center is developed. Like shopping centers, it must have an “anchor,” like JC Penny or something else.
The major components of his project are the golf course, time-share resort and a hotel complex. Other businesses and attractions would locate around those core uses.
Desler said he wanted to “a part of the community” not “apart from the community,” and that means he is interested in helping build whatever it is the community is looking for.
“Our intent is to create a win-win situation within your community,” Desler said. “I’m not here to tell you we’ll give you the ground or the building, but I’m here telling you we have a great interest in providing for the community’s interests. I have to tell you, I don’t have any preconceived idea how it would work.”
Desler asked the groups to come up with ideas and arrangements then convince him they will work, that the facilities would be well-managed and would not fail.
The groups agreed to go talk amongst themselves then pursue further discussions with Desler, a retired developer from Eugene.
In addition, the groups discussed possible sources of funding, including possible Rural Investment Board funding, various foundations, grant sources and fund-raising events.
Jennifer Mellein, School District 55 aquatic director, said that a pool group is going to ask the School District to hold off on spending the $267,000 it has set aside in bond money for pool repairs until the group can get up and running and find out if funding may be available for a new pool, which was a part of a $4 million bond rejected by voters in May.
Members of the group think it would be a waste to spend those tax dollars then build a new pool once funding is secured, Mellein said.
Skate park volunteers are looking at a number of different sites throughout the city at this point. Three or four new sites have been identified, Clint Sturdevant said. One is on School District property. One is near the Community Center, and at least one more is on private property.