Lester Park redesign
A multi-year redesign of Lester Park with concept designs by IO Landarch; the council reviewed updated concepts in July 2025, including new amenities such as lit pickleball courts, and the mayor says the first phase of a multimillion-dollar improvement is being planned.
- Where it stands
- Approved
- Type
- Public project
- Location
- Lester Park, Ogden
- Applicant
- Ogden City Public Services
Every hearing and vote
September 10, 2024 · City Council
Lester Park and Lorin Farr Pool improvements (council member initiative)
Discussed
Council Member Graf proposed using $10 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds for Lester Park and Lorin Farr Pool, describing the park as underused because residents see it as unsafe and outdated. Council Member Choberka agreed investment is needed. Mayor Nadolski asked to be involved in presenting the project, wanted the pool kept as a separate project and stressed prioritizing other citywide needs. Council Member Blair asked for information on capital plan funds already set aside for the two sites. No action was taken.
December 3, 2024 · City Council
American Rescue Plan Act budget amendment ($18.5 million)
Discussed
Finance Director Justin Sorensen said the city received $29,612,825 in federal and state pandemic relief funds, with money earlier allocated to general government wages now freed for other uses. The administration recommended reappropriating funds to Lester Park improvements, the Union Station museum and campus, acquisition and demolition of the county jail on the municipal block, general park improvements (an all-abilities park) and 4th Street Park netting, plus a General Fund transfer to the fleet reserve, for a total amendment of $18,530,850. Funds must be encumbered by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026. The council asked for more time and set it for the December 10 work session.
December 10, 2024 · City Council
ARPA budget amendment ($18,530,850) continued
Discussed
Council members said they supported using the funds but wanted more discussion. Vice Chair White proposed holding money in a capital plan account until decisions are final; Council Member Graf questioned the jail demolition allocation and wanted more for Lester Park. White noted the council has not voted on buying the jail. Finance Director Sorensen agreed to prepare alternative schedules for December 17; Chief Administrative Officer Mara Brown said an appraisal and demolition estimates are being obtained.
December 17, 2024 · City Council
ARPA budget amendment of $18,530,850 with Alternate Schedule B (Ordinance 2024-36)
Approved · 7-0
Of $29,612,825 in federal and state pandemic relief, $9,042,825 had been allocated to general government wages and was freed for other uses. The approved schedule sends $1,042,825 to Lester Park improvements, $70,000 to 4th Street Park netting and $152,600 from the General Fund to the fleet reserve, and puts $2,500,000 for Union Station, $5,000,000 for acquiring and demolishing the county jail on the municipal block, and $500,000 for park improvements into a non-project-specific capital account under council control. Funds must be committed by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026. Laura Lewis asked that some go to the Ogden Canyon waterline; Chair Richey said about $12 million of ARPA money is already allocated to it. Heath Satow said the revised plan saves taxpayers $5.4 million on the Marshall White Center. Mayor Nadolski said low-interest financing can cover the waterline.
July 8, 2025 · City Council
Lester Park improvements
Discussed
Public Services Executive Director Justin Anderson and Shalae Larsen of Landarch presented updated concept designs for the Lester Park redesign, which has been under way for several years. Administration is seeking council input before moving forward with design. Discussion covered changes since the last review, new amenities and the cost and staff time to maintain the new facility.