Taylor Canyon park parcel purchase
City purchase of part of the former Taylor Canyon School site from the Ogden School District for about $700,000 for a neighborhood park. The Council adopted Ordinance 2026-15 on Aug. 4, 2026 funding the reserve; closing follows the district's subdivision of the parcel. The July work session cited 1.19 acres and the Aug. 4 minutes cite about 1.91 acres.
- Where it stands
- Approved
- Type
- Public project
- Location
- Former Taylor Canyon School site, Ogden
- Size
- 1.91 acres
- Applicant
- City of Ogden
Every hearing and vote
July 14, 2026 · City Council
Budget amendment: Future Park Property Reserve and Taylor Canyon parcel
Discussed
Accounting and Budget Director Justin Sorensen proposed moving $700,000 set aside in a Council-designated CIP account into the Future Park Property Reserve, a no-net-cost reallocation. The reserve, created in FY2023 with $3 million, has bought four properties (625 Grant Ave. for $955,000, 497 Grant Ave. for $300,000, 253 4th St. for $400,000 and 600 South Lincoln for $600,000) and has just under $700,000 left. Staff said the money would pay for the 1.19-acre Taylor Canyon park parcel at $8.42 per square foot, about $700,000, closing after subdivision recording. Council Member Lundell worried that moving the full amount would remove a Council checkpoint on later purchases; staff said a smaller transfer could miss time-sensitive buys. Council Member Myers and Chair Richard Hyer voiced support for the park-purchase approach. Parks Director Monte Stewart outlined maintenance costs and irrigation unknowns. Formal action was left to a later meeting.
August 4, 2026 · City Council
Ordinance 2026-15: transfer of $700,000 to the Future Park Property Reserve
Approved · 4-2-1
The ordinance moves $700,000 from the Council's Allocated for Future Projects account into the Future Park Property Reserve at no net cost, mainly to buy about 1.91 acres of the former Taylor Canyon School site from the Ogden School District for about $700,000 after the district subdivides the parcel. The reserve held about $692,000 after earlier purchases. Council Member Peterson recused himself and left the chambers. Six residents spoke at the hearing, mostly supporting the purchase; Steven Van Wagoner questioned cost per acre and earlier redirected funds, and Annie Dunaway questioned taxpayers paying twice. Staff said the $700,000 came from Business Depot Ogden lease revenue and unused general fund balance, not the Quality Neighborhoods Initiative. Lundell moved to cut the transfer to $10,000 so the full reserve could be debated separately; Washington seconded, saying she wanted Council approval for future acquisitions. The amendment failed 2-4. Richey, Graf and Hyer favored refilling the reserve so staff can act quickly. Lundell and Washington said their no votes did not oppose the Taylor Canyon purchase.
- Amendment to cut transfer to $10,000: failed 2-4
- Moved by Council Member Kevin Lundell, seconded by Council Member Alicia Washington; yes: Lundell, Washington