Taylor Canyon School property purchase
City contract to buy about 2.6 acres of the former school site, long used as neighborhood park space, for a preliminary $948,546. On June 2, 2026 the Council agreed by consensus to remove the funding from the budget and bring it back as a stand-alone amendment after a parks utilization study.
- Where it stands
- Tabled
- Type
- Public project
- Location
- Former Taylor Canyon School site, Ogden
- Size
- 2.6 acres
- Applicant
- Ogden City / Ogden City School District
Every hearing and vote
May 26, 2026 · City Council work session
Taylor Canyon School property purchase (information item)
Discussed
Community Development Director Jeremy Smith said a purchase contract is signed with the Ogden City School District for about 2.6 acres on the east side of the former school site, used as a playground and park, at a preliminary price of $948,546 based on appraisal and subject to a survey. The district would keep about 1.3 acres on the west side for private sale and development. City Engineer Taylor Nielsen estimated about $100,000 more for irrigation and field work. Vice Chair Graf said the neighborhood already has several parks within a half mile, that costs would fall on all taxpayers, and that housing on the whole parcel would add property tax revenue. Council Member Myers asked why the plan changed from buying the whole parcel. Symes said the Council's role is the budget: funding from Business Depot Ogden revenue and unallocated capital funds would let the mayor complete the purchase unless removed.
- Acres: about 2.6 city; about 1.3 retained by school district
June 2, 2026 · City Council
Taylor Canyon School property funding and trail funding (work session)
Discussed
Executive Director Symes said about $700,000 was programmed for the Taylor Canyon purchase with $200,000 to $250,000 more needed; a $5,000 earnest money deposit was due about June 17. Council Members Richey, Graf, Lopez and Washington wanted a parks utilization study and maintenance projections first; Council Member Lundell argued park space has value beyond tax revenue and preferred leaving funds in. Consensus: remove the funding, hold it, and bring a separate budget amendment after the budget cycle. The Council also agreed by consensus to raise funding for the Trails Foundation of Northern Utah from $30,000 to $100,000, and left five floating police positions as proposed after Chief Jacob Sube explained a FY2026 overrun from lateral hiring. At public comment, six speakers largely supported preserving the park; the mayor said the split approach avoids a larger maintenance burden.