Save Cascade Golf Course

08/13/2013

Just a quick heads up that tomorrow is the Orem Municipal Primary election. Please note that two of the city council members running for re-election (Hans Anderson and Brent Sumner) voted in favor of the demolition of Cascade Golf Course and the unnecessary loss of 34 acres of city land. They will not have my vote and I hope they don't have yours. Of course, all Orem citizens are encouraged to vote for who they feel will best serve the city.

As a side note, it is fascinating to look at the Campaign Finance Disclosures to see the sources of each candidate's funding. It is sobering to see the influence of money in politics. The Campaign Finance Disclosures can be seen at the link below.

http://orem.org/index.php/elections/elections-a-voting-info

-Ivan Gray

Elections and Voting InformationMunicipal Primary: Tuesday, August 13th***Change in polling location for OR13. Click here***Early Voting Dates & Times2013 Voting Precinct Map and Polling Locations Candidate List and Voter Information PamphletVideo from Candidate Meet & Greet on July 11thNOTE: This v...

04/17/2013

I am sad to report that the Orem City Council decided to short change our future by giving away 39 acres in order to get 20 acres.
Instead we will get a park that duplicates an existing park across the street and three soccer fields that favor youth instead of residents of all ages. Thanks to everyone for your support!

04/16/2013

Today is the day! The Public Hearing is tonight at 6:30pm in the building next to the Orem library and everyone is invited.

I need *your* help to email each member of the city council right now and tell them that breaking the lease by giving away 34 acres to get 20 acres is bad for the future of Orem. Please take three minutes to send a brief email. Your email is critical to saving public recreation and green space for generations.

City Council Email Addresses
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Talking Points

- Preserve the public land
If the city council rejects the proposed development, Cascade will continue to operate as a golf course, and if it is not viable, the full 54 acres will return to the city. There is no pressure or requirement to giveaway 34 acres. We should stick to the terms of the lease in order to maximize the value to Orem residents. We lose too much by breaking the lease.

- But we need soccer fields
We will always need more fields. Giving away 34 acres to get 20 acres is a short-sighted answer to a long term problem. What will we do for soccer fields in 15 years? 30 years? 50 years? Giving away 34 acres of public land does not fit with prudent long term city planning. In fact, the proposed development only provides for three soccer fields which gives no net increase in fields. As Orem is “land-locked,” every acre of public land will only increase in value year after year.

- Options for soccer fields?
1. There are 1,680 acres in the new Geneva development. How much does land for soccer fields cost there? We could fulfill many years of soccer growth with a similar Lakeside complex at Geneva.
2. What are the options for a terraced cemetery in the foothills?
3. Maybe we accept that there are a limited number of fields for soccer. There is value in maintaining recreational diversity for youth and seniors.

04/15/2013

Here is an early version of the proposed park and development. The latest version only has three full size soccer fields, not the eight fields that this proposal has.

If you haven't yet, please email the city council and let them know your opinion.

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

(if you get an error message when trying to email them, ask [email protected] to whitelist your email address, then try again)

04/14/2013

The Daily Herald published an article about Cascade. Check it out and post your thoughts.

http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/central/orem/hole-in-one-or-a-sand-pit-orem-holds-hearing/article_11e027a2-d78e-5e4a-ad39-33dd51f9ccd1.html

OREM -- The Orem City Council will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on the lease sale/exchange agreement between Cascade Golf Course owner Keven Stratton Jr., potential buyer

04/08/2013

There is a city council meeting tomorrow night at 6pm in the council chambers (building next to the library). Cascade Golf Course is not on the agenda, however, anyone can get up during the "personal appearances" section and speak for three minutes. I will be there to talk about the golf course and encourage you to come as well.

The Public Hearing on Cascade Golf Course will be on April 16th at 6:30pm in the Council Chambers. If you can only come to one meeting, be sure to come on April 16th.

03/22/2013

SaveCascade.com vinyl stickers have arrived! This will help us get the word out to more Orem residents. If you would like one for your car, please let me know and I will help with the application. I don't expect you will need it on your car for longer than two months.

03/18/2013

Just a reminder about the meeting tonight in the council chambers next to the Orem library at 6pm tonight.

Here is a document that helps to clarify some of the rumors that have been going around - http://www.scribd.com/doc/131103407/Save-Cascade-Golf-Course-Fact-Check .

Save Cascade Golf Course - Fact Check

03/12/2013

This document shows how you can email your Orem City Councilmember.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/130003250/Orem-City-Councilmembers

Orem City Councilmembers, the neighborhoods they cover, and contact information.

03/12/2013

How can you help? Tell your friends, show up for city council meetings, and contact your city councilmember. Upload a 30 sec video telling Orem City Council what Cascade has done for you and your family and what it means to the community.

03/12/2013

The next Orem City Council meeting is Tuesday, March 12 at 6pm. The golf course sale is not on the agenda, but the "personal appearances" portion of the city council allows for 3 min/person to talk about things not on the agenda. Come and show your support!

http://exe.orem.org/agendas/CityCouncilMeetings/City%20Council%20Agenda%202013-03-12.pdf

03/12/2013

Orem City Council wants to sell the Cascade Golf Course land for the Vivint CEO to build a mega-mansion.

Why is this bad for our city?

Promotes excess
-The Vivint CEO already owns a beautiful home next to the golf course.
-He also owns four lots around his home.
-There is lots of open land in Utah. Why does he need to take away a public resource used by thousands and thousands of people each year in order to build a mega-mansion?
-The Vivint CEO has worked hard for his success and is a great example of the American Dream. Giving preferential treatment to the ultra-rich is not following the American Dream. He should follow the same rules as everyone else.

Eliminates Community use
-Hundreds of PE students from Orem High, Timp High, and Mtn View High visit Cascade every year to be introduced to the game.
-Cascade is the home of the Orem High School Golf Team.
-BYU and UVU have regular classes at Cascade.
-Freedom festival activities are held at Cascade.
-Cross Country meets are held on the course.

Eliminates Orem Resident Use
-Thousands of Senior Citizens use the course every year.
-Cascade is the only Beginner Friendly Certified Course in Utah Valley. This makes it ideal for residents just learning the game.
-Cascade is family friendly encourages parents to take their kids out with them.

What can you do?
Contact your Orem City Council representative and let them know that you oppose the proposed land transfer from public to private ownership.