| How to manage the Wayne Underwood recreational complex in Grantsville has
become contentious with some members of the committee resigning.
Commissioner
Rick Sampson says he is concerned about limitations and conditions over its use.
"I'm interested in seeing it open to many different groups, being used by the entire
county," he said. Sampson told committee member Paul Funk, he "did not trust" the
direction they were going during a recent Commission meeting.
Some of the problem seems to be over "who said what," said Sampson, including
feedback given officers of the Wood Festival. Some members of the Underwood
committee were upset the Commission went ahead and told the Wood Festival they
could use the field for part of their festival.
Sampson said the focus seems to be on protecting the fields for baseball, softball
and football youth league play to the exclusion of other activities. "This field was
also to be used for community events," he said.
Some committee members have complained about some Wood Festival activities
held on the field last year, related to possible damage or not cleaning up the
area.
The Wood Festival decided to remain in its former location.
The six acre complex was deeded to the county last year by the school board with a stipulation it be
used for recreational events.
Initially the Commission attempted to create an 11-person authority to oversee the
complex, but the new board was in conflict with an existing authority over parks and
recreation.
Commission appointees were then designated as an oversight committee. Problems seemed to surface over control of the field, including some confusion over the
legal liability members of the committee might have.
Paul Funk, a committee member who has resigned, said it was unclear who had the
control to make decisions or develop the field, the Commission or the committee.
Other members indicated the committee was too large to be functional.
The secretary of the group, Henry Cooper, has reportedly resigned.
"Right now we are looking at solutions," said Commissioner Larry McCallister.
"The Commissions intent was to establish a legal authority and have them be in
control of the complex," said Commission President Bob Weaver. "Since we made
the authority a committee, it doesn't seem to be working."
"We're grateful for the folks who have wanted to help with the volunteer project.
We're hopeful a smaller committee to
operate the field can be established. Hopefully most of them will still give a hand.
The Commission does want the facility to operate in the interests of the community,"
said Weaver.
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