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Daily Sentinel article, April 27, 2008
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In April of this year, Mesa County held a meeting of Orchard Mesa neighbors regarding the future of the Mesa County Fairgrounds. While the Fairgrounds is utilized hundreds of times per year - by tens of thousands of users - the facility is outdated in some areas and needs renovation; furthermore, if a covered arena is desirable, Mesa County does not have the resources to build such a structure. Earlier this year a private developer outlined plans to the City of Grand Junction to construct a large "arena" near the Colorado River on property the city owns. Financing would be arranged privately - with a $25 million United States Department of Agriculture loan guarantee. Mesa County is looking into the prospect of partnering with Grand Junction on this facility, with the possibility of partially or completely selling or abandoning the Mesa County Fairgrounds. OMNIA is very concerned about these proposals and feel that other options can be explored. The Fairgrounds is a unique characteristic of Orchard Mesa, one that we feel should not be abandoned under any circumstances. OMNIA's POSITON ON THE MESA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS The Mesa County Fairgrounds is an important public resource and belongs to the people of Mesa County. It is a historical legacy acquired in part by Mesa County through the generosity and foresight of World War II veterans. It continues to serve the people of Mesa County in many ways, not the least of which is to provide open space for recreation at a time when open space is disappearing rapidly and being replaced with more and more new housing and commercial developments. OMNIA is disappointed to hear that Mesa County is failing to properly maintain some of the facilities at the Fairgrounds. County staff time, resources and funds are being spent to research and study the new proposed Riverfront Arena, which is seeking creative funding sources. We believe this money and manpower would be better utilized in maintaining and improving the present Mesa County Fairgrounds – as well as pursuing similar creative funding sources for improvements and expansion. OMNIA is strongly opposed to any reduction in size of the Mesa County Fairgrounds. NOT ONE SQUARE INCH of the Mesa County Fairgrounds should be sold, traded, or given up for private development. The Mesa County Fairgrounds should be preserved and protected in perpetuity for its traditional uses, and for the enjoyment and recreation of the public.
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