The Military Installation Development Authority is proposing a $5 million recreation and sports complex on 40 acres near the Jordanelle Reservoir, a project designed to repurpose land previously used for mine tailings near the Mayflower Interchange. The Jordanelle Marina Recreation Area Public Infrastructure District presented the development plan to the Wasatch County Council on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Repurposing Mining Lands
The proposed development would be located on the east side of Highway 40 near Jordanelle State Park. The site includes the Marina West parcels, which once contained several tailing ponds during the area's mining history. According to Wasatch County Manager Dustin Grabau, the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) has agreed to take ownership of the property and oversee the environmental cleanup of the roughly 40 acres.
Environmental Protections
The project aims to utilize land that was previously considered unusable. Grabau noted that the site contains mine tailings on the southeast corner of the intersection, and MIDA identified the area as a potential recreational space. The development plans include adding materials that are more impervious to the environment to enhance the existing cap placed over the tailings. This approach is intended to prevent water infiltration into the underlying tailings and further improve existing environmental covenants.
Planned Recreational Facilities
The sports complex is expected to feature a variety of amenities, including 21 pickleball courts—including a championship court—four tennis courts, and playing fields. Additionally, the site will host a pump track, a bike park, and facilities for adaptive sports and all-abilities play. Derek Herndon, who presented the proposal to the council, noted that the design focuses on providing recreation offerings while further improving the environmental covenant established in 2019 to protect the former tailing ponds.
Infrastructure District Details
The development is being managed through the Jordanelle Marina Recreation Area Public Infrastructure District, or JMARA. This governmental entity was created through a partnership between MIDA, Wasatch County, and private developers to support military recreation, community infrastructure, and environmental cleanup near the Jordanelle Reservoir.
Project Financing
Funding for the $5 million project will be provided through the JMARA public infrastructure district. Unlike some other tax increments, this specific district will be funded through recreation and commercial sales tax rather than residential property taxes. Grabau explained that the agreement ensures that the tax increment generated by these parcels will be used specifically to fund the recreational facilities and cover the ongoing costs of operations and maintenance.
Community and Environmental Oversight
While the project is expected to be a public benefit near the Hailstone Marina, some officials raised questions regarding community involvement and environmental monitoring. Interim County Councilor Michael Murphy stated he wants to ensure there are no environmental impacts and noted that the project appears to have a low propensity to breach the cap and pollute the county's major water supply. He added that the area is being monitored stringently. County Councilor Luke Searle expressed his hope that JMARA will engage in conversations with area residents to ensure their needs are met, noting the benefit of having facilities that do not require residents to travel to the valley.
Future Development Timeline
The project timeline is moving toward construction, with final construction drawings expected by the end of the year. MIDA intends to issue a request for proposals to hire a general contractor, with construction slated to begin as soon as summer 2027. Herndon noted that JMARA has been working closely with the Utah Division of Water Quality, having submitted five plans for oversight to date.
