The first of three planned open houses by the Marshall N. White Center Advisory Committee to seek feedback on the plans took place Jan. 18. However, due to an increase of COVID-19 cases, the city closed all public gatherings on Jan. 19, for two weeks.

A virtual open house, scheduled for Jan. 26, was kept, but another on Jan. 20 at the Ben Lemond Athletic Center was postponed.

Ogden City Recreation Manager Edd Bridge said they should have a new date for the event by Friday or Monday.

During the events, the committee has asked attendees to indicate which amenities they believe are most important to include at the facility.

Indoor/outdoor pools, a multi-use sports arena, a field house, community space and kitchen have been among the amenities presented. An empty space was also provided for people to write down any amenities they felt were not being represented. A day care was reportedly among the suggestions.

According to Bridge, officials are waiting to receive results from the postponed open house before presenting to the administration and City Council.

Council Chair Ben Nadolski attended the first open house, which he said had a good turnout.

Nadolski said the council is looking forward to receiving feedback from the city administration during a check in on Feb. 15, as part of an approved joint resolution regarding the MWC.

Regularly scheduled updates from the administration and the Marshall White advisory committee will take place during joint work sessions.

Nadolski said he believes it is important to have MWC check-ins occur in the public forum of a work session so there is open, honest transparency. “It’s about serving the community,” he said.

Since approving the joint resolution on Jan. 11, Nadolski said he feels the council and the administration are much closer to being on the same page in regard to the future of the MWC.

The MWC is owned and operated by Ogden City. The center offers low-cost programs, classes, activities, events and resources to the community. It has been a resource in the Jefferson neighborhood since it opened in 1963.

Named after fallen Ogden Police Officer Marshall N. White, the center serves a sentimental and practical use as the first building named after a Black man in the state of Utah, according to Ogden City, and the only community center offering low-cost programs in Ogden.