CLINTON ó A giant land swap or flip-flop has helped both businesses, city government, and given residents a park twice the size of before. This city of about 24,000 ñ the most northwesterly of any in the county ñ took a pro-active approach to meeting a need, says City Manger Dennis Cluff. ìWe sold 31 acres, got a little over $10 million for it, plowed that into our new development,î he said. Added to that was a $4.9 million bond and other funds. As part of a goal for a ìfamily friendly community,î noted by Cluff, the city now has a much larger city hall, new police/fire public safety complex, recreation building, and sports complex and surrounding park areas. ##M:MORE##

ìEverything is new buildings, except the old city hall,î which will be sold, as marketing conditions dictate, to house a medical or office complex, he said.

Although the city hall was occupied only three months ago, and the park has yet to be completed, plenty of it already looks like a seasoned park.

ìWe bought hardy trees,î or those already started to maturity, created berms and rolling hills for sledding or other uses in the winter, with many amenities, the city manager said.

There are a couple of boweries that will receive tables when funds are available; a sandball volleyball court, football, softball and hardball fields, and more.

The clock tower that rose above the old park has been relocated to a central spot within the park.

ìItís off the main road (1800 North 2000 West), where commercial is going,î Cluff said. That provides more exposure, ease of access for big boxes, and the many other businesses building in the area.

And it makes it easier for police, fire and ambulances to get on the road, Cluff said.

ìInstead of one access, we now have five or six,î to reach the park and city services, he said.

ìBefore, a fire truck might be blocked by 1800 North at rush hours, cars were backed up, so they couldnít get out. Now, itís 100 percent better,î Cluff said.

ìIt was quite a challenge, a lot of people werenít enthusiastic,î he said. ìThey couldnít see the vision when it was proposed.î

Although itís on hold, for now, 2000 West was widened, and may eventually be five lanes.

This major effort has changed the face of Clinton, which, about 10 years ago, welcomed its first grocery store ñ†an Albertsons, and a few years before that had virtually no free-standing businesses or stores.

Wal-Martís arrival a few years ago stimulated the arrival of several dozen smaller businesses, from a Robertís Crafts to Starbuckís.

ìWeíre kindíve a crossroads for northern Davis County,î Cluff said, thanks to physical location and confluence of roadways. People are drawn from nearby West Point, Sunset, Clearfield and Syracuse.

ìFor many years, we experienced double-digit growth,î or 10 percent population gain or more, Cluff said.

ìNow people can shop at home, and thereís lots of new stuff coming,î he said.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com