Developer offers land donation for park if annexed; commission urges further study

City staff told the Parks & Recreation Commission that a property owner adjacent to Highway 41 and Ferguson is willing to develop housing on part of a square parcel and donate the remainder for park use if the land is annexed into the city. The presenter said the parcel is approximately three acres and could provide pathway connectivity to the existing Thayer Farms trail system.

Staff warned the commission the site contains a power-line easement that prohibits permanent structures with foundations in the easement area; asphalt, grass and nonfoundation features would be allowed. Staff recommended pursuing annexation negotiations that could require the developer to extend a road to the north portion of the property as part of annexation conditions.

Commissioners asked about neighborhood impact, historical features and park design opportunities. One commissioner suggested partnering with the local historical society to incorporate interpretation of the area’s farming history. Commissioners generally said additional parkland would be valuable, noting the southwest corner of town currently lacks dedicated park space.

The commission did not take a formal binding vote on annexation at the meeting; members recommended staff pursue the opportunity and return with more details, including planning requirements and any necessary annexation conditions. Staff emphasized that the donation depends on successful annexation and subsequent planning approvals.