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Board weighs possible 10‑acre donation to expand Legacy Woods, proposes open house ahead of 2050 plan
Summary
Staff told the board a property owner has discussed donating about 10 acres adjacent to Legacy Woods; the board supported the idea, recommended passive open-space uses and loop trails, and agreed to pursue public outreach (an NRCB open house and an open-space tour) in advance of the city's 2050 comprehensive-plan update.
City staff briefed the Natural Resource Conservation Board on June 16 about a potential donation of land adjacent to Legacy Woods that could add roughly 10 acres to the city's open-space holdings. Staff said council members signaled initial support for the donation and that the property owner has discussed donating the entire parcel.
"He’s looking at that full donation," Megan, city planning/engineering staff, said, while noting there is no contract in hand and that the city would require a desktop environmental review (to check for septic systems, wells or other on-site hazards) before accepting property. Staff also cautioned the city currently lacks a dedicated acquisition line item in the open-space budget to absorb demolition or environmental remediation costs should they arise.
Board members welcomed the possibility. Chair Walter Rafferty suggested honoring the donor by renaming the combined open space, and several members recommended low-cost, low-impact measures such as a wood-chip loop trail and signage rather than installing intensive playground or athletic facilities. "We could probably do a loop trail through both properties," Rafferty said, and Board member Tushon urged preservation as "passive open space" so residents can enjoy the woods without heavy development.
Staff asked whether the board would like to make recommendations that could be forwarded to council if the donation moves forward; they also noted any acceptance process would involve environmental review and attorney work between the parties. Several members suggested the board visit the site during the planned open-space tour and discussed incorporating the parcel into public-facing materials if it proceeds.
Separately, Board member Panning proposed an NRCB open house to present current preserved open spaces, past funding mechanisms and options to pay for future acquisitions, calling it a way to "take the pulse" of residents before any funding proposal is advanced. Staff said facilitating a board-led open house outside the comp‑plan process would likely take planning and that the formal natural-resources engagement tied to the 2050 comp plan will have a staff-led component scheduled for the board’s August meeting.
Next steps: staff will continue discussions with the property owner and legal/ environmental review if the owner pursues donation; the board and staff will plan an open-space tour in June and discuss an NRCB open house/opportunities for public engagement ahead of the 2050 comprehensive-plan update.
