City accepts donation of about 178.7 acres for new park (Chatham Park) under conservation easement

City staff recommended accepting a donation of approximately 178.683 acres to be used as public parkland and to execute a memorandum of understanding and closing costs estimated at about $9,500. Staff described two large parcels bisected by State Highway 317, with most acreage subject to a conservation easement held by the Texas Land Conservancy that limits development to natural‑surface trails and low‑impact park infrastructure.

Kevin Beavers and parks staff described the property as a mix of woodland and native prairie that would be preserved and activated with volunteer support from master naturalists and other community groups. "The value that came back was, the $7,500,000, gift, if you accept it, to the city of Temple," Kevin said; the deed requires the city to designate the property as a public park (to be called Chatham Park or similar) and provides reversion to the conservancy if not used as parkland. Council voted 5–0 to accept the donation and authorize closing costs.