Evans Park in Adel is about to get a lot bigger. The Adel City Council recently approved the purchase of two acres of land adjacent to the park, though there are currently no concrete plans on what they will do with it.

The parcel was owned by Steve McCalley, who inquired if the City had any interest in buying it. The City was very interested, and the Parks and Recreation Board negotiated a purchase price of $150,000. City staff put an emphasis on maintaining the dynamic of the park, as opposed to having an outside contractor come in and do something completely different with the land. The possibilities for how the two acres will be used include building a new shelter house and other amenities, expanding the trail system, or even simply maintaining it as a green space.

Development of the park and acquiring the land was mentioned in the City’s comprehensive parks and trails master plan, so the Council assures the public they aren’t just buying the land on a whim. Money to purchase the parcel will come from the City’s general fund and paid back over three years using Local Option Sales and Services Tax income.