The Adel City Council recently approved moving forward with the potential purchase of land near Evans Park.

The parcel is two acres in size and located adjacent to the popular park. It’s been owned by Steve McCalley, who recently decided he wanted to put it up for sale. Through discussions with the Adel Parks and Recreation Board, a tentative price of $150,000 for the lot was presented. City staff felt the price was reasonable, and they desired to acquire the land in order to maintain the dynamic of the park. There are several options the City will consider for how to use the land, ranging from a new shelter house to simply maintaining it as a green space. Development on the park and acquiring the land was also mentioned in Adel’s comprehensive parks and trails master plan.

The City Council decided to engage in negotiations for the land, directing City Attorney Kristine Stone to work on a purchase agreement. However, the decision wasn’t unanimous, as Council member Bob Ockerman dissented saying he felt the City’s funds were tied up enough already without spending $150,000 on two acres of land. The rest of the Council, however, was supportive of the purchase, which will be made using the General Fund and paid back over three years with Local Option Sales and Services Tax money.