(COLUMBIA, MO) -
The Columbia City Council recently approved a new land acquisition by the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department.
The land is located in The Gates, a new subdivision near High Point Lane and Route K. The acquisition comprises two tracts of land totaling about 66 acres. The City would purchase a 61-acre tract for a negotiated price of $360,000. The second tract would be donated by Gates developer Mike Tompkins to provide a neighborhood connection to the larger tract of land.
The land would primarily be used for greenspace preservation, protection of the Little Bonne Femme Creek and access to the future Little Bonne Femme Trail. A small neighborhood park may also be developed there in the future, depending on feedback from The Gates neighborhood.
"As Columbia grows, we need to be proactive in our efforts to protect green spaces," said Mike Griggs, Columbia Parks and Recreation director. "The benefits extend far beyond the purely ornamental as research shows that people that live near parks and natural areas often see increases in happiness, decreases in depression and a general increase in well-being and life satisfaction."
Griggs also says that this park wouldn't be possible without the generous donation from Tompkins.
"Mr. Tompkins knew the value of having a park as part of his development and we're looking forward to working with him and the future residents," Griggs said.
The land will be accessible not only from The Gates neighborhood, but also from High Point Lane and Route K across from Cascades Park.
"This property is a great example of money well-spent," Tompkins said. "We are thrilled to be working with the Parks and Recreation Department in protecting this beautiful natural area for all to enjoy going forward. It will be a great asset to residents of The Gates subdivision as well as other residents in Columbia."
A recent appraisal commissioned by the developer valued the 61-acre tract at more than $1.4 million.
Funding for the property purchase will come from 2010 Park Sales Tax land acquisition account.
For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 573-874-7460.
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