Arlington plans to purchase land for new park

Arlington has started the process to create a Smokey Point community park with their recent approval of the purchase of land in the area.

The Arlington City Council approved the purchase of about $961,000 during their Oct. 17 board meeting.

The land is owned by Smokey Point Community Church and is just to the north of their facility across 178th Place.

City officials have hoped to bring a park space to the area for a while now.

“It makes me happy to make this motion. It’s been a lot of hard work from a lot of people. I’m just so thankful that Smokey Point is going to get their community park,” said City Council member Marilyn Oertle.

Staff have been looking at options to provide a Smokey Point park for more than a year now and decided on the land near Smokey Point Community Church.

Talks with the church have been proceeding for a while.

“This is a project that has been ongoing,” said Steve Peiffle, Arlington’s city attorney. “The city has been negotiating with Smokey Point Community Church for the potential purchase of the bare land to the north of their existing church facility,”

Staff was able to present an agreement to the City Council this October.

“At last, we’re able to bring to you an amended purchase agreement,” said Peiffle.

There is one surveying discrepancy with the property that still needs to be worked out before the agreement is signed and officials, although Peiffle was skeptical during the meeting that it would be a serious issue that prevents the purchase.

The current owners are glad that the empty land will begin being used for a community purpose.

“I spoke with the property owner who was thrilled that the city was considering putting in a park at the location,” said Peiffle.

The city will still need to create a plan for the park.

“It will also require that we remove some trees,” said Peiffle, who said at least one tree has to be removed to create a proper fence around the park.

During an earlier work session city staff said the city plans to seek grant funding to develop the park.

“We’re going to want to develop this park so we’re going to need matching funds when grant money comes up. Potentially we could get some grant money to help with this,” said city administrator Paul Ellis.

“This neighborhood fits the demographics of places the state legislature is looking to do investment for underserved neighborhoods,” said Arlington Mayor Barbara Tolbert.