WINFIELD — The Board of County Commissioners this week approved purchase of a 9.16-acre tract in the Winfield area for a new park and athletic fields.

The commissioners voted unanimously to buy the tract for $200,000 at its Dec. 6 meeting, tapping various Program Open Space resources for up to $190,000 of the cost, and other sources, including park impact fees, for the remainder.

This 9.16-acre property is opposite Winfield Elementary School.

Officials noted that the county continues to experience a need for park land and athletic fields in many areas, including Winfield.

"This area does have the greatest need," said Jeff Degitz, director of recreation and parks.

According to documents from the county's Department of Recreation and Parks, the Winfield Recreation Council had been exploring the idea of developing a practice field at a county-owned parcel on Streaker Road.

But concerns were raised abut whether that site could accommodate the fields needed because of the shape of the property. Subsequently, the county recommended to sell that parcel and to look for a new site for fields.

Degitz said the recreation council will be responsible for developing a plan for the park.

Jim Joyner