Wednesday, Mar. 10, 2010

Raleigh to buy land for northeast park

Rapidly growing northeast Raleigh might soon get some much-needed recreational space.

The City Council last week voted to buy about 49 acres on Watkins Road for $1.5 million. Though a planning process will determine the land's use, it is expected to be a large community park.

Vic Lebsock, a senior city park planner, said a community park typically includes a community center, lighted ball fields, athletics courts, open space and a staff. They are the city's larger parks, typically 25 to 30 acres.

Such a park would fill a void in northeast Raleigh.

"It has been a long time since we've built any community parks in northeast Raleigh," Lebsock said. "It has just been one of those areas that has taken a while. lt's oneof the fastest growing areas of the city. And a lot of that growth has occurred very recently."

John Odom, the council member who represents northeast Raleigh's District B, said the park is needed.

Odom says he supports all parks, but ball fields and gymnasiums are especially needed in his district.

"What we need in North Raleigh in particular are athletic facilities," he said. "I will work to get as much park property as we can at a reasonable price."