A roughly 34-acre parcel of land, located on the Luther Forest Technology Campus, could provide a suitable location for the construction of outdoor recreation space in Malta.
The pod (to use LFTC terms) was given to the town as part of the LFTC zoning process. It lies adjacent to the 100 acres of woodlands where a 6-mile network of walking trails has been proposed.
According to Malta Director of Parks and Recreation Audrey Ball, there is enough room at the site for three to four full-sized soccer fields or softball fields, including area for parking needs.
`It happens to be a good parcel — it has good soils, it’s flat, and it doesn’t have wetlands,` said Ball in a phone interview.
The plot is located near Hermes Road. It will be easily accessible by car or bicycle and it will be easy to bring in water, sewer and electric service.
The town board will be looking at two resolutions of $50,000 each at its Monday, July 7, meeting. One will allow the recreation department to study the land at the LFTC; the other will fund the study of possible uses for a 24-acre parcel of land near East Line Road known as the Michalko property.
An open space for recreation has been long in coming for the Town of Malta.
`As the demand grows we certainly feel the pressure to fulfill the need,` said Ball. `We’ve been looking for land for quite some time. It’s difficult to find a large park.`
Town Supervisor Paul Sausville says that using the town’s space is of great importance. `We’ve conducted some surveys over the last couple of years to see what the public wants, and open spaces is high on the list,` said Sausville.
`There’s a tremendous need in the town for ballfields, picnic areas, dog parks there’s a whole host of different uses.`
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