Lower Burrell is exploring outdoor recreational facilities for a proposed park on undeveloped property along Dutchman Run.
The city bought the 90 acres for $24,500 in 1967 from an area couple. The property has sat undeveloped for decades.
“When we first walked it, it was clear that the potential there is limitless,” said Lower Burrell Councilman Chris Fabry. Possibilities include trails, archery, camping, an obstacle course or a public safety training area, he said.
The timing is right, as the city is working with a firm on a comprehensive plan for its five other parks.
“While this isn’t an immediate project, we’re beginning to lay the groundwork for what will be something special,” Fabry said.
The city considered developing a park there before. In the early 2000s, when the city bought the land for what is now Kotecki Park, they looked at the Dutchman Run property.
Former Lower Burrell Mayor Don Kinosz said access and utilities were issues. The terrain in generally hilly but also includes a large flat area.
Kinosz said the biggest hurdle was there wasn’t much money available during his tenure to develop the park.
Fabry said facilities might not be as essential for this park.
The city’s other parks already have facilities dedicated to athletics, walking, fishing and playgrounds.
“The 90 acres would have its own identity focusing on outdoor activities such as hiking, archery, camping, etc.,” he said.
Mary Ann Thomas is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Mary at 724-226-4691, mthomas@triblive.com or via Twitter .