As reported on WZEP AM 1460
The Walton Commissioners agreed to buy land for a new sports complex. Saying there is a need and another parcel like this might not come again anytime soon, the commissioners agreed 5-0 to buy the land connected to the site the school board recently purchased.
The county’s appraisal and an appraisal done by land owner M.C. Davis were apart, around $1 million versus just over $3 million. While the seller usually does not get an appraisal, Davis asked and the commissioners agreed. Davis came back with a proposal of $2.4 million. plus $400,00 for the county’s share share of a common access road. Since the amount is much more than the appraisal, it takes at least a 4-1 vote to pass.
Commissioner Bill Chapman said they only have $10 million to work with for the parks in south Walton. After the land purchase, work on Helen McCall Park and other costs, only around $5 million will be left. Commissioner Cindy Meadows said they should be able to build the sports complex with $5 million; that this should be a way to get started. Chapman said he agrees, his point was residents need to understand you can only build what you can with the amount available. Commissioner Sara Comander asked if the parents could also help, help the way it has been done in the past on the north end.
South Walton resident and mom, Emily Weekly, presented signatures of people who want the park as well as letters from leagues wanting to use it and asking to be part of the design process. She also asked to table the discussion about tennis courts for Helen McCall until a meeting on the south end that more parents could attend. Later commissioners moved forward with the tennis courts, but allowed for more input in the design.
Resident Alan Osborne told the commissioners they will never get a chance to buy land like this again. He also talked about the growth in south Walton, especially the growth in the student population. He said all these decisions are effecting the kids.
Commissioners agreed to buy the land on a 5-0 vote.