Williamson County commissioners narrowly approved a plan last week to spend up to $12.5 million to purchase land that could become the county’s largest park. Negotiations are continuing between the county and the property owner.
The purchase would require more than half of the proceeds from $22 million of park bonds authorized by voters in 2006.
The 865-acre site north of Austin features rolling hills, scenic bluffs, and riverfront property. The owner had planned to build homes on the site, but development plans have been canceled due to the weakening housing market.
The commissioners split 3 to 2 on the proposal. Opponents said the large land purchase would take funds away from other park projects on the list submitted to voters before the bond election.
The owner of the property purchased the land in 2005 and planned to build up to 1,500 homes on it before putting the project on hold.
The property has been appraised at $13.2 million by a private appraiser, but landowner Joe Birdwell said he would be willing to sell for less.
The county’s largest park now is an 800-acre park near Leander that includes a soccer field, tennis courts, and basketball courts. The proposed new county park near Liberty Hill would have trails and hiking areas instead of ball fields.
