Site saved from development

Parks & Recreation, April, 2006

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) conveyed a 52-acre scenic heritage farm to the city of Allen, Texas, in February. TPL's acquisition of the land a few weeks earlier saved the farm from industrial and residential development. The city intends to operate the property as a public heritage farm park.

The city began working with TPL nearly four years ago to negotiate acquiring the land. The purchase was made with $500,000 from Collin County Parks and Open Space Funding Assistance Program. The city will match the Collin grant and the remaining costs will be provided by the Park Bond and Community Development Corporation.

The city plans to preserve features of the property to allow visitors to experience the early farm setting. Other plans include day camping, a community garden, educational programs and a small animal petting zoo.

For more information on the project from the Trust for Public Land, visit www.tpl.org.