The future of a new park proposed by the Ames Parks and Recreation Commission will be in the hands of the Ames City Council April 13.

The council will vote on whether to approve plans for a new park along Oakwood Road, said Nancy Carroll, director of Ames Parks and Recreation.

She said the vote is only a formality and plans for the park are underway.

“We chose that tract of land because of population bases and availability,” she said. “It just made sense to buy it since it was the only land available.”

The city bought seven acres of land for $77,000 from Ames resident Floyd Christofferson, 2212 Oakwood Road.

He said the land has been in his family for a long time, originally purchased by his grandfather in 1891.

“We were happy to sell our land,” Christofferson said.

“We deliberately sold the land below market price because we felt it was worth it to have a park nearby,” he said.

Carroll said growth in the community determines the need for new parks, and the rising population in south Ames warranted the proposal of a new park.

However, after this one is constructed, she said there will be no plans for any more new parks.

“Until Ames grows, we will be set for parks for a few years,” she said.

Carroll said construction for the Oakwood park should begin within the next year and will feature playground equipment, swings, basketball courts and a small shelter. She said there also will be five acres of green open space for people to play Frisbee and other games.

“It is going to be a friendly neighborhood park,” she said.

Development of the park will cost $35,000, Carroll said, which will be funded by a local option sales tax.

Christofferson said he believes the Ames community needs more parks. There are no parks within walking distance from his home.

“The park will be a great asset to this community,” he said.

Christofferson said he is pleased the land is not going to be used for more residential housing.

Although construction of the new park will take place close to Christofferson’s residence, he said it should not interfere with his lifestyle.

“I asked that my driveway be separate from the park so there will not be any inconvenience for us during construction,” he said.

He also has asked for a fence or hedge to be put up when the park is finished to ensure his family’s privacy.

Christofferson said he and his wife are considering adopting a small portion of the park.

“There is a lot of maintenance to keep us busy out here, but it is something my wife and I enjoy doing,” he said. “We like tending to the yard, and my wife enjoys growing flowers.”