LEALMAN - County officials say it would be best if the Fire Commission builds its new station somewhere other than Lealman Park.
"Given the critical need for parkland which is accessible to Lealman residents, it would be contrary to the Board of County Commissioners' commitment to the Lealman community to convey additional land for the new fire station and apparatus maintenance facility," Gay Lancaster, chief assistant county administrator, wrote in a letter faxed Friday to Lealman fire Chief Rick Graham.
Graham had asked the county to give the Fire Commission another 105 feet of parkland to build the station. Lealman Park is the area's only public green space.
Lancaster said she sent the letter in time for Monday's Fire Commission workshop. The letter will give commissioners a chance to decide if they can build on the 0.694 acres of parkland the county has provided or if they want to go elsewhere.
Commissioners had said last month if they did not get more space at the park, they would consider buying other property farther west on 54th Avenue.
If the commission gives the park property back to the county, Lancaster said it's likely the county would build a community center there. The center could include the Lealman Family Center and other agencies along with public restrooms, drinking fountains, outdoor lighting and other amenities.
