To combat the growing need for parks and athletic fields in Carroll County, the Board of Commissioners will meet today to discuss the purchase of an estate across from Winfield Elementary School for the location of a park.

The 9.16 acre Barnes Estate property, located directly opposite of Winfield Elementary School is, "an excellent park site due to its central location and open cleared fields," according to the proposal.

The new idea arose when the Winfield Recreation Council explored the ability to develop practice fields at a county-owned area on Streaker Road. Concerns were raised regarding limitations of the space in the area and the council's recommendation to the Board was to sell the parcel and look for a more appropriate location for the park.

Program Open Space, a state funded program will provide $155,272 that may be toward the purchase price of $200,000. The remaining balance of $44,728 would need to be transferred from Land Bank funds, impact fees or general Program Open Space funds to complete the purchase.

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners will discuss the option to purchase the Barnes Estate during their 1:30 p.m. open meeting today in room 311 of the Carroll County Office Building.