Greenwood hopes to buy 84 acres for park

by G.E. Twine
     
     GREENWOOD - Town Manager Carol Whitman has been pleasantly surprised by the contributions she has received to help the town purchase 84 acres of hilly woods on Greenwood Road.
     "Margaret Ring has offered to sell the property to the town, but the land is subject to certain restrictions," said Whitman.
     A letter to the town from Ring's attorney stated that the land would be dedicated to use as a park. No motorized vehicles will be allowed in the woods. The land must remain pristine. There can be hiking and walking trails cut, a kiosk for user information referring to the historic value of the location as a stage coach stop, a parking lot and outhouse. The donation will memorialize Ring's affection for her property.
     Ring is willing to sell the land to the town for $16,800 - $200 per acre. The offer came to the town too late for funds to be requested at the recent town meeting. But through word of mouth alone Whitman already has collected $10,000 - $8,400 from one unnamed donor.
     "We are hoping that all the money will come from donations so we don't have to ask the town to raise it," Whitman continued. "We will be scheduling a special town meeting in the near future so townspeople can vote to accept the land."
     Once purchased and accepted, work on cutting trails will begin. The trail system will be planned to make the best use of the 84 acres and not cause erosion of the land. Whitman is seeking volunteers to help with the work. Anyone interested in donating or volunteering can call the town office at 875-2773.