The South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District announced that it will purchase a 30-acre parcel adjacent to Community Park for $390,000, pending the results of an appraisal and due diligence.

The property is owned by the Estate of Dora Norene Gabelein.

Parks and Recreation plans to use the land to create a public campground.

“It’s a good situation to be in. Personally, I think it’s a fair price,” Coutts said. “We want to compensate them fairly, while making sure that were responsible to our taxpayers. We’re hoping that it’s the market value of it.”

Coutts likened the situation to being under contract in a real estate deal.

The district is currently waiting for the results of the review appraisal, which is required for future grants to develop the land. Coutts said the district plans to apply for an acquisition and development grant with the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program.

The money would allow the district to claim up to 50 percent of the purchase price.

“It’s money we hopefully would get to use as our match for the development portion, so we could develop the property without hurting anybody,” Coutts said.

Board member Joel Gerlach was happy that the deal is in its next step.

“It’s an opportunity for us to acquire some land thats adjacent to the park,” Gerlach said. “To have an opportunity to get this land and turn it into camping, it just fits so well with what we’ve got going with the camp. It offers more opportunity for the people visiting Whidbey Island and those already on it.”

The district decided on the offer during executive session at a regularly scheduled meeting last month, Aug. 6.