Land donated for city park

After discussing the possible costs involved, the McCook City Council accepted a gift of land from Dorothy Burns, to be used as a city park.

The property, at the intersection of East 11 and C, is being donated by Burns, who requested that once the park is developed that it be named in honor of her late husband, Dr. Lawrence T. Burns, DPM.

At the regular meeting Monday night, Councilman Aaron Kircher stated he had no problem accepting the gift of land but before voting on it, wanted to know what kind of impact it would have on the budget.

"I want to know all the facts before I make a decision in accepting it," he said. "If we accept it, we need to talk about how we'll use it."

City staff has discussed making the area into a dog park, an idea that is becoming more popular around the country. A dog park would require chain link fencing, trash receptacles, benches and a dog litter container. Owners would be required to clean up after their pets and a set of guidelines and rules would be posted at the park.

Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff told Councilman Kircher that he didn't have any firm estimated costs yet and Mayor Dennis Berry asked that these estimates be brought back to the council at its next meeting.

For now, City Manager Kurt Fritsch said, the property will be placed in a land bank until plans are finalized for its development.