Liberal City Commission Approves Sale of 7th and Western Property, Construction of New Ballfields

In a Special Meeting Wednesday evening, Jeff Parsons,Economic Development Director for the City of Liberal, was before the Liberal City Commission and said that the City had been approached by Price Properties LLC of Birmingham Alabama,with an offer to purchase the City’s property at 7th and Western. The parcel is appoximately 11.38 acres and currently is used as a softball and baseball complex.

Price Properties, LLC stated that they would like to convert the site into a small retail development. The development would begin with one retailer, with plans for future development.

Parsons stated that the proceeds from the sale of the property would be used to fund the construction of at least 7 new softball and baseball fields. Currently there are only 5 fields at the 7th and Western site. The construction of the new ball fields would begin this summer with a goal to begin next years softball and baseball seasons on the new fields.

Parsons reminded the Commission that while some of the details of the agreement with Price Properties,LLC were now public, that both staff and the City Commission needed to continue to honor Price’s request in certain respects as the City had not been completely released from their obligations of the Confidentiality Agreement.

The City Commission voted unanimously to approve the Purchase Agreement between the City of Liberal and Price Proerties,LLC.

In a statement after the vote, Mayor Denoyer commended City staff, Jeff Parsons, Mark Hall, and Chris Ford for their work on the project, and for thinking "Outside The Box"in putting the project together. He also thanked Price Properties, LLC for their investment in the City in this win/win endeavor. The Mayor stated that for years the City has been looking at upgrading, improving, and adding baseball and softball fields to the City, but due to lack of funding, were unable to do so. He said with the sale of the property, and the investment of Price Properties,LLC, the City will not only be able to add at least 7 new, state of the art ball fields, but to also get additional retail development. He assured the community that the City of Liberal always has, and always will have a commitment to the youth and adult recreation programs in Liberal, and will continue to look for ways to improve and enhance these programs.