Community Park of Irmo could double in size if the town council approves a sale proposal for 10 acres of land adjacent to the property.

But it would be costly.

The price sought for the property is $500,000, according to town officials.

In preliminary negotiations, the town has offered $450,000. But such a transaction would have to go through a 30-day due diligence review, a decision made by council during a special meeting on Oct. 27. According to Mayor Barry Walker,

According to Mayor Barry Walker, that process involves checking on various details of the property such as liens and title work. The town attorney would review any legal requirements in the purchase. Town officials would also make a close examination of the property and take soil samples.

Town Administrator Courtney Dennis is now reviewing all aspects of the land purchase, according to council members.

Councilman Kelly Busch called for the due diligence review during the special council meeting because he felt the council was moving too fast to spend too much money.

“They all wanted to pounce on it,” he said of his fellow council members.

Busch said he sought a special review that would make sure the town would get a return on such an investment. He said the town needed a “game plan” before making such an investment.

While having some reservations, Councilman Erik Sickinger said he is very much in favor of acquiring the land.

“It offers a lot of opportunity for activities in an area a lot of people like,” Sickinger said.

While the price is a little over the market value, Sickinger said the acquisition would be a positive move for Irmo. The additional land would provide for more parking, athletic areas and additional uses for a park that is already very popular.

Councilwoman Kathy Condom also sees a positive benefit for the additional acreage, which could provide needed parking. She said the park is always busy and definitely could use more space. But Condom said she hasn’t made a final decision on the purchase.

Availability of funds recently allocated to Irmo through the American Rescue Plan could help sway the council to approve the project. The town could tap into an allocation of some $4.4 million received from the federal program providing assistance to aid communities impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Community Park of Irmo is located on Eastview Drive in the heart of town. It is the home of the annual Irmo Okra Strut festival.

Dedicated in May 2014, the park occupies a predominantly wooded 14-acre site and has a paved trail, playgrounds, a grassy area, two picnic shelters with grills, restrooms and the 500-seat Prisma Health Amphitheater. It is used for parties, family reunions and other special events.