Last week, Springville’s city leaders met to discuss  options on a recreational park.

Two months ago, the council announced it was looking into purchasing property adjacent to the Wal-Mart off I-20.

Now the council is considering using an already-purchased 63-acre site, which also sits just off I-20.

The property, which sits just behind The Gardens subdivision, was purchased under a previous administration. There is an access point off Highway 11, but it would require getting permission from the railroad to cross its tracks. That entry point is also on a curve that can be dangerous to enter.

City Engineer Earl Peoples told the council he estimates that a 1.6-mile road could be cut behind Jack’s Restaurant at Highway 174 and cost the city around $500,000 to build.

Councilman Wayne Tucker said by choosing that option, the city would be “10 years ahead” for installing a sports complex that will contain tennis and basketball courts as well as soccer fields for youth sports.

The city will need to make its descision quickly, because it will have to sign up for a $1.6 million, interest-only loan that the federal government will pay 45 percent of the interest on.

“The previous administration always talked about a sports complex,” said Councilwoman Katrina Hennings. “We’re at the point where we’ve got to do something… We always talk about it, but it’s time to do something.”

 Councilman Tucker said he can’t see the city spending money on new property and said he can’t vote to purchase new land. “I’ll just put that out there,” he told his fellow council members.

Hennings said no matter where a complex is located, she was voting for one.

Councilman Herbert Toles said the city needs to watch its budget closely right now.

The council is expected to again take up the sports complex matter Wednesday at 9 a.m