The City of Greenville has taken another step toward creating a recreational area near the Greenville YMCA.

On Monday, the Greenville City Council voted to purchase approximately 31 acres of land located near Academy Drive, New Searcy Road and the Greenville Bypass from ABCD Corporation for $108,000.

According to Eddie Anderson, building inspector for the City of Greenville, the property appraised for $121,000.

The City of Greenville already owns the adjacent property that the Greenville YMCA stands on.

“Anytime you can buy the property next to you, it’s a good idea to do that, especially if it fronts the Interstate,” Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon said.

McLendon said officials plan to seek grants to create walking trails and possibly a dog park on the property.

“We’re going to seek grants to fund this project,” McLendon said. “It’s going to be a process that may take up to 10 years, but I think we have a chance to create something real nice right there. It’s perfect for it.”