3840 Oregon Avenue North Property (adjacent to Lions Park)

During its meeting on June 24, the New Hope Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved a purchase agreement for the single-family home at 3840 Oregon Ave North. The property, located at the northwest corner of Lions Park was previously a rental before the vacant property was listed for sale. The 1,940-square-foot, single-family home, built in 1959, sits on a 0.29-acre parcel of land bordered entirely by the park. The acquisition of this property presents a unique opportunity to expand the New Hope parks system. Once acquired, the existing home will be demolished, and the land will be rezoned to Government, Park, and Open Space (GPO) before being incorporated into Lions Park.

This acquisition aligns with the goals outlined in New Hope's 2040 Comprehensive Plan to expand New Hope’s park system, considering the limited potential for acquiring additional parkland within the city.

The purchase agreement specifies a purchase price of $338,000, with traditional closing costs to be paid by each party. The City will pay for the project using existing EDA funds.

The closing on the property is scheduled for mid-July, and prior to demolition, the police and fire departments will use the property for training exercises.

This expansion will bring Lions Park to nearly nine acres. The park is currently home to two ballfields, a basketball court, an off-leash dog park/hockey rink, horseshoe courts, walking paths, play equipment and an enclosed park shelter. The park is one of New Hope’s 18 parks, with the City maintaining more than 200 acres of green space.

Later this year, staff will be distributing a survey to neighbors to solicit feedback on how the land can be used in the future. Until plans for the area are determined, the space will remain as an open area with grass.