Council decides not to buy recreational fields on Old Columbiana

Despite capacity problems at athletic and recreational fields throughout Vestavia Hills, the city council decided not to purchase a property on Old Columbiana Road that is currently used for youth sports.

At a specially called meeting on Aug. 27, the council decided to terminate a previous purchase and sale agreement for four acres of the property, located behind Horizon Church. City manager Jeff Downes said the city had made an offer and its inspection period lasted through Sept. 1. Right now, the city leases the land for youth athletic use at no charge, except trimming the grass.

Downes said that a shortage of playing fields is recognized by the city, but the council decided purchasing the land was “not 100 percent necessary to accomplish our goals.” He noted that other options, such as reconfiguring fields at other recreational facilities and the proposed Altadena park, could be better solutions to capacity issues.

At this time, Downes said the city hopes to continue under the present lease agreement to keep the fields available for city teams.