Douglas County to buy about 23 acres adjacent to Lone Star Lake for up to $425,000

The Board of Douglas County Commissioners voted 5–0 Dec. 10 to authorize purchase of property at 579 North 600 Road, Lawrence — roughly 23 acres adjacent to Lone Star Lake — for an amount not to exceed $425,000 and authorized the deputy county administrator to sign closing documents.

Sean, a county staff member leading the proposal, said the acquisition would open access to currently inaccessible park acreage, protect environmentally sensitive land and improve long-term park connectivity. He told the commission funding is available through the county's capital-improvement program using remaining ARPA-supported open-space funds and that no development is proposed at this time.

Commissioners praised the conservation value and the property's role in protecting watershed and floodplain areas around Lone Star Lake, suggesting future trail connections and potential limited public access planning. A commissioner noted the open-space pool contains federal COVID-relief dollars used to expand local access to parks and wellness amenities.

The chair moved to approve the purchase in an amount not to exceed $425,000 and to authorize the deputy county administrator to execute closing documents; the board voted 5–0 to approve the motion. Staff will proceed with closing and return to the commission with any required implementation steps.