The property includes mature hardwood forests, open fields, lakes and ponds, creeks and natural springs. It also has about 3,300 feet of frontage on the Cumberland River, according to the county.

County officials say the park is intended to expand access to outdoor recreation and support community health. The foundation’s executive director, Rosalind Kurita, called it the largest project the organization has undertaken and said the goal is to give residents free outdoor activities for generations.

The park is expected to be named Matlock Park, county Parks and Recreation Director Sally Read said. The county has not settled on amenities; those will be considered during a master-planning process. Potential uses include walking, sports, water activities and family recreation.

The next step is for the County Commission to approve moving forward with planning, engineering and design. The county’s first phase also calls for property acquisition, surveys, site assessments and environmental reviews, along with work on road access, accessible pedestrian connections, grading and soil testing.

The county plans to apply for a construction grant in spring 2027 and aims to finish design plans by spring or summer of that year. Later construction phases will depend on available grant funding, according to the county.