Pasco County commissioners approved a $16 million agreement Oct. 20 to buy land on Tupper Road for future park facilities serving the Wesley Chapel area.

The purchase agreement lists two parcels totaling approximately 156.5 acres. Parks Director Keith Wiley described the property as about 153 acres during the meeting, the figure used in Tampa Bay Beacons' report on the unanimous vote.

Four purchases planned

The Hopkins property will be acquired through four separate closings, each costing $4 million. The contract sets deadlines of Jan. 31 in 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030. Final surveys will establish the acreage and legal description of each phase.

The county's obligation to complete the final three purchases depends on commissioners appropriating money in the corresponding fiscal years. Approval of the agreement does not mean the county has already acquired the entire property.

Wiley told commissioners the first phase would use parks impact fees in fiscal year 2027. He said Wesley Chapel District Park has long operated at capacity and the county needs additional fields and park space, according to the Beacons report.

Facilities need funding

The land purchase does not include a funded construction plan. Wiley said the county had not identified how to pay for facilities on the site.

Commissioners also discussed a planned road crossing the property. Wiley said staff would consider a possible realignment to avoid interfering with future park improvements. Chairman Jack Mariano suggested transportation funds could cover the road if it becomes part of the county network, the Beacons reported.

The county's location map identifies the Hopkins parcels along Tupper Road near Interstate 75. The acquisition is intended to relieve demand in the service area of Wesley Chapel District Park; it does not open new recreational facilities immediately.