While an exact date isn't set, visitors to Voice of America Park will be able to tell when West Chester Twp. gives its roughly 250-acre share of the park to Butler County MetroParks.

After the hand over later this month, the portion of the park that was free — containing the sports fields — will now cost $2 per vehicle or $5 per year to enter. The new fees will help fund numerous improvements at the park, according to the MetroParks board.

The board also agreed Tuesday, March 11, to spend roughly $21,000 on new soccer nets, picnic tables portable rest rooms and other amenities there.

But other improvements MetroParks is getting for the cost of dirt. In exchange for letting Mt. Pleasant Blacktopping drop off dirt from construction of a nearby road, the company will make the sledding hill there faster.

"The face is going to get steeper so they're going to get a quicker start at the top," said Park Manager Jim Breitenbach.

SK Construction will expand the fishing lake's cove by about an acre in exchange for 30,000 yards of dirt.

Further such deals are likely, officials said, as the nearby Liberty Interchange will likely require more than 100,000 yards of dirt.

Board members also agreed Tuesday on 19 Butler County residents responsible for creating a master plan for the park by year's end. The process will include two public input sessions later in the year, officials said.

But some people are already trying to stake a claim. Board members shot down a request from Dave Moeggenburg to operate the sledding hill for MetroParks at a profit.

"I see a lot of negatives to it," said board member Gregory Amend, adding that the hill should be a resource for the public.

And local wildlife activists are lobbying the board directly to set aside grassland to protect bird species, such as Henslow's sparrows and bobolinks.

Board members also alluded to their own goals in the process. Board President Ed Dwyer said he wanted the park to start breaking even in revenue. Amend said he wanted to market the park with fishing tournaments, water skiing, concerts and other attractions.