West Point City Council wants to hear from residents of Avenue H and East 9th Street about whether they want a park in their neighborhood.

Mayor Drew Ferguson IV said the city has an opportunity to buy land on the corner of the two streets, which Troup County currently owns.

The county is no longer interested in owning the property, he said, and the most likely use for the land would be a “pocket park.” The county could grade the lot and the city could use some leftover special-purpose, local-option sales tax to set up park equipment at a “nominal cost.” The mayor did not say if the city would have to pay the county for the land.

“(Other council members) have expressed an interest in seeing recreation in that area,” Ferguson said.

The city will pursue the park, however, only if residents agree to it.

“It needs to be a neighborhood decision,” he said.

Donald Gilliam, one councilman who has spoken out for recreation opportunities in that neighborhood, said he’d be worried about a park being put in an area that’s been known to have criminal activity.

Councilwoman Judy Wilkinson suggested council hold a public hearing to hear from residents.

“I know if someone was going to put a basketball court in my neighborhood, I’d be irate,” she said.

Ferguson said council members should approach residents of the neighborhood first, then hold a hearing if there is enough interest.

Jennifer Shrader can be reached at jshrader@ lagrangenews.com or (706) 884-7311, Ext. 236.