MORRISVILLE - The Town Council is looking to reimburse Wake County for a grant of up to $436,080 to buy property for a 28-acre park on the north side of Morrisville.

In the past few years, the town has been unable to negotiate the purchase of 2.9 acres to complete the park off Church Street.

Giving back the money would eliminate some of the park's size restrictions and allow for a redesign, according to town staff.

If the town continues with the grant, the only thing it can build on the site is one adult softball field. That's a far cry from the original four softball fields that are part of Morrisville's 2006 Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Greenway and Open Space Master Plan.

Morrisville owns about 25 acres. The Wake County grant, which was used to buy land, requires that about 18.2 acres be left as an undisturbed natural environment.

That leaves about 6.8 acres of useable space. However, between a Progress Energy utility easement and a water monitoring well, the available size of the park is 3.7 acres.

With grading and clearing, only one adult softball field could be developed, said Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Allen.

Allen has worked with a consultant to draft a redesign. By not having to leave the 18.2 acres undeveloped, Morrisville would be able to fit three tennis courts, a picnic area and a multipurpose field, Allen told council members.

The multipurpose field could host three or four soccer fields or one adult-sized cricket field, Allen said.

If the council decides to give back the grant money, the $436,080 will come from the general fund.

Morrisville also has an outstanding N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund of up to $500,000 for land acquisition. The remaining 2.9-acre parcel was appraised at $632,000 in 2008. The property is now worth $316,000. If the town is unable to reach an agreement with the owner, Allen recommended rescinding the grant.

The grant was awarded in 2009 with a five-year deadline to get the project under construction.

"We are considering applying for a grant for construction (in 2012), which we are not likely to get if we have an outstanding grant for acquisition," Allen said.

The Morrisville Town Council is expected to vote on the issue Jan. 24.