The city of Richmond Hill is considering building what is called a “passive park” on 187 acres behind the Sterling Creek Plantation subdivision off Harris Trail.

City Councilman Russ Carpenter said the venue would be considered a passive park because it would not be for organized activities.

“The county runs the parks for team sports and does a great job with it,” Carpenter said. “This would be for other sorts of activities.”

A public meeting about the park is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 11 at city hall.

Carpenter said the park could include walking and running trails, mountain biking trails and primitive camping. The property also has a small lake for fishing.

“I’d even like to look at swimming, but I’m sure our insurance folks would say no,” Carpenter said. “Sand volleyball is another option.”

Carpenter said he’d also like to pursue a community garden where people could rent plots — perhaps 20 by 20 — to grow their own produce.

The city purchased the land five years ago from a bank for $700,000.

“There was some interest from a developer who wanted to put homes in there, but that would have led to some real access problems,” Carpenter noted. “It would be a great location for a park because J.F. Gregory is pretty much maxed out and is more of an event venue than a recreation site.”

Carpenter said the local running and biking communities as well as Boy Scout representatives have given input about what the park should feature.