The Town of Sweden is taking a look at the estimated cost of the development of the first phase of the town’s new 150-acre park on Redman Road. Prepared by the town’s engineers, Phase I could include a skate park, BMX track, two soccer fields, a pond, two parking lots and the extension of the access road, at an estimated cost of $550,000.

The estimate includes hiring all of the necessary labor at prevailing wages. If the town highway department were to perform some of the work, the cost could be less, according to Councilman Norman Wright.

While the town has set some funds aside for park development, Wright said the town will begin working to obtain grant funding.

Town Assessor Alan Bader said that several area service groups have shown an interest in helping fund and construct certain elements of the plan. A Boy Scout Eagle candidate will be working on hiking trails in the spring.

The first phase represents a very small piece of the overall master plan for the park. Additional development, according to the plan, would include baseball and softball fields; soccer, lacrosse and football fields; tennis, volleyball and basketball courts; bocce lawns; kick walls; a splash park; roller hockey/skating rink; fishing pier; amphitheater; lodges; pavilions; hiking trails; playgrounds and restrooms. Also to be considered is the restoration of the abandoned field house.

Town officials acknowledge that it will be many years before all of the plans come to fruition.