By Diana McFarland

Managing editor

Smithfield Recreation Association is meeting Thursday to discuss the potential sale of its Beale Park property. 

Smithfield Recreation is obligated to give the town $300,000 as part of its contribution toward the Joseph W. Luter Jr. sports complex, and the plan is still to sell the property to meet that obligation, said SRA president Chris Kennedy. 

While there have been rumors to the contrary, Kennedy said that, so far, no group has come forward willing to raise $300,000 so that SRA could meet its obligation to the town and keep its Beale Park property. {mprestriction ids=”1,2,3,4,5,6″}

Kennedy said the property has been appraised and there is an agent selected to begin marketing the property, depending on the outcome of Thursday’s meeting. 

Kennedy said SRA is willing to entertain any idea — that is, either selling or keeping the Beale property and raising the $300,000 in another way.  

In addition to donating $300,000 to the town, SRA has also agreed to pay $25,000 a year in rent for the duration of the 20-year lease. The first payment is due Jan. 5, according to the lease agreement. 

The Smithfield Swim Club posted a notice to its membership on Facebook asking them to attend the meeting. According to the post, the Swim Club fears that if sold, the Beale Park property will be turned into townhouses. 

“Clearly, these changes will have an impact on our pool,” stated the post. 

The SRA meeting is Thursday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. at The Smithfield Center.  {/mprestriction}