ADAMS TWP — The township park will annex 100 acres with Adams supervisors' commitment Monday to acquire an adjoining farm.

Supervisors said they'll buy the Wygal family's 102-acre farm on Hutchman Road, near the township public works building, for $800,000.

Supervisor Chairman Thomas Franceschina said Adams has been in talks with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources about a possible grant to fund half the purchase price.

Franceschina said DCNR representatives expressed confidence that the township could get the grant, which would be worth more $400,000 including half the purchase price as well as attorneys' fees. The township would pay the other half.

Franceschina said according to the purchase agreement, the land would be used for trails, pavilions and programs inside an existing barn. The farm includes a house, too.

Once finalized, the acquisition would increase the park to more than 230 acres, he said.

Residents at the meeting expressed their approval for the plans and excitement for the new trails.

Supervisors approved the letter of commitment, agreeing to buy the property. Adams can now apply for the grant through the DCNR. Franceschina said they hope to hear back this fall.

Regardless of DCNR's decision, he said the township would buy the property and hopes to close the deal this summer.

Supervisors also gave final approval to the Ellwand Shooting Sports Academy site proposed for Route 228 and Scharberry Lane.

The academy plan includes 6.97 acres that will feature a wide variety of shooting ranges including a 200-yard underground range, tactical training ranges for law enforcement, a shotgun bay, and archery and BB gun ranges as well.

Developers received preliminary approval earlier this month following an extensive presentation explaining the lengths the facility will go to prevent sounds from bothering neighbors.

Supervisors voted 3-1 to give final approval, with Supervisor Linda Lees voting against.