Palm Bay city officials are evaluating the purchase of a 18-hole golf course that has been abandoned for nearly a decade, according to a report from FOX 35 Orlando. The course, located on the western edge of the city near the Sebastian River, has fallen into disrepair since its last management company closed in 2014. City officials said the land could be repurposed as a community park with walking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas. "This property has potential," said Mayor Steve Schewe during a recent council meeting. "It’s a chance to create something useful for residents." The golf course, which once hosted tournaments in the 1990s, has been overgrown and its clubhouse is in poor condition. The city would need to secure funding for the purchase and any necessary renovations. Council members are expected to discuss the proposal at their next meeting on March 15. The estimated cost of the purchase is not yet available, but officials said they would seek state or federal grants to cover development costs. Local residents have mixed reactions. Some see the plan as a way to revitalize a neglected area, while others worry about the environmental impact of disturbing the land. "I’d like to see it turned into a park, but we need to make sure it’s done right," said longtime resident Maria Lopez. The city has not yet reached out to the current landowner, who is listed as a private trust in Brevard County property records. If the purchase moves forward, it would mark the first major land acquisition for Palm Bay in over five years.