WHITEWATER TOWNSHIP — Hamilton County Park District has acquired two parcels of land here totaling close to 400 acres, and will create a master plan for one of the parcels to include habitat protection and recreation.

        The park district purchased the land from Martin Marietta Materials Inc. for $1.9 million.

        “We've been in discussion with Martin Marietta for several years about the property,” said Jim Rahtz, communications director for the park district.

        The larger parcel is 284 acres, costing $1.47 million, and is located off Kilby Road, near the park district's Miami Whitewater Forest. The parcel has four large ponds and the Whitewater River runs through the land.

        “Preliminary development possibilities include fishing and camping facilities,” said Ross Hamre, planning supervisor for the park district.

        The smaller parcel — for which the park district paid $435,000 — is 99 acres and is located next to the Miami Whitewater Forest Soccer Complex on Ohio 128 north of Miamitown.

        This parcel runs along the Great Miami River, and the park district considers it valuable floodplain habitat. It will be preserved as wild habitat.

        Mr. Rahtz said the larger parcel is not contiguous to Miami Whitewater Forest, and probably will be managed as a separate park once a master plan is created for the land.

        The park district has more than 13,000 acres in its system, with 17 parks and preserves. Eighty percent of park land is maintained as natural habitat.

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