By Erica Solvig
The Cincinnati Enquirer

DEERFIELD TWP. - The township is looking at expanding recreational opportunities to three new parks that could include hiking trails, an amphitheater, and baseball and soccer fields.

The preliminary ideas will be displayed to the public during open houses from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Thursday, and noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Snyder House, 5847 Irwin-Simpson Road.

"The public has talked about it in the past, and now that (the plans) are laid out, we want the public to come out, give their input and see if the plan is what they had thought it would be," said Tony Lavatori, parks and recreation director.

Plans for the first park, on Mason-Montgomery Road, include renovating an old barn into a theater and banquet hall.

Another park on 70 acres in Kings Mills includes the King Mansion, and could have a campground and hiking trails, Mr. Lavatori said. The township bought the property in December for $2 million.

The township purchased another 20 acres on Socialville-Foster Road for a third park in July for $560,000.

Design ideas have been discussed for several months, Mr. Lavatori said. The public offered initial ideas in November before the township hired Poggemeyer Design Group to form the plans.

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com