HOBART | Two women spoke before city boards Thursday to protest the sale of Robinson Lake Park.

The women said the sale, approved by the Board of Works last month, set a bad precedent by putting public land in private hands.

"(The park) is a precious natural treasure for our city," said Sarah Fields, who spoke at the council meeting. "Giving the whole park to the county is a wonderful idea, but selling off a strip of land is bad stewardship. ... We don't need more billboards and (to) ruin the view for a quick buck."

The Board of Works accepted an offer from Merrillville-based Larry Alt and Associates for $280,000 for the 30-acre parcel, $20,000 more than the land's appraised value. The developer would like to use the 60 feet along the west side of the property to erect two billboards, 500 feet apart, along Interstate 65. The rest of the property would be turned over to the city or the county and remain as parkland.

The Board of Zoning Appeals also must approve the billboard request.

Sandy O'Brien said if the city is determined to permit billboard use on the property, it should manage the billboards itself to earn revenue instead of selling the property. That money could be used to maintain Robinson Lake and other parks.

"You shouldn't give up the opportunity for some sustainable cash flow," O'Brien said.

Mayor Linda Buzinec said the land would not be used for putting up homes or developed in any other way.

"It will stay a park, and it won't be developed," Buzinec said.