After weeks of soliciting public opinion, preliminary plans for the development of 1,515 acres near Clinton Lake were revealed Monday by the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department.

The plans included suggestions like expansion of playing fields and trail systems to the construction of an amphitheater and preservation of natural areas. Landplan Engineering presented two scenarios, both of which assumed the future extension of Wakarusa Drive south to County Road 458.

The city leases the land below the Clinton Lake Dam from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is already home to Eagle Bend Golf Course, a wetlands area, several ball fields and an off-leash dog park.

Both plans expanded on existing facilities, suggesting that the northern end of the expanded area be devoted to, among other things, additional ball fields, an amphitheater and an ice skating rink.

The central portion would allow for an extension to the golf course, said engineer Doug Pickert, and the lower third would preserve natural prairies and wetlands.

The major difference between the two plans was that one showed the potential extension of Wakarusa Drive cutting through the middle of the area, isolating the southeast corner, while the other allowed for an eastern alignment of Wakarusa Drive.

If Wakarusa ran down the east side of the area, there would be greater opportunity to preserve green space, Pickert said. In addition, model airplane field would not have to overlap the wetlands, a fishing lake could be built and a junior golf facility would be feasible.

About 30 people attended the 7 p.m. meeting at the East Lawrence Recreational Center. They appeared to cautiously approve of the two plans. But many still had questions.

Carey Maynard-Moody, Lawrence, said she enjoyed the trail system but had a difficult time envisioning the distance of wooded areas from developed ones.

“I just can’t imagine what I’ll be hearing and what I’ll be looking at,” she said. “It’s nice to think you’re in the middle of a vast wild area.”

Other concerns focused on drainage, traffic congestion and the rate of development.

Parks and Recreation Director Fred DeVictor emphasized that the department was still in the “listening mode” and that nothing had been formally decided.

The next step is for developers to start associating dollar amounts with the plans, he said. The plans will be taken to the Lawrence City Commission sometime in January and, if approved, will be constructed over a 20-year period.

Right now the money is not available for everything in the plan, DeVictor said, adding that it was still “nice to dream.”