Given the state’s current financial situation, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks wouldn’t be expected to be in the market for new park land — unless, of course, that land was free.

That’s the deal with about 80 acres of property that was part of the Menninger Clinic campus in Topeka. Similar opportunities may exist in other parts of the state, and officials are smart to pursue the possibility of using donated land to preserve open space and add recreational opportunities for Kansas residents.

State and local officials are working with the Menninger Foundation, which wants to donate the land for use as a park. The scenic area close to Cedar Crest, the governor’s mansion, is envisioned to include a picnic area, bathrooms and boat ramps on the Kansas River.

Such opportunities may not be as rare as one would expect. Individuals, foundations or other groups who own scenic property that they have maintained and enjoyed have an interest in preserving that opportunity for other people. The idea that they could turn the property over to the state to maintain and operate can be attractive to many people.

In fact, the state will need to show some care in selecting property for park development. Even if the land is free, it is expensive to add improvements to parks and keep them in operation. The state Wildlife and Parks Department is seeking $100,000 in next year’s budget just to do the planning for the Menninger land.

As the state considers acquiring donated property, it must make sure the land it accepts is accessible and attractive to Kansans. Although the Menninger property would be a good addition to the state park system, many also would argue that, because of its location, the park should be maintained by the city of Topeka, which probably will supply most of the park’s users.

One aspect of the proposed park that argues for a state designation, however, is the access it would provide to the Kansas River. Increasing recreational access to the river is a stated goal of Wildlife and Parks Secretary Mike Hayden, as well as the Friends of the Kaw organization. Getting people more acquainted with the Kaw, they think, will increase public awareness of the importance of preserving the river not only as a recreation site but also as a source of water for municipalities along its route.

The Menninger donation also may serve as an example for other metropolitan areas in the state, including Lawrence. As the state’s larger cities grow, the need to preserve open, natural areas also increases. It’s fine for urban Kansans to be able to drive several hours to enjoy state parks, but it is, perhaps, even more important that they have access to government-preserved natural areas close to home. Other cities, like Lawrence, should have access to the state assistance being offered to Topeka for the Menninger land.

State officials are on the right track by pursuing donations of land suitable for development as public parks. Preserving open space for future generations is a major contribution to the quality of life in Kansas.