Wichita ? A chunk of Kansas prairie just purchased by the city of Wichita includes about 40 acres of native grass and woodlands that has never been touched by a plow.

The city plans to turn the 148 acres into a park to serve a rapidly growing part of the southeast Wichita area that has less parkland than other parts of town. Officials say the land will soon be surrounded by homes.

The untouched land has been closely guarded by the Means family since 1873, and they did not want it to go into the hands of developers. The city agreed, and bought it from the Means’ trust this week for $890,000.

Wichita Parks and Recreation Department Director Doug Kupper said he’d like to see the 40 pristine acres preserved, with other parts of the property used for ball fields or even a fire station.