The city hopes to purchase a park near the Necanicum estuary.

SEASIDE — The city will move forward with negotiations to purchase the Necanicum Estuary Natural History Park following unanimous approval from the City Council on Monday.

The public park on N. Holladay Drive is owned by TM Development LLC, which acquired the property when they purchased the former Seaside High School in 2021. The high school ran the park for decades.

The registered agents for TM Development are local business owners Tom Utti, Mark Utti and Jeremy Rust.

“We think we can reach an agreement that will benefit both parties, and our community,” City Manager Spencer Kyle said.

In the last two City Council meetings, residents expressed their support of the purchase.

People pointed out the history of the park and its ties to the Clatsop-Nehalem tribes. The park’s viewing deck is accessible to people with disabilities who may struggle to see the ocean elsewhere. Eagles nest there and biologists study marine life where the ocean converges with three rivers, they said.

In a strategic blueprint drafted in January, the City Council identified the park acquisition to be completed by 2025.

Kim Jordan, the city recorder, said she hopes the City Council can review a proposed purchase agreement in August.