With the Kenyon-Dobson Park property finally coming under city control, the question now turns to plans for the land.

Under the terms of the bequest, trees must be left standing and the park may only be “minimally developed,” but that fits in just fine with Renton’s plans, according to Community Services Department Administrator Terry Higashiyama.

“We will abide by the letter of what Art had in his will,” she said Tuesday. “He gave it to us to protect and that’s our No. 1 priority.”

Higashiyama said the two-acre property would become part of the larger May Creek Corridor, an area of land protected through agreements between the City of Renton, King County and the City of Newcastle.

The idea is to maintain the wildlife corridor around the creek so the Kenyon-Dobson property will be kept in a forested state.

Some of the plants at the site may be removed, however, if they are non-native, such as blackberries, though Higashiyama said those areas affected would be replanted with native species.

Higashiyama also said the city has been buying additional land in that area for some time because it is a “high priority” for the city to protect.

As for the house on the property, Higashiyama said the city initially hoped to use it as an environmental center and meeting area, but she did not know the condition at the moment and was unsure if the house would still be used until after the city has a chance to survey the property.

The city will also have to clear debris from the land and Higashiyama said final plans for the parcel, including a potential link to and continuance of the May Creek Trail, would be developed after the clean-up efforts.