Washtenaw County’s Parks and Recreation Commission closed on the purchase of  the Maisel property in Northfield Township on December 1. The purchase increases the county’s system of parks and nature preserves by about 220 acres. The $1.44-million conservation purchase will become one of the largest publicly accessible sites in the Ann Arbor area. Ann Arbor’s greenbelt program covered the majority of the purchase price. The land won’t be open to the public immediately, as the park staff determines trail layout and parking access and demands. Kiosks and trail maps also need to be installed. The large size of the park will offer core habitat for wildlife.