Walden residents soon will get a chance to comment on plans to redevelop the 39-acre former home of Martha Bachman McCoy into a public recreation area and community center.

An open house is planned for Jan. 20 to seek community input on what Alderman Elizabeth Akins hopes could one day become the town center.

“I think all towns need that,” Ms. Akins said. “All towns need something that is their very own that can be a central thing that everybody can enjoy.”

The town purchased about 34 acres of the property for $1 million in 2000, and upon her death, Mrs. McCoy donated the remaining five acres, including the house, Ms. Akins said.

Mrs. McCoy was the daughter of Nathan Bachman, a U.S. senator and Tennessee Supreme Court judge.

Landscape architecture firm Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon Inc. has worked on plans for the project, incorporating ideas generated from a design session held about a year and a half ago, according to Alderman David Epperson. He said the drop-in session set for Jan. 20 will be the first time aldermen and residents will review the blueprint, which could include plans for walking trails, community gardens and an arboretum.

While the green spaces likely will preserved for public use, what is less certain is what will happen to the estate’s home, which might provide an ideal venue for wedding receptions, community events or even a relocated town hall, Dr. Epperson said.

The Town Council will vote on the proposed plans following a period of public comment.

Dr. Epperson said the chance to preserve such a large tract of open space was rare, given the scramble for land on Signal Mountain.

“You want to try to preserve as much of the natural resources as we have,” he said. “Where you can leave green areas and areas for recreation ... and (not) cover every inch of the land with housing developments. I think it makes a lot of sense.”