Gloucester County and the borough of Swedesboro have worked together for the last seven years to see the auction property saved from development and Wednesday’s deed signing represented the fruition of their work.

“This is probably the last parcel in Swedesboro that can be claimed for open space,” Damminger said. “It’s a good partnership and we’re glad to see it become not another development.”

The total purchase price of the land was $340,000. The county paid $255,000, with the borough making up the difference of $85,000. Gloucester County has applied for reimbursement from the state for 50 percent of the cost.

Swedesboro’s governing body has tentative plans to restore the buildings on the property and cover the gravel and dirt area with vegetation. Fromm said they would like to try to create a passive recreational space that includes an outdoor music venue, community gardens and a temporary ice skating rink.

“It’s going to be something special and we’re very excited about this,” he said.

In addition, the town is beginning a living history project, which will record local farmers’ tales of the borough and surrounding areas that the town council would like to incorporate into the space.

“The acquisition of the Swedesboro Auction property completes an eight-year effort to save not only the last significant piece of open space in Swedesboro, but also an important part of our history that will be preserved to remind people of the important role agriculture played in Swedesboro’s past.”

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