Rockland County has purchased 236 acres of open land known as the Eagle Valley property.

Leaders say they will use the land to protect water resources, preserve wildlife habitats and create new recreation opportunities.

"This will be our first new, standalone park in over 25 years. It's believed to be one of the largest remaining undeveloped parcels in Rockland County," said Kevin McGuinness, of the county’s Division of Environmental Resources.

Officials say it is the largest purchase in the history of the Open Space Acquisition Program. It was made possible by an over $2 million grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.