SPEARFISH, S.D. (AP) - The city of Spearfish has hired a consulting firm to conduct a study of residents about whether or not they would like to see additional sports fields.

The Black Hills Pioneer reports that GreenPlay LLC, out of Bloomfield, Colo., was selected to conduct the study for $24,999.

GreenPlay senior principal Chris Dropinski says the study will assess the project's variables and its economic impact on the community.

Spearfish City Administrator Joe Neeb says the assessment will begin within the next 30 days. It could take up to six months to complete.

Neeb says between 40 and 60 acres of property would need to be purchased to expand the sports fields. The city council has allocated $900,000 to purchase the land.

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