MISSOURI CITY, Texas -- Missouri City is in a legal battle for the 400-acre Quail Valley Country Club property, which includes a 36-hole golf course, clubhouse, tennis center, fitness center and swimming pool, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

The city took action to purchase the property because the golf course has lost its plush, well-manicured appearance over the years. Some areas along the course are filled with weeds and debris. Residents have complained that is an eyesore.

City officials said that on March 3, they offered the owner $3.1 million to buy the property, but the company turned it down. On March 24, the city filed a lawsuit citing eminent domain after the city's efforts to negotiate a purchase failed.

The process to acquire the property is under way.

The next step will be for the court to appoint three landowners living in Fort Bend County to serve as special commissioners. That group will then schedule a hearing to hear evidence and determine the fair market value of the properties.

The city plans to use the property as a public park and recreation space and to preserve it as green space. Park bond monies and minimal tax dollars will help to restore what will become a public facility.

"The city has a real interest in the maintenance of these properties," Missouri City Mayor Pro-Tem Brett Kojala said.

"To be able to see it aesthetically pleasing in its original condition is what we all want to happen," Quail Valley resident Michael Gaskin said.

"This will be good for the public, because I believe they're going to make it a public golf course," Quail Valley resident Larri Fleming said.

"We're all concerned about our property values, that's what the main issue is," resident Mike Kowalick said.