I have driven past there many times and wondered exactly what was going on. It is very scenic, but has an artificial look, like a park. I didn't realize it was so big though. It's a lot better than a housing development, so overall I suppose it's a good thing.
This is in my neck of the woods. The changes that guy made to a string of abandoned moonscaped pits are staggering. He also assembled a lot off good ag parcels like the land you see near the Route 30 Ancora bridge.
I really hope the sporting dog part of McNeil's passions is preserved as it says in the article. If it becomes straight park property, I foresee a prohibition on hunting and firearms.
You can't have gundogs without the guns.
I've participated at equestrian events there since the mid 70's. A very nice place. It is gated but you can join. I remember a very interesting old pet cemetery. This is the way this restoration should be. The county will ruin it, I've been to there parks.