The next phase of construction for the Wellness Park in Washington was approved by the city council at their meeting Tuesday. The next phase, called 1B, includes two full-sized soccer fields, four baseball/softball fields, sand volleyball courts, a paved parking lot, a connection to the Kewash Trail, and a building to house concessions and restrooms.

Councilperson Steve Gault said there’s a sports focus, and until it is more like a park with a pond he will not vote in favor of the work. Mayor Jaron Rosien said more park amenities will be part of the second phase, “I would just add, that certainly like Mr. Gault I really look forward to that second phase when it comes, because it involves the pond and all of the things that he had raised, too. This is certainly that expensive sports focus in the category. And we don’t want to lose sight of keeping our eye on the ball, despite the bad metaphor, for phase two.”

This phase of the project is estimated to cost $3.1 million, paid for in part by a $650,000 Washington County Riverboat Grant and grants from Wellmark, the Kansas City Royals, and the Minnesota Twins. Bids for the work will be opened April 1st, substantial seeding of fields is June 15th, and the phase is expected to be finished in November.