The Covington Community Park moved a step closer to construction Tuesday at the City Council meeting.

The nearly 30-acre park site is located at 180th Avenue and 240th Street.

The members approved a measure for 30 percent design of the park and 100 percent design of a grass soccer field, including road improvements to 240th, parking and wetland restoration and the cost.

The soccer field is the first step in the project, and one the council members and city staff believe is affordable.

Parks and Recreation Director Scott Thomas said once the design is finished the city could apply for grants to help pay for the project.

Thomas said the plan is to send the soccer field “out to bid in 2011” with construction completed by the summer of 2012.

According to the agreement of services the city will pay the Seattle consulting firm MacLeod Reckord up to $474,865 for the design services. The contract calls for the work to be completed by June 2011.

Reach Dennis Box at (425)432-1209 ext. 5050 or dbox@covingtonreporter.com.