GLASGOW, Ky. — With the first phase of construction at American Legion Park nearly complete, city officials are turning their attention to the next round of planned improvements.

The multi-phased overhaul of the park included a new aquatic center, pickleball courts, restroom facilities, a walking trail, a new roadway and expanded parking. The aquatic center opened May 23, following the earlier unveiling of the rest of the park in March.

Glasgow Parks and Recreation Director Eddie Furlong said the first phase cost about $10 million and was finished under budget.

Attention is now shifting to the next phase of improvements, which is expected to cost about $600,000. City officials have been awarded what Furlong described as a “land and water” grant, administered through the state, to help cover half the cost, though the funding has not yet been received.

The second phase will include a new dog park, two shelters, an outdoor exercise equipment area and a basketball court. Furlong said construction will not begin until the grant funds are in hand.

“I can tell you based on the history of those grants, it's probably two to three years down the road,” Furlong said. “Realistically, it's at least 24 months out. In a best case scenario, we would be done in three years.”

A renovated disc golf course, which existed at the park prior to the overhaul, is also expected to be completed by fall as city officials continue redesign work.

Furlong said Glasgow Parks and Recreation developed a master plan in 2018 outlining long-term goals for the city’s parks system, and since many of those goals have now been achieved, the city will soon need to revisit and update the plan.

“It may be time to start looking forward again,” he said.

He added that one priority he would like to see included in a future plan is a dedicated office space at one of the city’s parks for his department, which is currently housed on the former Glasgow Graded School campus on Liberty Street.