RATHDRUM - A big step was taken on Friday to bring Rathdrum's newest park closer to opening.

The city was awarded a $117,927 grant to add a splash pad, two softball fields, playground equipment and walkways at the 12-acre Majestic Park on the southeast side of town.

"We're off to the races," said Mayor Vic Holmes after signing the project agreement for the federal land and water conservation grant. "The park will soon become a reality."

Grass has been planted and irrigation is in at the site east of Meyer Road next to the water tower. The city's goal is to have a soft opening of the park - the city's first since 1984 - on Sept. 15.

The grant requires a $137,752 match from the city. Most of the city's portion for the park is being funded through parks impact fees, although the council raised taxes 1 percent last year to go toward the park.

The grant will be used toward the park's second phase.

"If this didn't happen, it would be a low-status park for awhile," said Lance Bridges, Rathdrum's parks and recreation director. "This way, it will be more active and we can get the community out there sooner."

Kathy Muir of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation said 10 agencies statewide applied for such grants and three, including Rathdrum, were completely funded.

"The need for ballfields in this area helped rate the project better than some statewide," Muir said.

Martha Droge of the National Park Service said, even though it's a federal grant, the feds let the states determine their greatest needs.

"Rathdrum rose to the top because it aligned with the state's outdoors and recreation priority, and we're happy to support it," Droge said.

The park was identified as a need in the city's 2006 comprehensive plan.

The third phase will include tennis and basketball courts.

"We're looking at another avenue to help fund that," said Bridges, declining to specify where the money may come from.