The first phase of big changes at Whitefish’s downtown park took a step forward this week when City Council approved a contract for the engineering and design of a new gazebo.

The 30-foot shelter will be located in the southeastern portion of Depot Park near the library. It will be Americans with Disabilities Act accessible with electrical outlets and lighting.

Council approved a contract with Robert Peccia and Associates for design services in an amount not to exceed $34,900.

Estimated construction costs are $126,800. The city has a $15,000 grant from Whitefish Rotary to go toward the project.

Construction work is set to be completed by July 1.

Park Board President Doug Wise said Depot Park has become the focal point for events taking place downtown, as well as, a place for families to be outside.

“Our vision for the next 50 years is to take the park forward,” he said. “The southeast corner is underutilized and we think the gazebo will draw crowds to that corner.”

Current estimates for the tax-increment funded project are about $6,000 more than the city has allocated. Parks and Recreation Director Maria Butts said the additional funds will come from contingency money that has been set aside.

Wise said the board has made a commitment to keep construction within budget. If the project goes over estimates, he said, the board will re-evaluate to see what can be eliminated.

The board members have committed to planting the landscaping around the gazebo themselves after estimates came in at $9,000 for that portion of the project.

The gazebo is part of several changes set out in the city’s Depot Park master plan with the goal of revamping downtown’s largest open space. The plan also calls for removal of the building that houses the city’s planning and parks departments, and the pond. The plan calls for the bulk of the park to remain open, flexible lawn area with updated turf reinforcement and leveling for better drainage and event staging.