Chelsea residents can soon expect more playing room for their kids.

City leaders voted May 1 to spend $650,000 to complete three new softball fields and a practice football field at the city park off Highway 39.

Bob Wanninger, chairman of the parks and recreation committee, said the additions are more than needed.

&8220;Our present youth fields are becoming overcrowded,&8221; Wanninger said. &8220;We took the softball element out to help and are planning more additions later on.&8221;

The more than half a million dollars the city has allocated for the project includes a $50,000 grant from Shelby County.

To approve the project, the city did need to go back and amend its original budget for parks and recreation. Chelsea&8217;s budget originally allowed for only $450,000 in parks and recreation spending, but council members amended the budget to include the additional $200,000.

In the future Wanninger hopes to complete a concessions stand, restrooms and lighting for the park. The park began as two soccer fields, a pavilion, a walking trail and a playground more than two years ago.

Veterans Landscaping Company submitted the lowest bid and is expected to begin construction soon. The project is expected to be ready for the fall season.