Construction on the park behind Madison School is expected to begin next month after City Council awarded a $500,000 contract for the project.

At its June 11 regular meeting, City Council awarded a $500,000 contract of $502,601.60 to Zenith Construction Services in Orange (AR-144-14). Work is expected to begin on July 7, according to City Administrator Cherron Rountree.

The governing body last month rejected three bids from three entirely different firms because they came in over budget. The improvements are part of a $3-million plan to upgrade softball fields, basketball and tennis courts behind the high school, as well as renovate Rahway River Park for a new high school football field.