Cincinnati City Council is considering an ordinance that would allow the City to apply for, accept, and appropriate a $2.97 million grant for the $36 million first phase of the 45-acre Cincinnati Riverfront Park.

The grant, from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, would help pay for construction of elements within the eastern side of the park, including a grand fountain and pools, a glass floor promenade with balconies, a new restaurant, shade trellises and play areas, a visitor's center and a public bike center.

No matching funds are required for the grant.

A capital improvement program project account would be created if the funding is received.

Groundbreaking for phase one of the park was held last September, and the foundation for the park has been completed.

Construction of major elements of the park is expected to begin this fall and to be completed by April 2011.

All five phases of construction, spanning , are estimated to cost between $100 million and $120 million.

The Cincinnati Park Board estimates that 1.1 million people will visit Cincinnati Riverfront Park annually.