The Midlothian City Council Tuesday night approved a master plan for a renovation of downtown’s Heritage Park.

The plan was first presented at the council’s Feb. 11 meeting, but was tabled because of what some councilmembers said was a lack of public input. A joint workshop was held on the project since then, and at Tuesday’s meeting, the vote was 5-1 in favor, with Ross Weaver the only councilmember in opposition.

Henry Parker, a project manager with the Parkhill firm, presented the updated plan to the City Council. The plan incorporates the space between the new City Hall, the existing Heritage Park, and the Back Alley Plaza between 8th and 10th Streets.

Parker said as a result of the workshop, very few changes were made from the original plan. A water fountain was added to the plan, and food truck parking was slightly increased from three trucks to four. Also, more parking and a screen fence were added along 10th Street.

During council discussion, a proposed pedestrian railroad crossing to the Back Alley Plaza was pulled because of a number of engineering challenges; and the water fountain was taken out as an unnecessary expenditure.

Councilmembers also agreed to move the city’s iconic water tower to a more centralized location within the park.

The plan includes a half-acre “great lawn” with a stage on the north end. The Larkin Newton cabin would remain at its present location. Other features include a smaller “game lawn,” a pair of tree groves and about 191 added parking spaces. Avenue F, which runs east-west, would be permanently closed.

The Back Alley Plaza would have a railroad-inspired theme, with spaces for food trucks.

Parker said the plan includes a total of 248 parking spaces, including 68 new spaces.

The next phase in the project is engineering, and Mayor Justin Coffman said once that is complete, the city could then pursue funding options and make decisions on what features to keep or eliminate.

Anna Hammonds was the only councilmember not present.