No precise date has been set, but Canton’s brand-new Etowah River Park will be open for business sooner than expected.

The Canton City Council Thursday night approved a “soft” opening for the park to allow the public’s use of the playground and trails, while delaying allowing sports teams to play or practice on the athletic fields until late spring, when sod is ready. Councilman Hooky Huffman said the developer had signed off on the limited-use plan. Still to be determined are opening and closing times.

The 60-acre facility had been expected to debut in the spring of 2015.