North Iowa Reporter

The Algona City Council discussed planned improvements to Central Park during its meeting Feb. 20, and Algona Municipal Utilities pledged $100,000 to go toward the creation of a new splash pad.

“AMU is proud to be actively involved in the economic development of our community, which includes the growth and improvement of the parks and recreational opportunities we have to offer," John Bilsten, general manager of Algona Municipal Utilities, said in a Feb. 23 city press release. "Building a modern place to be outdoors and gather benefits the people who live here and helps bring new people to the area. We are pleased to be a part of this project and look forward to the changes it will bring to Central Park.”

The city has been working on the Central Park improvement plan in recent months, making upgrades to the green space and recreation area that's located in the heart of the city.

The plan includes a new skate park to replace the previous one, along with new sidewalks and walking paths around the park, according to a video of the meeting posted to YouTube. City Administrator Jacob Tjaden gave a potential timeline for the awarding of a construction contract during the meeting and discussed other parts of the project that could be handled by the city rather than relying on contractors to reduce costs.

"A few items that we've removed from the scope of work that was in the draft plans uploaded (include) removal of the sign there at Central Park ... is something we'll take care of as the city, the furnishings or the benches, receptacles, bike rack, moving those from the project scope, that would be something we'll procure directly," he said. "Then removal of the electric charging station footing and the actual installation of the device."

Plans for the splash pad were approved during the meeting and the council plans to put the project out for bid March 23. They anticipate awarding the contract at its next meeting April 3. Construction will take most of the year, however, the city hopes most of the work can be completed by Dec. 1. The council hopes to open the splash pad for residents by March 1, 2024.

The contract will include the construction of the new splash pad, shelter house improvements, construction of a new shade structure, the perimeter walking loop around the park and sidewalks within the park, landscaping, and seating, according to the release.

Tjaden said supply chain issues have impacted some details of the splash pad project, but none were severe enough to cause concern. The council adopted the plan as read during the meeting.