Though major progress was made last week toward Albert Lea’s splash pad, there is still more work that needs to be done before the project can be finished.

The Albert Lea City Council last Monday approved the construction of the project, at the corner of Broadway Avenue and Fountain Street.

The design and order of the project are slated to take place in late March, with installation in May.

Jets of water are planned to flow from the ground, and a fence will be installed.

As of last week, $133,000 in monetary donations and commitments of in-kind labor had been given, and the splash pad committee needs to raise about $28,000 more to reach its overall fundraising goal of $161,000.

The committee hopes to have all fundraising completed by the end of March.

Anyone wishing to contribute can do so by mailing tax-deductible donations to the Chamber Foundation at the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, 1725 W. Main St., Albert Lea, MN 56007. Write “splash pad” in the memo line.

People who give $100 or more will be recognized.

There are also still T-shirts and sweatshirts available for sale at the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau. These items make for nice gifts for loved ones and friends.

Lastly, if you’d like to contribute labor or other services to the project, that would still be also much appreciated. Contact Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams at 377-4330 for more information.

Thank you for all of your contributions.

This has truly become a community project.