I notice that the splash pad is getting quite close to having raised the funds required to making this a reality.   

This splash pad will be placed in the North Broadway area directly north of the Albert Lea Farmers Market location, with construction planned to start in May. 

As a vendor at that market and also being involved with that market as board chairwoman for many years, I have a few comments and concerns.

Why has there been no official recognition that this splash pad would seem to almost necessitate having restroom facilities in the area? If you know anything about young kids and water, you should realize that there will be a need for restroom facilities. I have been told they can use the Legion’s restrooms. I seriously doubt the Legion will want a lot of wet, noisy children using their facilities, and I do not think having children in a bar atmosphere is a good idea. In addition, they will have to cross a very busy street to get there, causing some serious safety issues.

I think if the city were to consider putting in a facility similar to what is at Pioneer Park, with bathrooms and some food serving counters, sink, etc., that would be a great thing for not only the splash pad but also other events in the beautiful lower gazebo park on the lake shore. If the city wants to encourage more events and activities in this area, wouldn’t this be a wonderful addition? Also, the farmers market would then have an approved water source available so we would have the potential of doing more events there. Currently our health inspector will not let us use water from private wells, and the market has no good access to city water. And if the splash pad proves to attract a lot of kids, wouldn’t it even be nice to possibly have cold, healthy beverages and treats available?

I suspect there are individuals and local businesses who might even contribute some funding for this. Also, there is the possibility of some grant funding that could be applied for.

Please contact your councilman and get the word out to everyone if you think this is a good idea! Thank you. 

Verlys Huntley

Emmons