After more than 1 1/2 years of fundraising, we enjoyed celebrating the Albert Lea splash pad on Tuesday with the businesses and individuals who helped it come to fruition.

As of Monday, the Albert Lea community had contributed $152,000 for the project.

Whether you promoted the splash pad fundraisers on social media, contributed money or donated your time and labor, it has all played a part in making this project a reality. It could not have been possible without the support from the community.

Thank you.

Families have come out in droves since the splash pad opened, and we look forward to seeing it become a popular destination for children and adults alike for many years to come.

Though most of the major parts of the splash pad project are now completed, there are a few additional items for which the splash pad committee is hoping to raise more funds:

• Lighting for the park

• Benches for additional seating

• Spotlights for the donor wall

• Garbage and recycling receptacles

• Irrigation system

• A memorial garden in memory of 8-year-old Sophie Stultz, who became an inspiration for this project part-way through the fundraising in the summer 2016. Several items for this element have already been pledged, including a memorial plaque, landscaping and decorative concrete.

These items are expected to cost $20,000, and the goal is to see the additional elements completed in the spring.

If you feel inclined to give, donations can be turned in to the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber Foundation. Contributions will continue to be recognized based on the level of giving.

Thank you for making Albert Lea a better place, and we hope community members will jump at the opportunity to help the city continue to grow as we move into the future.