Recreational facility projects: Less than 1% over budget
City News July 31, 2026
The vast majority of Albert Lea’s recreational facility projects – approved by voters in 2024 – are complete, with remaining corrective items at the City Arena nearly done, city staff reported to the Albert Lea City Council at its July 27 meeting.
To sustain these facilities for current and future generations, the city implemented long-term maintenance and energy savings projects at the City Arena, Aquatic Center and Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. In addition, the Parks Department built public restrooms near the Splash Pad at the north end of Broadway Avenue.
Altogether, the projects totaled $12.7 million in expenses. That is $78,159 – less than 1% – over budget.
“I am pleased to see something of this magnitude come within a half a percent of the budget,” said Mayor Rich Murray.
The budget overage resulted from the following at the arena:
- Additional drainage around and under the facility to prevent heaving of the new Colstrup Rink floor.
- New fire alarm system for the entire facility, an item not in the remodeling design and thus not in the budget. The city continues to seek a financial contribution toward the fire alarm system from the project management company, architectural firm and construction company contracted for the City Arena remodeling.
- Rental of a temporary chiller that provided one sheet of ice for the 2025-26 hockey and skating season. Because the new refrigeration system was not ready by the completion date originally provided by the construction management company, the chiller was not in the budget.
Some projects, mainly the Splash Pad restrooms, came in under budget.
The city is working with an accounting firm to file for nearly $2.5 million in federal incentives for several energy-savings components. Those incentives will bring the net cost to the city down to $10.2 million.
For details, watch the council meeting on YouTube.
