FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2025  

Madelia Splash Pad Scores $50,000 Donation from Taylor Family Farm Foundation  

Madelia, Minn. — As temperatures rise, Madelia’s families just received some seriously cool news: the Taylor Family Farm Foundation has donated $50,000 toward the eagerly anticipated Madelia splash pad!

While headlines swirl about Glen Taylor, founder of Taylor Family Farms Foundation, possibly handing over the Timberwolves to Alex Rodriguez, it’s clear he’s not ready to pass the ball on his passion for giving back to towns like Madelia.

Taylor’s quote on the foundation homepage rings true in this gift when he says, “My heart has always been with the children and families of southern Minnesota.”

The gift is a major boost to fundraising efforts.

The Madelia Splash Pad Committee has officially teamed up with the City of Madelia to relocate the splash pad to the city pool area. Together, they’ve submitted a joint application for a Minnesota DNR grant, with results expected within a month. The grant would have a huge impact on fundraising efforts not only for the splash pad, but also on new shared restrooms for the pool, splash pad, and campground.

The revised project plan has been incorporated into the Watona Park Master Plan and is slated to be one of the first projects to move forward. The effort reflects a broader vision to revitalize public spaces in the wake of last year’s severe flooding.

This will be a true community effort—powered by a mix of state grants, local and regional support, in-kind donations, and city pool capital funds.

If you’re interested in supporting the Madelia Splash Pad, donations can be made at Pioneer Bank in Madelia or online through the Madelia Community Foundation.  

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The Madelia splash pad project is a partnership between the Madelia Community Foundation, the Splash Pad Committee, and the City of Madelia. Initially envisioned as a standalone feature, it now plays a key role in the long-term redesign of Watona Park.  

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The Madelia Community Foundation, formerly known as Madelia Strong, is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance, community support, and investments in Madelia and the surrounding area.  

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The Splash Pad Committee is a group of Madelia community members, business owners, parents, and grandparents who came together to bring a splash pad to the Madelia community. Members include:

Andy Gappa
Ashley Forstner
David Beck
Dustin VanHale
Glen Christensen
Jim Pettersen
Ryan Lais
Sarah VanHale