The City of Madelia is embarking on a comprehensive redesign of Watona Park to address challenges posed by aging infrastructure and recurring flood damage. This master plan aims to relocate several key park amenities out of the flood zone, reducing the risk of future damage and associated costs. Our goal is to create a resilient and sustainable park space that will continue to serve the community for generations to come.

Stay updated on our progress by signing up to receive email updates. Check out our preliminary design and read through the project FAQs below.

Preliminary Park Designs-August 12, 2024

FAQs-Updated October 28th, 2024

Interested in getting involved? Contact celia.simpson@cityofmadeliamn.gov to discuss opportunities.

Share Your Ideas for the Future of Watona Park

The City of Madelia is working with the University of Minnesota to plan future improvements for Watona Park and the riverfront area. We want to hear from residents and visitors about how you use the park and what changes would make it better for you, your family, and the community.

The survey has now closed. Thank you to all who shared their voice! Keep an eye out for the survey results in the coming weeks.

Watona Park Master Plan Updates

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Press

07/10/2025 MTM: Pioneer Bank Supports Madelia Splash Pad Through a Grant

07/02/2025 KEYC: Madelia Splash Pad receives $50,000 grant

06/17/2025: Madelia Splash Pad Scores $50,000 Donation from Taylor Family Farm Foundation

08/09/2024 MCF: Madelia Splash Pad Announcement

08/22/2024 MTM: Council discusses moving park amenities out of the flood zone

Community Partners

Madelia Splash Pad Project

The City of Madelia, in partnership with the Madelia Splash Pad & Park Committee, is working to bring a new splash pad to Watona Park as part of our broader effort to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for the community. This project aligns with and helps advance the ongoing Watona Park Master Plan, which seeks to improve park amenities while addressing challenges posed by aging infrastructure and recurring flood damage. While the Master Plan is still in development, the Splash Pad Project is an important step in that process, helping to shape the future of Watona Park.

We are pursuing funding through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Grant to help make this vision a reality. Grant awards will be announced in June 2025. If awarded, the City will not be able to begin construction until the grant contract is signed, which could happen anytime between October 2025 and March 2026. Once underway, the proposed splash pad will create a fun, family-friendly space for residents and visitors while supporting the long-term sustainability of the park.

Project Details

Explore the key components of the Splash Pad Project:

📌 Recreational Site Plan
📌 Splash Pad Concept
📌 Bathroom Concept & Plans
📌 Project Budget
📌 Project Timeline

If you have any difficulty accessing the materials, you can contact Celia Simpson at celia.simpson@cityofmadeliamn.gov or stop by City Hall. Please consider filling out the community survey or attending the public workshop (details below). Your input is essential in shaping this exciting addition to our park!