The City of Pella tested a new sound system Wednesday afternoon.

According to Pella Community Services Director Jeanette Vaughan, 62 JBL Speakers were installed around Central Park, on Franklin from Broadway to E 1st, and on Main from Washington to Liberty. They are all-weather speakers and will stay up year round. City of Pella staff will be responsible for the maintenance of the system and will make it available for use via the Special Event permit.

Pella Chamber of Commerce Director Karen Eischen says planning and fundraising for the system began more than two years ago to meet the sound needs of Tulip Time and Thursdays in Pella, as well as various other events throughout the year. In addition, music can be piped throughout the downtown area to enhance the atmosphere for residents and guests.

The entire project cost $36,263.90 and was funded fully by donations from Vermeer Corporation, the Kuyper Foundation, PPI, Pella Community Foundation, Pella Chamber of Commerce, Pella Convention & Visitors Bureau, and pledged funds from Pella Historical Society.

The system is installed and will be ready for Tulip Time this May and Thursdays in Pella this summer.