A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday to formally celebrate the beginning of a nearly two year process to construct a new indoor recreation facility in Pella.

The event at the Pella Sports Park featured comments from leadership in the City of Pella, Vermeer, Pella Corporation, and PPI, and highlighted the beginning of construction of a $35 million project.

Mayor Don DeWaard says the finished product will be ready by the summer of 2027, and in the meantime, work will continue to fundraise for the effort, which he says is already completely paid for through private donations and $17 million in sales tax bonds.

Additionally, the land needed for the extension of University Street from 240th to 250th has been acquired, and pending federal approval, the road could be constructed in 2026.

The KNIA/KRLS Lil’ Big Red Radio was at Wednesday morning’s event for audio. Hear more about the Pella Indoor Recreation Center project on today’s and Friday’s Let’s Talk Pella programs.