FAIRMONT — After three years and more than half a million dollars raised, the Adventure Playground will take a giant step toward actuality Monday. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the all-accessible recreation area are set for 4:30 p.m. at Gomsrud Park.

“This will be a very low-key ceremony, but we are going to have a big celebration when it is done,” said Sara Pierce, chairman of the Adventure Playground committee.

The final price tag came in at $505,346, about $20,000 higher than originally projected. The extra cost stems from additional excavating and preparation needed for the site.

Flagship Recreation/ Landscape Structures of Delano designed the playground and adjusted for changes throughout the planning.

“Looking at other accessible parks, we realized how much kids loved having the different elevation levels rather than being totally flat so we decided to include that in the design. It is a really great way to add more to the park without adding a lot to the equipment costs,” Pierce said.

While there is a chance that the playground could be finished this fall, Pierce said it is more realistic to expect completion next spring.

“How much we get done this year is really dependent on weather,” she said. “In order to pour the base, it has to stay above 42 degrees for 72 hours, and with Minnesota weather, that can be hard to determine.

“Most likely, it will just be the dirt work done this fall. We hope to get the footings in this year, and the complete it in the spring”

When the time comes to construct the playground, a big community build will be scheduled.

“We already have had lots of groups express an interest in volunteering for the build, and we’ve had other groups offer to make food for the volunteers,” Pierce said.

She also credits Advanced Drainage Systems for donating all the tiling needed for the project, Bolton & Menk and Beemer Companies for each donating $5,000 in services, and Hometown Sanitation for donating garbage removal services.

“Flagship even gave us a discount on the equipment so we could stay under budget,” she said.