Albion may be a small city, but it takes its parks seriously. With 17 parks serving a community of approximately 7,494 residents, the city is home to more green space per person than most places of its size — and this year, funds from the Calhoun County Parks and Recreation Commission are putting $66,500 to work across several of those spaces.

At the February 2 City Council meeting, Public Services Director Jason Kern presented the 2026 parks improvement plan. The $66,500 in spending leaves a modest $500 reserve from the $67,000 available. Last year, the same funding source supported work on Stoffer Plaza, which was once home to Albion’s Farmers’ Market.

The largest single allocation — $30,000 — goes toward two large-area mowers to replace aging equipment from 2024 that has reached 1,000 hours of use. The investment helps ensure the city can maintain all 17 parks throughout the growing season. Kern noted that equipment at roughly 1,000 hours of use still holds strong resale value, making replacement at that point a cost-effective decision.

Holland Park will receive a $15,000 pickleball court fence, likely chain-link or a comparable fencing system.  Kern noted that if bids come in below that amount, the savings will be redirected to improvements at Molder Park or Harris Field. Victory Park is slated for $13,500 in work: $6,500 for the small pavilion cement replacement and $7,000 for road pulverizing.

Road pulverizing is a cost-effective paving technique in which a large machine grinds existing asphalt in place, then a roller compacts the material flat again. Kern noted that the method has already been used on the roads at Riverside Cemetery, on McCrackin Drive in Rieger Park, and on a stretch of W. Elm Street. One drawback: the ground asphalt can get dusty in summer, though the city’s new liquid de-icing sprayer system can apply brine to manage the dust for weeks at a time.

Molder Park will receive $5,000 for sidewalk replacement to address heaving pavement, and Harris Field will receive $3,000 for ADA-compliant bathroom upgrades.

Looking ahead, Kern indicated that Molder Park — located in downtown Albion near the Post Office — may be in line for a larger renovation project than initially planned. The city intends to apply for grants to help offset costs for repairs and improvements across multiple parks. Additionally, the large pavilion at Victory Park is expected to be relocated as part of the upcoming river restoration project.  This future project will also remove the old Mill Race and relocate the large pavilion, which will be enclosed and repurposed for use at the Street Department facility.

For a city the size of Albion, the parks system is a point of pride and a daily destination for residents. The 2026 improvements represent steady, incremental investment — a little at each park, adding up to a lot across the whole system.