New YMCA Facility Air-Supported Indoor Athletics Dome New Community Rec Center Adaptive Reuse/Expansion Community Recreation Center Addition YMCA Facility Renovation/Expansion Minor League Baseball Stadium Renovations YMCA Facility Construction/Expansion Golf Club Clubhouse Renovation New Aquatic Center Facility Country Club Pool Replacement New YMCA Facility Air-Supported Indoor Athletics Dome New Community Rec Center Adaptive Reuse/Expansion Community Recreation Center Addition YMCA Facility Renovation/Expansion Minor League Baseball Stadium Renovations YMCA Facility Construction/Expansion Golf Club Clubhouse Renovation New Aquatic Center Facility Country Club Pool Replacement

Recreation Construction & Design-Build Experts

Recreation Know-How

Carl A. Nelson & Company excels in recreation construction, providing exceptional services for a wide range of recreational facilities.


  • Master Planning;
  • Design and Pre-Construction
  • New Facilities;
  • Additions and Renovations;
  • Fitness/Community Centers;
  • Aquatic Centers and Swimming Pools;
  • Air-Supported Athletic Domes;
  • and more.

The Carl A. Nelson & Company team brings expertise and dedication to every project. With a focus on budget, schedule, and constructability, we build spaces that promote health, wellness, and enjoyment for individuals and communities. 

Building Trust

Carl A. Nelson & Company doesn’t just build structures; we build trust and lasting relationships with our clients. We achieve this by:

    • Caring About Your Success
    • Providing Consistent Project Leadership
    • Valuing Our Partnership with You
    • Taking Time to Understand Your Needs
    • Engaging with Company Leadership
    • Putting Safety First

    Our commitment to these principles ensures that we not only build exceptional projects but also strong and enduring partnerships.

    Delivering Value

    Our task is to leave you with a finished facility that is built on-time and on-budget, and that will meet your needs for many years to come. We do this by:

    • Being Detail-Oriented
    • Providing Best-Value Solutions
    • Developing Accurate and Timely Budgets
    • Handling Construction So You Can Focus Elsewhere
    • Maintaining Stable Management

    These practices ensure that we deliver facilities that stand the test of time and exceed your expectations.

    Project Portfolio


    We're ready to get started

    If you are ready to get started with construction, or need assistance with developing a plan, contact Dan Culp, vice president of operations in our Burlington office. Dan oversees our projects for recreation clients.

    Call him now at 319-754-8415 or fill out the contact form.


    Carl A. Nelson & Company adds value for recreation facility clients

    Our Services are the Building Blocks of your Success

    Carl A. Nelson & Company project management services include options for private and public facility owners, such as YMCAs or municipalities. Depending on ownership type, options that provide be best-value outcomes for owners include:

    • Design-Build
    • Construction Management + Design

    Each option includes planning and pre-construction, as well as construction services. Contact our team to learn more about the differences and availability.

    Your Partner from Concept Through Construction, and Beyond

    Carl A. Nelson & Company’s experience in planning and design enables us to help our recreation facility clients to develop and complete projects that keep budget, schedule and constructability in mind from the very beginning. Then, you can count on our team to be there when you need us, whether it is to address questions or help with future projects.

    Design and Engineering focus

    Our in-house expertise in design and engineering gives our team the ability to manage all aspects of your facility planning and construction project. The Carl A. Nelson & Company project management team of licensed architects, construction engineers and degreed construction managers help us add value during planning, pre-construction and construction.


    Building Partnerships, Not Just Projects

    When Carl A. Nelson & Company takes on a project, we see ourselves not just as builders seeking to earn a profit, but partners looking to develop long-term relationships with our clients. That leads to testimonials like the ones featured in this video. Click the links inside the video or visit our YouTube channel for full testimonials on each of the included projects, or visit the individual portfolio pages above for testimonials and additional project details.


    Building Community Through Recreational Spaces

    At Carl A. Nelson & Company, we specialize in building recreational facilities that enhance community enjoyment and education. Our projects include YMCA buildings, community centers, indoor sports domes, and aquatic centers, all designed to promote health and wellness.

    Building Lasting Community Assets

    We focus on creating attractive, welcoming spaces that serve as community hubs for years to come. These facilities foster teamwork, friendships, and memorable life events.

    Comprehensive Planning and Support

    We offer pre-construction services to help plan your project, ensuring it meets your community's needs. We also assist in gaining public support through education and information sharing.

    Unique Approach to Recreational Projects

    With extensive experience as general contractors, design-builders, and construction managers, we self-perform much of the work with our skilled craftsmen, ensuring quality and lasting impact.

    Our Recreation Brochure

    Click the cover to learn more about our services and experience.