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
- Indoor Aquatic Center Addition
YMCA of Washington County, Washington, Iowa - New YMCA Facility
YMCA of Washington County, Washington, Iowa - Air-Supported Indoor Athletics Dome
Greater Burlington Sports Facilities, Burlington, Iowa - New Community Rec Center Adaptive Reuse/Expansion
City of Kalona, Kalona, Iowa - Community Recreation Center Addition
City of Fairfield, Fairfield, Iowa - YMCA Facility Renovation/Expansion
Fort Madison Family YMCA, Fort Madison, Iowa - Minor League Baseball Stadium Renovations
Burlington Bees Baseball Association/City of Burlington, Burlington, Iowa - YMCA Facility Construction/Expansion
Burlington Area YMCA, Burlington, Iowa - Golf Club Clubhouse Renovation
Burlington Golf Club, Burlington, Iowa - New Aquatic Center Facility
City of Muscatine, Muscatine, Iowa
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.
Download our Recreation Market brochure
This brochure provides an overview of our services for recreational facility planning and construction, our recent project experience, and how we help recreation clients get the most value from their investment—all in one downloadable PDF.
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.
Long-term commitment to client results in successful project
Carl A. Nelson & Company stood by the YMCA of Washington County for more than 10 years while it worked out its plans and its funding to complete the two-phase construction of a new YMCA fitness and community center and aquatic center.
The most recent project was an aquatics addition that included a six-lane competition pool, family recreation pool, hot tub and saunas. Construction of the design-build project began in 2023 and was completed in 2024.
Learn more in this article from the Dec. 2024 ribbon-cutting ceremony.
With a long history of successful construction projects in Washington, Iowa, for clients including school districts, the hospital and others, leaders from the YMCA of Washington County first reached out to Carl A. Nelson & Company in 2013 to help them develop their plans and support the capital campaign. Construction of the design-build project began in 2018. Completion was in 2020.
You can read more about the Y's new community and fitness center in our portfolio pages.
“I just feel like Carl A. Nelson, in the way they supported this project, ... I felt like that they were very vested in our community and wanted it to be a success. I didn’t feel like they were just here building a building. I felt like that they were truly a part of what we were trying to do in our community.”
CANCO team's innovation leads to air-supported athletics dome construction
Proponents of adding an indoor youth sports facility for soccer and softball in Burlington, Iowa, originally planned to convert a former pre-cast concrete production plant for the purpose. Project leaders from Carl A. Nelson & Company offered another suggestion: a 94,000 SF air-supported dome.
Read more about the project in our portfolio.
“I would highly recommend Carl Nelson. The people there are very professional, they're very responsive. And they're easy to talk with. ... It's a great experience that we had with Carl Nelson. I give them two thumbs up.”
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.