Commentary; Posted: 8/14/02

Time is now to help leaders develop community center

There should be no question that Forest Lake is in need of a community center. Itís been a missing piece in the fabric of this community for way too long now.

Itís encouraging to see the positive efforts that are coming forth from the community center task force that has been studying the needs and working to shape proposals.

There have been bumps in the road, such as talk of a helicopter base and underground ski tunnels, but the process has survived the bumps and is moving to new levels.

The next few months will be critical in the future of a community center.

We are particularly pleased that the citizen group that is backing the construction of a new skating facility is taking positive steps. A capital fund-raising campaign is taking shape and the arena boosters have brought on board a professional firm to assist in the construction and development of the facility.

The arena will likely be the first piece of brick and mortar to form a Forest Lake Family Community Center. It is the right place to start as this area faces an urgent need for new skating facilities. The current Maroon and Gold Arena is facing a short shelf life and may be asked to continue to serve our skating interests for at least one more year, and possibly two.

This time the plan for the arena seems to have the energy and direction to get off the ground. The key people are in place and the plan has phases that will allow a facility to be built that is doable and affordable.

The arena would be the centerpiece of other key components of the community center. A civic center of 90,000 square feet could be designed with fitness components, gymnasiums, pools, auditoriums and meeting rooms. A recreational and park plan is under study to include softball, baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts and trails.

We would bet the price tag, although just a preliminary effort, will send shockwaves up the spines of some. The early estimates for the entire project, as now envisioned, come in at $32 million.

A lot of money to be certain. But the number needs to be taken in proper context.

The task force is not so unrealistic to think the project can be done in one fell swoop. That is hardly the case. The number you read above is a preliminary effort based on the wish list of what planners would like to see in Forest Lake.

Itís far from a done deal.

As the planning unfolds, expect the development to come in small segments and phases. The arena could be followed by some sort of field complex development. The entire concept as now presented does not need to be built at one time, but can be phased to do the job over time.

The task force has taken lumps for its look at helicopter units and ski tunnel concepts, but the committee should be commended for exploring all options, not condemned. We also applaud the task force for continuing with the effort of searching out any and all public-private partnerships that could help reduce the local cost burden and make the community center achievable.

It is an ambitious goal to be sure, but the end result is something the entire community and people of all ages could one day enjoy. It is an effort that will require support not only of Forest Lake residents but those from the greater Forest Lake area.

This is the time for the public to get involved and informed. The task force will continue its study with the formation of five key subcommittees to explore specific aspects of the plan. That meeting will take place at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 20 in the cafeteria of Century Junior High School.

Get involved now to help your community for many years to come. ó Cliff Buchan

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