Commentary; Posted: 8/4/04

FL Community Center plan must proceed

By Cliff Buchan

No one can ever accuse proponents and planners of a proposed Forest Lake Area Community Center from rushing into this much needed community asset. For nearly three years the community center project has been the topic of ongoing study, research and detailed planning.

But now the community center has reached a critical crossroads. In the weeks and months to come, the centerís fate will likely hinge on the proposed partnership with Washington County, a local bond referendum and the success of a major grant application that is now before the Kroc Foundation/Salvation Army.

With a population in Forest Lake that is in the 16,000 range and a school district population that is near 45,000, there is no question this growing area is long overdue for some form of community center that will serve all needs and all area residents. Other communities beyond the school district boundaries are also likely users for this facility.

Finding the right blend of what this community center can provide and planners can realistically afford to build has been a challenge. Early proposals for an initial phase have not always found agreement with some in the community. Planners continue to weigh the tax burden that a center would bring to Forest Lake and the operational expenses that fall to the cityís annual budget.

But this is a project that needs to move forward.

For many years in this area, the majority of recreational facilities (gymnasiums, athletic fields) have become the responsibility of the school district. ISD 831 officials, backed by a bold and positive Community Education Department, have willingly taken the lead to provide facilities for school programs and community use. Program offerings by the school have also been invaluable over the years for the entire area.

In recent years local governments have become more proactive. Many of our area townships and cities, including Forest Lake, have taken steps to enhance parks and build fields to serve youth programs.

Now it is time to take the next step with the construction of a community center that will serve this rapidly growing area and support the facilities that are available today.

Weíve felt all along that this project would be difficult to see to completion without a united community effort. That goal is now rounding into shape.

Tentative plans by Washington County to use the community center site south of Forest Lake Airport for a county government north services center and public library is a major plus. The county will inject cash via land purchases and partner with the city in providing infrastructure needs and parking that will benefit the entire complex, not simply the government center. This site may one day serve the area as a transit center facility for bus and perhaps train transportation.

The community center plan is also in line to see full partnerships with ISD 831, local youth athletic associations, senior citizen groups, Masquers Theatre Co., the Youth Service Bureau of Forest Lake and the Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Forest Lake Area Athletic Association, as an example, has already contributed $150,000 over the past several years. The school partnership would come in school use of facilities as a revenue generator and through a possible joint use of staff as an operational cost saving measure.

A major plus for Forest Lake is the land is in hand. There is no need here for a costly land purchase. In fact, the community center site is large enough to accommodate the sale of some of the acreage for private development purposes to help support construction of the center.

At this point in August it is difficult to assess Forest Lakeís chances for receiving a Kroc Foundation/Salvation Army grant. We do know the community center was among the early applicants and will see a site visit by grant officials Thursday, Aug. 12. This is an important step in the process that will lead to regional funding decisions sometime this fall. It is important that Forest Lake presents its best face on Aug. 12.

We remain optimistic that Forest Lake can present a solid case deserving of grant assistance. No matter the results of the grant application, planning must also continue for the bond referendum that will still be needed. That could happen as early as Nov. 2 or may be delayed until next year pending the outcome of the grant.

But for now, the chances of seeing a center constructed that will serve many needs has never been better. Much work remains to be done but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Community center planners deserve thanks for getting the project to this point. Itís taken time and lots of work, but the end product of a community center will be a key uniting step for two great Forest Lakes merged from the former city of Forest Lake and Forest Lake Township.

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