Wahpeton Wellness Center

Dear Community Members,

The vision of a comprehensive community wellness center has flickered through Wahpeton’s history for decades, remaining persistent in the hearts and minds of community leaders, business owners and families. In 2020, the dream was reignited and the desire for this center has only grown stronger.

Today, we stand on the brink of making this dream a reality. I, along with Brett Lambrecht and a dedicated group of 50 plus volunteers, have conducted meticulous research and developed a comprehensive plan for our proposed community recreation and wellness center.

• We have partnered with the North Dakota State College of Science to secure an ideal site and received stunning preliminary plans from JLG Architects, including:
• An Indoor Play Park and Elevated Walking Track
• Aquatics Center and Fitness Areas
• Spacious Gymnasiums and Versatile Indoor Turf A Community Kitchen and Inviting Public Gathering Space for Public Events
• The 1901 Club/Senior Citizens Center

Estimates for the plan are $30 million with opportunities to adjust as needed. To fund this project, we will combine naming rights, in-kind donations, fundraising, potential partnerships and grants with a proposed 1% sales tax increase.

Now is our moment. Our community must unite to build this comprehensive community wellness center, not in fragments, but as a fully realized project that will provide benefits for all ages and generations to come.

In the coming weeks, members of our steering committee and other supporters will be sharing information about this project and initiative. We ask that you are open to learning more.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and dedication to the future of our community.

With gratitude and hope,
Amanda Fisher
Committee Chair

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Wahpeton Community Wellness Center Steering Committee

• Mayor Brett Lambrecht
• Committee Chair Amanda Fisher
• Fundraising Chair Stacia Henningsen
• Damon DeVillers
• Julie Rosenberg
• Michael Kaiser
• Perry Miller
• Denise Miller
• Fred Strege
• Dr. David Woods
• Dr. Robb Dohman
• Dr. Jess Bakken
• Shelley Tollefson
• Dr. Rod Flanigan
• Dr. Alisa Mitskog-Yaggie
• Allen Yaggie
• Patty Lies
• Kelly McNary
• Dustin Hill

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Background

For more than a year, an ad hoc committee appointed by the Mayor of Wahpeton has been gathering information on the feasibility and realities of constructing a recreation and wellness center in Wahpeton. To reach this point, we have engaged experts in the field.

Ballard*King & Associates is a consulting firm specializing in recreational facilities and parks, providing feasibility studies, master plans, operational audits and assessments, and management solutions. They conducted a market review to assess anticipated participation at a recreation and wellness facility in our area, extending beyond the Wahpeton community to an approximate 45-minute drive time.

JLG Architects, an employee-owned firm with multiple offices in North Dakota, specializes in recreation and wellness architecture. We have worked with them to design a modern, functional facility with focus on accessibility, usability and efficiency.

• The market for indoor recreation exists. Our community’s largest population segments are seniors and young children. A rec center would provide important – and currently nonexistent – opportunities for wellness year round and would be especially beneficial for these groups.
• An ideal location has been offered by North Dakota State College of Science for a nominal sum. This allows access by foot and bike with existing pathways and safe crossings. Adjacent to NDSCS, it also allows the facility to tie into the campus steam system.
• There is no similar facility in the region, despite a shortage of gymnasium, multi-purpose, fitness and classroom space. This creates an opportunity to become a destination for sports tourism, benefitting businesses throughout the community.
• The proposed facility would likely require an annual operational investment. However, the Chahinkapa Park swimming pool currently requires an annual subsidy of $65-75,000 for just two months of operation. Not only is this a drain on resources, it leaves opportunities for youth activity and healthy development hanging in the balance.

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Community Engagement, Sports Tourism and Economic Growth

Building a new wellness center will increase community and regional engagement by providing a central hub for social gatherings, sports events, and community programs, fostering a sense of unity and pride among residents. Diverse amenities and programming will encourage participation among all age groups and create opportunities for people to connect and interact.

Sports tourism involves travel for observing or participating in sporting events, significantly contributing to local economies through spending on accommodations, dining, transportation, and other tourism-related activities. Sports tourism boosts revenue for local businesses and will have a positive impact for Wahpeton.

• The construction and operation of the wellness center will create employment opportunities.
• Enhancing local amenities and infrastructure supports broader regional economic growth.
• The development of the new wellness center will enhance local infrastructure, benefiting residents and attracting more visitors.
• The unique amenities and sporting events will attract visitors year-round, supporting local businesses.
• Spending by tourists on accommodations, dining, and other services can have a substantial eonomic impact.

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Youth Engagement, Development Initiatives and Support for Local Programming

Construction of the proposed facility will enhance education and youth development by offering a variety of structured programs and activities. These programs will provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction and skill development, as well as foster a well-rounded growth environment. The center’s amenities, including gymnasiums, indoor play structures, and dedicated youth spaces, will create a safe and engaging atmosphere for learning, personal development and social skills.

Hosting educational workshops, after-school programs, and sports training, the center will support academic achievement, promote healthy lifestyles and contribute to a more educated and empowered youth population.

• Structured programs for children and teenagers, promoting healthy activities and community pride.
• Inclusive educational programs for all age groups, as well as workshops, and training sessions, supporting youth development and education.
• A safe, monitored environment for children, families, and seniors, improving accessibility to essential year-round recreational services.
• Address shortages in wellness facilities in Wahpeton, providing needed space for physical, social, and recreational activities year-round.
• Indoor turf and gymnasiums will provide essential spaces for local sports teams, improving their performance and competitiveness, contributing to community pride.

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Community Health Initiatives, Accessibility and Safety

Building a new community wellness center will improve access to wellness by providing our community with state-of-the-art fitness facilities, wellness programs, and spaces dedicated to physical and mental health. The center will offer a range of amenities including fitness areas, an indoor walking/jogging track, aquatics feature, and spaces for wellness classes and rehabilitation programs.

This new facility will make it easier for individuals of all ages to engage in regular exercise and maintain healthy lifestyles. The center will serve a s a hub for community health activities, enhancing overall community well-being.

• The wellness center will offer various amenities promoting physical activity and mental health.
• The facility will offer a safe, monitored environment for all community members, enhancing overall well-being.
• The center will include dedicated space for seniors, promoting activity and healthy aging.
• The center will provide spaces for socialization, leisure, and physical activity, supporting mental health and community resilience across all age groups.
• Our community will have access to new facilities for wellness programs, including those supported by healthcare entities, who may offer rehabilitation and wellness services.

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Safe and Healthy Communities for Enhanced Quality of Life

The new wellness center will play a pivotal role in creating safe, healthy neighborhoods by providing a secure and supervised environment where our community can engage in physical activities, social interactions, and community events. The center will offer a diverse range of programs that promote health and wellness for all age groups. The presence of a well-maintained, accessible facility will foster a sense of pride and ownership among residents, contributing to the vibrancy and resilience of all residents.

Centrally located amidst Wahpeton schools and North Dakota State College of Science campus, the center can be easily accessed via existing pathways along Wahpeton’s safe and extensive system. Additionally, the proximity to the college campus will allow the facility to harness steam infrastructure to enhance efficiency.

• Centrally located along existing pathways and near schools, the recreation and wellness facility will be safely accessible by foot, bike or car.
• Features such as a fitness area, indoor walking/jogging track, aquatics facility, gymnasiums and indoor turf will cater to diverse needs among the communities and individual families.
• The wellness center will provide a central location for community events, sports tournaments, and social gatherings, fostering social cohesion and community spirit.
• The facility will become an identifying landmark for the Southern Valley area, fostering regional pride and unity.
• The rec center will enhance Wahpeton’s attractiveness to employers and employees, supporting regional economic development and workforce recruitment.

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The Future

Our conceptual designs for the center reflects our strong agricultural heritage, providing a familiar and welcoming environment that honors the traditions and values of our ag-based community.