Brooklyn Center To Put Community Center Expansion Plan Before Voters
The city of Brooklyn Center is eyeing a significant expansion of its community center.
The $37.5 million project would largely be funded by a new half-percent sales tax levy. In November, voters will decide the fate of the sales tax on the ballot.
Located at 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy., the community center shares a site with Brooklyn Center City Hall and Centennial Park.
“This has been a process that’s been three years in the making,” said Reggie Edwards, Brooklyn Center city manager. “This project was born out of community.”
Expansion Project Includes Indoor Court Space
The proposed expansion would include about 61,850 square feet of new construction and updated building space.
Three levels of new construction would focus on new gym and exercise areas.
Two gyms are proposed for construction, with one offering spectator seating for tournament play.
A 1/8th mile indoor track on the third floor would accommodate walking and jogging.
Meanwhile, and indoor play area for youth and a teen lounge would be available for the city’s younger residents.
Existing locker rooms and some of the meeting rooms on site would renovated, as well as the lobby.
The 50-meter pool, fitness center and Constitution Hall meeting room would remain largely as is.
Earlier versions of the project included new aquatic facilities. But, city staff members said that aspect of the project wasn’t financially viable.
An exterior view of the Brooklyn Center Community Center. The city is proposing a $37.5 million expansion project at the facility.
Brooklyn Center Sales Tax Proposal
The Brooklyn Center City Council moved ahead with plans to send a half-percent sales tax proposal to the voters.
The council voted 3-1 to approve the proposal.
Brooklyn Center City Council Member Dan Jerzak cast the lone vote against the proposal, saying he doesn’t believe the city has the “bandwidth” to support it.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn Center received $5.1 million in bonding from the state legislature in 2023 for the project.
According to Edwards, it’s the first time Brooklyn Center received state bonding for a capital project since Brookdale Mall was constructed.
“I for one think it’s a perfect opportunity to exercise democracy and let [voters] have a voice in that process,” said Brooklyn Center Mayor April Graves. “We’ve done the legwork of securing the bonding.”
If approved, it would be the first time Brooklyn Center has levied a new sales tax.
