First Phase of Maple Grove Community Center Expansion Complete

The northwest Metro marked a major recreational milestone this week as city leaders, contractors, and residents gathered to celebrate the completion of phase one of the Maple Grove Community Center renovation and expansion project.

The grand opening ceremony, which was hosted on March 16, was the culmination of a years-long effort to modernize the facility, keeping pace with the city’s rapidly growing youth sports scene and its reputation as a regional destination.

The centerpiece of the expansion is a brand-new, state-of-the-art ice arena. Dubbed the TruStone Rink, the facility is designed to serve a wide range of community needs, including youth hockey, figure skating, adult leagues, and public skating sessions.

Beyond the ice itself, the expansion includes dedicated training areas, updated concession stands, and expanded parking to accommodate the influx of visitors during major events.

For local sports organizations, the new rink represents more than just more ice time — it represents accessibility. Colin Steen, former president of the Osseo-Maple Grove Hockey Association, said the facility helps keep the sport affordable for local families.

“This rink gives kids in Minnesota, Osseo, Maple Grove, and Brooklyn Park — the communities that we serve — a chance to play hockey at a fraction of the cost of anywhere else in the country,” Steen said during the ceremony. “That’s a huge, huge deal.”

Maple Grove city leaders and others officially cut the ribbon to celebrate the completion of Phase One of the Maple Grove Community Center expansion project.

A Regional Destination

Maple Grove Mayor Mark Steffenson said the project is a strategic investment in the city’s future.

“This community center project strengthens Maple Grove not only as a great place to live but also as a destination for visitors from across the region,” Mayor Steffenson said.

He noted that the city regularly hosts major tournaments and high-profile events, such as the upcoming Hockey Day in Minnesota.

The ambitious $116 million project was made possible largely through the support of local taxpayers.

In 2022, Maple Grove voters approved a half-cent sales tax specifically dedicated to the renovation and expansion of the center.

The sales tax generated $90 million. Meanwhile, the state of Minnesota contributed $6 million in bonding funds.

Other contributions came from sponsorships, donations and athletic associations.

While the community celebrated the opening of the TruStone Rink, the work is far from over. City officials say that planning for phase two of the expansion is already underway.

Dozens of people skated on the TruStone Rink during the grand opening celebration on March 16.

Related: How Maple Grove’s New Ice Sheet Could Boost Local Tourism

Maple Grove