Lawmakers Propose Spending $9.5 Million To Expand Brooklyn Park’s CAC
Lawmakers in Brooklyn Park are proposing a bill that would allocate $9.5 million to expand the city’s Community Activity Center.
The funding would be used to construct indoor gym space with enough room for three basketball courts.
Rep. Huldah Hiltsley, DFL-Brooklyn Park, is the bill’s chief sponsor in the House. Speaker Emerita and Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, has also signed onto the bill.
The expansion could come with a name change. The bill refers to the expanded community center as the Northwest Metro Regional Athletic Facility.
Brooklyn Park has been considering an expansion or renovation of the Community Activity Center for years.
The legislature previously awarded $5 million to Brooklyn Park to construct indoor sport courts.
Lawmakers in Brooklyn Park are proposing a bill that would allocate $9.5 million to expanding the Community Activity Center.
The city had considered removing one of the ice sheets at the Community Activity Center and constructing courts in its place. However, Mayor Hollies Winston told the House Capital Investment Committee on April 1 that its backed away from those plans.
“The creation of this multi-court facility will create access for existing basketball, volleyball and pickleball programs but also allow for the expansion of those programs that have been inhibited by the lack of available space,” Winston said.
With the city’s diverse population, Winston said the expansion would help ensure that everyone has access to sports facilities.
“We also have to honor many of the sports and the heritage that came before,” he said. “Some of the new populations that are there. And that is one of the things that we are working together as a community to say, how do we have something for everyone? Folks that are new here and also folks who are legacy in terms of building out the city.”
The Senate version of the bill is sponsored by Sen. Susan Pha, DFL-Brooklyn Park; and Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin.
See also: Brooklyn Park Makes Community Activity Center Improvements Top Priority
