Our Vision

A Place to Swim, Play, Exercise and Socialize

Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Valley Community Center Partners, is working to create a central, accessible place that promotes social connection, physical and mental wellness, and recreational opportunities for the entire St. Croix Valley region. At this time, no equivalent community resource exists.

Valley Community Center is a huge economic opportunity that will supercharge Washington County as an asset to residents, as well as a regional destination, creating many year-round full and part-time jobs for residents, along with hundreds of construction jobs.

Tens of thousands of visitors annually will benefit from a gathering place that promotes mental health and physical wellness, centered on the values of equality and accessibility.

Location

We have found a home and are in final discussions for a property aligned with community goals located in the heart of the St. Croix Valley at Lake Elmo Ave North and Stillwater Blvd; the site of the current Lake Elmo Elementary School.

The site went on the market in September 2025 and VCC has tied up the property. The school is closing in May 2026, and VCC would secure the site in late 2026, pending upcoming studies and financing. In the next few months, they will likely be conducting a market study and securing the funds for the site acquisition and the future building.

You’re encouraged to join the mailing list to keep informed of the progress or contribute to the effort here.

The centrally located Valley Community Center’s strategic position will make it the perfect location to unite Washington County’s 33 communities, and serve the entire region.

VCC explored a dozen potential sites within a 15-minute drive of 60,000 households and more than 175,000 residents. The ideal site will serve the diverse population of eastern Washington County and the central St. Croix Valley.

Our demographics analysis shows a strong need for this facility.

Our goal is to offer a centralized space for health, wellness and recreation.

Access to a well-designed, accessible, and flexible-use facility will allow community members to flourish.

Benefits of a Community Center

A community center is a place to grow tomorrow’s leaders. A space for group-based activities encourages participation and social cohesion.

Opportunities

For all ages

Within a community, opportunities for wellness and connection take place in multi-use facilities where opportunities abound for socializing, amateur sports, and personal and group fitness. Community centers that offer these spaces play a vital role in allowing members to tap into social, physical, and economic benefits while building connections.

Inclusivity

For all people

A variety of healthy activities in a social environment are an inclusive way to encourage overall health and wellness in a community. Varieties of programs and spaces function together to increase interaction, provide flexibility and offer convenience to families having differing interests.

Accessibility

For all abilities

Great community centers are fully accessible. Their amenities are well planned, sized to be flexible and offer a variety of experiences. They serve as community hubs where individuals and families of all abilities, cultures, and orientations can gather.

Shared Experiences

For the entire community

Through shared experiences, community members gain an understanding of their surrounding neighborhoods and towns. Sharing a community center encourages its members to foster stronger social bonds and contributes to a sense of neighborhood and togetherness, promoting a better quality of life.