Year in Review
2025 was a year of significant progress for Valley Community Center Partners. Critical steps – location, operations, and governmental/political partnerships – are coming into focus. Below is an overview of our year, and a look to our future. We would not be here without the support of our St. Croix Valley community, and we are so grateful for all of you. Thank you.
Spring
We developed tools used for early feasibility planning, and advanced the work of so many different individuals, groups, and businesses up to this point.
We kicked off pre-development fundraising, which will support our communications, partnership development and design work.
Summer
Efforts were enhanced with a generous grant from the Fred C. and Katherine B. Foundation. Valley Community Center Partners used this predevelopment grant to hire consultants to help us finalize site selection, continue partnership discussions, complete financial modeling, and begin capital campaign planning.
Fall
With support from private donors and local foundations, Valley Community Center has finalized our site selection. You may have heard or seen in the news that Valley Community Center has selected the Lake Elmo Elementary site, at Lake Elmo Ave N. and Stillwater Blvd. This site is the current home of the beloved Lake Elmo Elementary School, which is closing in May, 2026 and being replaced by a new school. What has long been a hub for education could now evolve into a gathering space for health, wellness, and more.
Signing a purchase agreement is an important step, but it's only the beginning - we have lots more work to do. VCC set aside seven months for due diligence to study the site, coordinate with city and county officials, and identify additional funding necessary to complete this vision.
The VCC Board has identified the need to raise $4.5 million to move forward with the Lake Elmo Elementary site acquisition, and has discussed forming a capital campaign committee early next year.
Winter
Looking ahead to 2026, our priorities include:
Growing our board to match emerging needs.
Investing in our systems and organizational readiness for our capital campaign ahead.
Developing a clear roadmap to construction, hoping to break ground in the next two years.
Valley Community Center Partners is advancing a community-led effort for an inclusive, accessible community recreation space that reflects our commitment to youth development, health and wellness. These are identified, clear priorities, and urgent needs for our region. Through our extensive data collection efforts and community engagement meetings, this is what we’ve heard from the community, and this is what motivates us. We are working hard to bring a new gathering place to the St. Croix Valley, a central location where the community can come together.
We’re thrilled for what’s ahead. Thank you for being part of this journey!
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As always, thank you for your enthusiasm & support.
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