Building Community in the St. Croix Valley
The St. Croix Valley is one of the fastest growing regions in Minnesota. As a place to live, the Valley offers dynamic, vibrant communities with easy access to the Twin Cities as well as parks, lakes, and the St. Croix river. This is a special place to raise a family or start a business. A special place to put down roots.
As we grow, we need to plan for the future and ask what shared assets are critical to the long-term health of our region. There is no single answer, but with each year the need for an accessible and welcoming community recreation center grows more intense. While other regions around the Twin Cities offer a variety of options to choose from, St. Croix Valley residents must travel out of the Valley to access a public recreation center.
Because the need spans multiple communities, a volunteer-led effort by Valley Community Center Partners has driven this vision, uniting public partners and local nonprofits already serving the community.
“A community center is more than just a building—it’s a place where all are welcomed and can benefit from connection, opportunity, and dignity in a shared environment. Through every swimming class, wellness program, gathering, and smile, it will create a positive ripple effect that strengthens the St. Croix Valley.”
Research shows:
Access to recreation resources tighten interpersonal relationships, improves mental health, relieves stress, and helps reduce obesity and chronic disease. National Recreation and Parks Association
Especially in smaller communities, investments in quality of life assets including recreation opportunities are major contributors to healthy local economies, sustained population growth, and low unemployment. The Brookings Institute, “Improving quality of life – not just business – is the best path to Midwestern rejuvenation.”
Eighty-five percent of people consider access to parks, open spaces, and recreation centers an important factor in determining where to live. Urban Land Institute, “The Case for Open Space”
Accessible “third spaces” – neither homes nor business, but places that encourage interaction between people – spur innovation and creativity. MIT Library, “Spatial qualities of innovation districts”
“Strong communities are built from the ground up, and local community centers are a cornerstone of that foundation. They offer a welcoming space where families, veterans, seniors, and young people can access the tools they need to thrive. I am proud to support this community center initiative, which will empower individuals, strengthen families and uphold the spirit of self-reliance and local initiative that makes the St. Croix Valley region truly exceptional.”
Thank you for being here on this journey with us!
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