by Dennis Dalman
So far it’s only a dream, but some Sartell residents have been keeping that dream alive for four years – a dream that someday a city aquatics center can be built near the Sartell Community Center.
Jen Tevans spoke Oct. 25 at the Sartell City Council to share her “dream.” Standing at her side was another supporter, Tanya Stegman, and in the audience were another dozen enthusiasts.
In 2017, Tevans said, a Sartell aquatics-center Facebook debuted online, and it garnered many positive responses, in the thousands, including many out-of-towners who wrote they would love to someday come to an aquatics center in Sartell.
A committee dubbed “Sartell Aquatic Center Supporters” was formed, and Tevans said the group is gaining support from others enthused about an aquatic center.
A center, Tevans said, could include a lap pool, water slide, a “lazy river,” a zip line, cabanas, beach chairs and offer swimming lessons.
She said she and the committee are going to urge people to vote for a Sartell food-and-beverage tax Feb. 8 in hopes some revenue from that source could cover at least start-up costs for an aquatics project.
Tevans noted Sartell amenities are attracting more and more visitors to the city, including those who come for special events and at least 200 athletic games each year.
Tevans, who spoke during the Open Forum portion of the council meeting, said she hopes the city council will come to support an aquatics center.
