by Dennis Dalman
A long-anticipated St. Joseph Community Center seemed for years to be a mirage, a receding dream riddled with doubts, but the city’s Mayor Rich Schultz is assuring residents that dream will definitely come true – in the form of a YMCA.
“There were a lot of bumps in the road, but we’re very, very close,” said Schultz during a recent interview with the Newsleaders. “My guess is the YMCA (community center) will open sometime in 2026. Our last step is to raise enough funds.”
To that end, the community center’s campaign leadership group of local and regional donors hired Kinetic Co., based in Kansas City, Kan. with connections locally. Kinetic specializes in securing donors for various civic endeavors, including community centers.
The estimated cost of a YMCA, with an indoor swimming pool, is anywhere from $20-$40 million. It will be built on land on the east side of the site of the old Kennedy Elementary School.
Meantime, city officials have consulted with engineers, architects, construction companies, the school district and the St. Cloud YMCA Executive Director Greg Gack. YMCA is an acronym for “Young Men’s Christian Association.”
The city approached the YMCA, knowing that it wanted to expand to St. Joseph, because it was doubtful if the city alone would afford the cost of operating and maintaining a community center.
Under a partnership lease agreement signed last year, the City of St. Joseph will build and own the center, and the St. Cloud YMCA will rent the space and manage and operate it.
Many St. Joseph residents have expressed frustration and confusion about the prospect of a community center ever opening. The following time-line will help explain that frustrating confusion:
2014: The city started reviewing current and future facilities, including possibly a community center.
2105: The city purchased Colts Academy (which was in the building that used to be Kennedy Elementary School). The city then bought 17 acres of land from the St. Cloud School District (its land in St. Joseph near the former Kennedy School).
2017: Construction was completed for a new city hall and a new police department.
2018: Redesign of the Colts Academy space for a community center, including gym space.
October 2020: The Minnesota Legislature approved $4 million in a bonding bill for a St. Joseph Community Center.
2021: YMCA was established as a partner to operate the future community center as a YMCA facility.
2023: The lease agreement was signed with the YMCA.
The City of St. Joseph has contracted with HMA Architects on and off since 2014, Gohman Construction and the Kinetic (fundraising) company.
All along the way, the planned project went through several iterations, changes, contortions.
Amenities
The community center will be a two-story building containing three gyms, swimming pool, locker rooms, a multi-purpose room and a basketball court. Youth activities areas will be located on the first floor. On the second floor will be an area for strength training and a walking track. There will also be a large space outside the center for a kiddie playground area.
To participate in the YMCA community center, a pass will be required, but financial assistance will be available for those who need it. The monthly cost will be the same as annual passes in St. Cloud: $39.99 for adults, $19.99 for young people.
This is a designer’s graphic of the lay-out of the first floor of a St. Joseph YMCA/Community Center. It will include three gymnasiums among other amenities.
St. Joseph Mayor Rick Schultz
