The Coon Rapids Community Center concept is back, but city officials are taking a completely different approach this time.
Two years after the city opted to scrap a large community center project in favor of a phased plan, city officials once again are making plans. Earlier this year, the Coon Rapids Athletic Association offered to join with the city to create more gymnasium space.
These days, City Manager Steve Gatlin is paying calls to a diverse list of potential public partners -- the school district, the county, the state -- which could own or lease part of a second phase if it comes to fruition.
"The whole tone of this is different," Gatlin said. "You have a group of public agencies with a need for public space. We're all going to work together and meet our needs in a different way."
Anoka Ramsey Community College (MNSCU) and the Anoka-Hennepin School District each have agreed to pony up $10,750 to help the city pay for a facility study -- officials are working on the county, too -- part of a process of imagining a space that would serve diverse needs and desires.
Among them are:
Gymnasium space for the Athletic Association that could accommodate basketball, volleyball and other courts, as well as a walking track and a limited fitness center that may or may not be open to the public.
A library to replace the old and cramped Crooked Lake branch.