I consider myself lucky to live in smalltown Minnesota year round. I divide my time between seasons in beautiful Cook County and “winter” in a small resort town in west central Minnesota, where my family ties are.
I have read with great interest the debate about the pros and cons of a community center in Grand Marais. I realize there are deep divisions within Cook County about whether a center should be built. I write to share my observations about what a community center can mean to the people it serves.
The Detroit Lakes Community Center means a great deal to the people of Becker County.
It took a long time to come into fruition as citizens pondered costs to the taxpayers, benefits, and “who would use it” questions. Just as Cook County is debating the pros and cons, so did the people of Detroit Lakes.
Twelve years after opening, the DLCCC is thriving. As a member, I observe every day the benefits to ALL ages. Using the walking track every day, I see parents playing basketball with their kids, seniors using the walking track and exercise machines and weights. It amazes me!
The DLCCC has a swimming pool, which is used for meets, classes and family swim time. After school and on weekends, the parking lot is packed with school children and adults making use of the pool and the various equipment. There are activities for special need individuals. Classes in yoga, stretching, senior sneakers are offered several times a week. The DLCCC has truly made Detroit Lakes a healthier town.
Instead of being “couch potatoes,” people come to enjoy the center. It makes for great socialization, instead of the isolation one can feel during a long winter season.
Walking with a friend is great physical and emotional therapy!
Twelve years after opening, the Center underwent a renovation and more people than ever have joined its ranks.
Every time I have gone there this winter, I think of what a community center could mean to the people of Cook County. As one friend said, the people who were against it in its infant stages and questioned who would use it are now among the people who use it. A lot.
I invite you to visualize what I have just described being a part of the Cook County community and what a difference it can make in your life and the lives of its citizens. I invite you to visit the website DLCCC.com and see what a difference it has made in a small town.
Sue Riley
Grand Marais/Detroit Lakes, MN
Leave a Reply