The Sartell Community Center opened in the fall of 2017; residents of Sartell, which span from young families to retirees, wanted a place for multi-generations to come together and be able to share a common space of fun and togetherness. The Community Center features a 53,000-square-foot building with a huge gym facility, three large athletic courts, kids play area, both locker and shower rooms, a library space with a Great River Regional Library pickup locker, a catering kitchen, a senior center, meeting rooms, and more.
Over the last six or so years, the community center has thrived and become a cornerstone for the Sartell community and beyond. “It is a beautiful space that people of all ages can enjoy. Our daytime 2 to 4-year-old Story Time happens at the same time as a group of retired “jammers” come to play music. The two groups come together now and sing “Old McDonald” and “My Little Sunshine” on Thursdays. That is what it’s all about,” shared Nikki Sweeter, Engagement Director at the City of Sartell.
“Most things are free including the sharing library and kids zone. There is also a great walking path outside around Lake Francis that is especially beautiful in the fall. In addition, we have open gym with pickleball, basketball, and volleyball and great rooms available to be rented for business meetings or showers and celebrations, and a large room designated for seniors to play cards or trivia.”
The Central MN and Sartell communities are truly what makes the Community Center what it is. “So many of our regular guests have become like family. The best part of our staff’s day is finding out the score of Judy’s granddaughter’s soccer game from the night before or seeing what costume Fin will show up in when he visits that day.”
“We love being in the thick of the community. People are so great and supportive and once they try us out once for an event or meeting, they almost always come back! That makes us very proud to build those relationships. All of our rooms are sponsored by local businesses. We quite literally could not have built the building without them! We continue to partner with businesses by having them sponsor events, donate napkins and cups with their logo on them, and we only allow renters to use local caterers. We also have business partners who rent out rooms on a recurring basis for meetings and networking events.
A common misconception is that you need to be a Sartell resident to utilize the space, but the Sartell Community Center is open to all. “We do have resident rates for Sartell residents and/or school district residents, but we welcome people from everywhere. We’d love to see anyone use our space professionally for a meeting, bring their teenage son to open gym, gift parents a Senior Connection annual membership, or check out our walking track. There are still people who walk through our doors and have never been to our space. We are always willing to show it off.”
For information about hours, fees, space availability, and more, visit the City of Sartell website page dedicated to the Community Center here.
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