vote on the future of Chanhassen bluffs community center
As part of the general election on November 5, 2024, Chanhassen voters will consider a one-half percent (0.5%) local option sales tax to help finance the creation of the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center.
Chanhassen's vibrant quality of life makes it a destination to live, work and play. The current recreation center opened its doors in 1995. Since that time, Chanhassen's population has doubled, and the current facility no longer meets the needs of the community. Now, residents have an opportunity to invest in a community wellness, recreation, and events center to serve people of every age, at every stage of life. After receiving valuable input from community members, city leaders have put forward an investment plan to construct a new Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center. A voter-approved one-half percent (0.5%) local option sales tax will help finance the project.
Please join us at the Chanhassen Rec Center for two upcoming open houses on the future of the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center.
- Monday, September 16, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, September 26, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center Proposed Plan
The proposed 300,000-square-foot facility is planned for the southeast corner of the Avienda Development, at the intersection of Highway 212 and Powers Boulevard. Facility amenities being considered include:
- Indoor walking track
- Two sheets of ice
- Ice arena doubles as multi-purpose venue space 3,500 seating capacity
- Field house with sport courts and turf
- Indoor playground
- Dance studio
- Fitness studio (cardio & weights)
- Community room spaces
- Restaurant
- See full list of amenity information. All programmed elements are being considered but not final.
All renderings are conceptual and are not a final representation of the project.
Project Funding and Tax Impact
The Community Center will cost approximately $79.7 million. The city will use a voter-approved one-half percent (0.5%) local option sales tax increase, property tax levy, and other funding sources to finance the plan.
BALLOT LANGUAGE:
Shall the City of Chanhassen impose a one-half of one percent (0.5%) sales and use tax for up to 20 years or until $40 million is collected, plus the cost of issuing bonds, to finance the construction of a new Chan Rec Center, which is expected to include an indoor walking track, indoor ice facilities, indoor playground, indoor fieldhouse, and expanded community center amenities, as outlined in the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center project plan?
The Current Rec Center
History and Purpose: Built in 1995 through a joint powers agreement with Easter Carver County School District, the Chanhassen Recreation Center was designed to serve local residents and the surrounding community. Since then, it has become the hub for community activities organized by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Current Amenities:
- Sport Court with seating for up to 150 people
- Fitness and Aerobics Room
- Locker Rooms
- Meeting Rooms
- Outdoor Activities: Tennis and pickleball courts, warming house, ice skating rinks, soccer fields, and baseball/softball fields
Current Status: The Rec Center has not undergone a major renovation since it was built, and several features now need updates. A site facilities study conducted in 2021 provided the following recommendations:
- Address Deferred Maintenance: Windows, handicap doors, roof of the warming house, HVAC units, gymnasium, locker rooms, aerobics room, fitness room, and meeting rooms.
- Improve Site Drainage: Critical drainage issues causing water to pool and drain back towards the building, particularly around the warming house and parking area.
- Enhance Site and Building Accessibility: Updates needed include skating rink lighting, milling and overlaying the parking lot, and repairing tennis and pickleball courts.
- Upgrade Interior Facilities: Ceiling replacements, refurbishing gym, locker rooms, and meeting rooms, and replacing interior doors.
- Expand and Adapt to Meet Growing Demand: Desired additions we hear from community members are more gymnasium space, indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, an outdoor refrigerated ice rink, and possibly a splash pad or pool.
Potential Expansion: In 2022, the Parks Referendum Task Force reviewed these recommendations and sought solutions to address these issues and funding sources to better serve the community. They concluded that future expansion at the current site is not feasible due to land available and parking restrictions. The task force recommended pursuing a local option sales tax as the primary revenue source to build a new Recreation Center that meets the community's needs.
Frequently asked questions
HOW WAS THE PLAN DEVELOPED? Work on this concept began with the 2017 Parks and Recreation System Plan. Extensive community engagement and broad participation demonstrated that residents had a strong desire for an indoor walking track, indoor ice, and an expanded community center. The city convened a Parks Referendum Task Force in 2022 to further refine priorities.
WHEN AND HOW CAN I VOTE? For information about early voting via absentee ballot or in-person on Election Day, November 5, 2024, click here.