Frequently asked questions
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE EXISTING REC CENTER? If the new Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center is built, the city will explore selling the Rec Center to the Eastern Carver County School District for the expansion of Bluff Creek Elementary. There is no timetable for this discussion or closure of the Rec Center. All the amenities currently available at the Rec Center, including fitness facilities, a dance studio, a gymnasium, and a community room, will be replicated at the new Community Center. The city would retain ownership and operation of the outdoor activities including tennis courts, pickleball courts, soccer fields, and baseball/softball fields.
In 2021, the city conducted a facility study that considered expanding the current Rec Center but found that there was not enough space to do so.
IS THIS A LIFE TIME CORPORATION PROJECT? The Community Center will be wholly owned and operated by the City of Chanhassen. The land would be purchased at market rate from the owner, Level 7 Development. (Life Time owner Barahm Akradi is an investor/owner in Level 7 Development.) The facility is not affiliated with Life Time Fitness.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE FIELD HOUSE? The field house measures 220x200 feet and features an elevated walking track that requires 6.25 laps to complete a mile. This year-round, indoor space will house sport courts, a turf field, and a walking track. It will be available for youth sports associations and private users to book hourly for sports like soccer, lacrosse, basketball, football, and more. Additionally, the city will schedule open court and turf times, allowing residents to access and utilize the space.
WHAT AMENITIES/PROGRAMS ARE BEING CONSIDERED? All programmed elements are being considered but not final. View full list of considered programming here.
WHY IS A POOL NOT INCLUDED IN THE CHANHASSEN BLUFFS COMMUNITY CENTER? The city explored the option of including a pool but found the costs to be prohibitive. An indoor family aquatic center would cost approximately $25 million to build. Additionally, pools typically experience an annual operating deficit ranging from $60,000 to $250,000, making it financially unsustainable for the community center, which is designed to cover its own operating costs without property tax levy support.
- WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL RAMIFICATIONS OF ADDING A POOL? Adding a pool would significantly increase the facility's capital and operating costs. The initial construction cost and land acquisition of $25 million, combined with the annual operating subsidy required, would make it difficult for the community center to be financially self-sustaining. This would divert resources from other important amenities and programs and add additional pressure to the city’s tax levy.
- WILL THE CITY CONSIDER ADDING A POOL IN THE FUTURE? While a pool is not included in the current project, the city remains open to considering it in the future. Community members are encouraged to participate in city discussions and surveys and provide feedback to express their support for a pool in future developments.
- WHY NOT DO ONE RINK AND A POOL? In addition to the operating expenses, each amenity requires its own support facilities and technical expertise to operate. The elimination of a rink would reduce the operating efficiency as well as the attractiveness of the facility for tournaments and events. The locker rooms would not be compatible for shared use between ice rink and the pool.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO USE? The Community Center will not require a membership. Instead, there will be user fees for individual amenities. The walking track will be free to all Chanhassen residents. Other amenities will operate on a usage fee or punch card basis. The workout facility will continue to work with programs like Silver Sneakers to provide free or discounted access to seniors. Rental fees for the restaurant space, ice arenas, and community rooms will be comparable to other city-owned facilities.
WHO WILL OPERATE THE RESTAURANT? The restaurant will be leased to a private operator, similar to the Crooked Pint at the Chaska Event Center or Moe’s Ice House at Fogarty Arena.
WHAT IS THE DEMAND FOR THIS FACILITY? The City Council and various committees have consistently heard from the community that a more modern community center with added amenities is needed. Residents have expressed a desire for updated facilities and additional features to better serve their needs. Moreover, various sports groups in the community have grown significantly and now require more space for their activities. Additionally, there is a demand for an entertainment venue capable of accommodating 5,000+ people, highlighting the need for expanded and improved facilities to host larger events and gatherings.
WHY NOT ADD-ON TO THE EXISTING REC CENTER? In 2021, 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 at the current site.
WHAT UPGRADES DOES THE CURRENT REC CENTER NEED? The Chanhassen Rec Center, built in 1995, has not undergone major renovations and several features now require updates. A 2022 facilities study highlighted the need for significant maintenance, including window and door replacements, HVAC updates, and site drainage improvements. Enhancements to accessibility and interior refurbishments are also necessary. To meet the growing community and facility demands, additional amenities both size and offerings are needed.
WHAT IS THE TIMELINE? The referendum vote will take place with the general election on November 5, 2024. If the referendum passes, construction is expected to start in late 2025 or early 2026. The build is anticipated to take 12-18 months, with the facility likely opening in Summer 2027.
WHY DO THIS PROJECT NOW? The state legislature has strict guidelines for cities seeking approval to ask voters to support a local options sales tax. Chanhassen needed state approval to place a referendum question on the ballot. This approval was granted following the 2022 legislative session, with the stipulation that referendum questions must coincide with a city office election. As a result, Chanhassen is required to hold this referendum in November 2024.
- Referendum Timing: Following the 2023 legislative session, the state placed a pause (moratorium) on all new applications.
- Changes in Sales Tax Use: In the 2024 legislative session, the state continued to debate the use of local options sales taxes. While no changes were enacted, there was much discussion about removing the ability to fund recreation and/or sports centers.
- By implementing the local option sales tax now, Chanhassen can secure the necessary funds to build a new Recreation Center and enhance community infrastructure without heavily impacting local residents.
WHY A LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX? A one half-cent percent (0.5%) local option sales and use tax ensures that both residents and nonresidents share in the cost to build a new community center. Forty-five percent of the half-cent sales tax will be paid by nonresidents, according to research by the University of Minnesota. That means nonresidents will contribute about $18 million for the Community Center project through a sales tax, based on the University of Minnesota’s estimates. Learn more about project funding.
WHERE IS THE MONEY TO FINANCE THE BUILD COMING FROM?
- 50% ($40,000,000) would be generated from the one-half percent (0.5%) local option sales and use tax.
- 19% (15,143,000) would come from a property tax levy.
- 15% ($11,955,000) from the Avienda Development.
- 16% ($12,602,000) from other funding sources.
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.
I DON’T LIKE THE CARPET, IS THAT FINAL? Our plan detail level is currently concept-level. We’re committed to the amenities and the approximate square footage, but won’t make further decisions and refinements to the plan until after the referendum when we would move into schematic design and construction drawings.