Rob Baumgarn News Today

The Willmar City Council on Tuesday approved a purchase agreement for 5.54 acres of land in Swansson Field for a senior housing project and set a public hearing regarding the sale for March 18.

The Willmar Parks and Recreation Board on Dec. 20 approved recommending to the Willmar City Council that the contingency funds left over from the Invest in Willmar projects be used to construct the ice rink.

The state Senate Capital Investment Committee heard a request Nov. 8 for $30 million in state bonding from the city, $10 million for a new community center and $20 million for street improvements.

Britta Diem has managed the Community Center for five years this August, and she has worked hard to increase the programming and number of people participating in programs and special events.

In split 5-2 votes, Willmar City Council approved accepting a grant to construct an outdoor fitness court and applying for an Age-Friendly Minnesota Community grant.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Wednesday for the nearly $10 million Events and Recreation Center at the Willmar Civic Center.

Although Willmar City Councilors were excited about proposals for a new and improved community center, they were not impressed with site proposals for a new city hall presented at a recent council work session. City staff will continue to work with BKV Group to find a city hall site that is appealing to the council.

While discussing a new position for the Willmar Parks and Recreation Department, other councilors and city staff were noticeably uncomfortable with Willmar City Councilor Rick Fagerlie's line of questioning and criticism of the department's director, Rob Baumgarn.

The Events and Recreation Center at the Willmar Civic Center is the next project to be completed that was funded by the local option sales tax.

Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield is among area parks that offer chairs that make rougher trails accessible.