The Process

City leaders and staff worked closely with the community to identify the top needs of the Maple Grove Community Center.

After reviewing feedback from residents, city leaders drafted a proposal for the new Community Center for state lawmakers to review. During the 2021 Legislative session, state officials reviewed the city’s proposal and authorized the city to present the sales tax option to voters. As part of the general election on November 8, 2022, voters approved a half-cent local option sales tax to finance $90 million of the Community Center project.

Many Maple Grove residents expressed a desire to see the Community Center expand with new programs, more space, and additional activities.

Local residents identified needs such as:

  • More swimming pools

  • More space for senior programs

  • More local arts programs

  • More space for banquets and events

  • More ice time

  • A walking track

  • Additional fitness activities

After reviewing feedback from residents, city leaders drafted a proposal for the new Community Center for state lawmakers to review. During the 2021 Legislative session, state officials reviewed the city’s proposal and authorized the city to present the sales tax option to voters.

Timeline of the Project

Summer
2017

The city held stakeholder meetings, hosted an open house and pop-up events, and distributed a questionnaire and online survey to Maple Grove residents to ask for their feedback on the Community Center.

2018

As part of the 2018 park system plan update, Maple Grove residents were asked for their input on the Community Center.

June – August 2019

The city conducted a scientific community survey to gather input from Maple Grove residents on the needs of the Community Center.

July 2019

The city invited residents to complete a brief survey on the Community Center during Maple Grove Days.

The city conducted meetings with Community Center users, including families, seniors, teenagers, the hockey association, the arts group, civic groups and businesses.

August 2019

The city held a public open house for all Maple Grove residents to offer feedback on the needs of the Community Center.

September 2019 – December 2020

Based on the priorities of residents and users, the city developed a long-term plan to expand the Community Center and the services it supports. This included program development and review, cost assessments, operations analysis and development of funding strategies.

February 2021

The city submitted a bonding bill request for the new Community Center for state lawmakers to review.

July 2021

State officials authorized the city of Maple Grove to present a sales tax option to voters to fund $90 million of the $116 million project.

August 2021 – January 2022

The city developed communications materials to help inform the public about the Community Center project and sales tax referendum, including a website and fact sheet.

February 2022

The city launched the website dedicated to informing residents about the project: GrowingTogetherMapleGrove.org.

March 2022 – August 2022

The city convened a working group to offer input on the project and conducted a series of presentations to community organizations. In addition, the city continued to share information on the website, on social media, at city events, in newsletters, in mailings and on CCX Media.

September 2022

Early voting began on Friday, Sept. 23.

November 2022

Election Day was Tuesday, Nov. 8. Maple Grove voters approved the half-cent local option sales tax by an unofficial margin of 18,739 yes votes to 15,060 no votes.

December 2022

The Maple Grove City Council adopted an ordinance imposing the half-cent local option sales tax and notice was provided to the Minnesota Department of Revenue, the agency that announces all local sales tax starts, changes, or ends.

January 2023

The Minnesota Department of Revenue published the notice that the local option sales tax for Maple Grove would go into effect on April 1, 2023.

April 2023

The half cent local option sales tax for Maple Grove went into effect on April 1.

Your voice matters.

We value your input as the city moves forward with the Community Center project.
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