st. joseph community center

It's not quite what they want it to be yet, but St. Joseph has officially started to turn the former Colts Academy into a community center.

It was a year ago when we found out those age enhanced photos weren't going to help us bring Jacob home. Over the course of the past year, the Wetterling family and the St. Joseph community has been able to seek closure, something they sorely wanted for 27-years.

The city council is being asked to accept the concept plans for the community center, which city administrator Judy Weyrens says will include a section called "The Jacob Wetterling Recreation Center". Designs include the #11 on the outside of the building, as well as a lantern that would burn 24 hours a day.

St. Joseph is moving to buy the Colts Academy building from the St. Cloud Area School District for a possible community center. The building used to be the Kennedy Community School and is at 124 1st Avenue Southeast. District 742 will review selling the building to the city for $2.3 million on Wednesday night.

St. Joseph is starting initial fundraising for a proposed $6.1 Million aquatic center project. The city wants to see what kind of sponsorship and money could be available for the project. Mayor Rick Schultz says a portion of the project costs will need to be covered by fundraising. The proposed aquatic center includes a lazy river, lap pool, splash pool, zero depth entry pool, climbing wall and a zip line.

The St. Joseph city council had a closed discussion on Monday night to discuss possibly buying the Colts Academy building for a community center. The former Kennedy School is at 124 1st Avenue Southeast. No action to was taken by the council during the closed meeting

A St. Joseph community task force says many citizens want a community center in the area. For two years, St. Joseph has been in the process of planning and discussing future city facility needs.

St. Joseph residents have a chance to give their input on a possible community center. The city council is holding a listening session tomorrow (Tuesday) night at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall.