Endless Possibilities
Rustad Recreation Center opens the door to year-round programming
By Katie Ettish
Photos: Rustad Recreation Center
The initial vision for Rustad Recreation Center began in 2011 as the West Fargo Park District in North Dakota became aware of the community’s rapid growth and the need for indoor recreational space. After extensive planning, it was decided that gyms, a walking track, and classrooms were the most crucial needs at that time. Construction on the 44,612-square-foot facility began in spring 2015, and the center opened to the public in August 2016. Since opening, countless numbers of people have enjoyed the benefits of this free facility. The original building had two full-sized basketball courts, four volleyball courts, three pickelball courts, a 1/10-mile elevated track, two classrooms, a meeting room, and the park district’s administrative offices. Shortly after opening, an additional six pickleball courts were added, as well as a couple of fitness machines.
The recreation department quickly made use of the space, adding programming for all ages and abilities. A very successful adult pickleball program started in fall 2016. Players from across the region have traveled to compete in pickleball and volleyball tournaments. Adult basketball and volleyball leagues offered programs to a new demographic. A youth volleyball league was added, and had almost 200 girls participate in the first year. The Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx Academy hosted a week-long camp for 125 area kids in grades one through six. And the youth-basketball league was able to expand, with over 400 participants in the 2017 season. Numerous creative arts and STEM classes were added as well. Everything from learning how to sew to writing programs for computer games is now available.
Here We Grow Again
Planning for Phase 2 began in January 2017 when staff identified further community desires and requests, and analyzed needs from within. It was established that more gym space, indoor turf, and a playground area would be beneficial. Working with Zerr-Berg Architects, a plan to add an additional 55,095 square feet was developed. The $8.1-million addition broke ground in spring 2018, and opened in summer 2019.
The Phase 2 expansion included indoor artificial turf (35 x 70 yards), a basketball court, volleyball courts, pickleball courts, a fitness-track expansion, batting cages, an indoor playground, classroom/meeting spaces, and a creative arts studio. Upon completion, the recreation center now totals 99,707 square feet. With the additional space available, many programs that had previously been offered only in the summer at the outdoor fields were now available for registration year-round. The youth baseball and T-ball program was a huge hit, with more than 100 kids participating in the six-week session in November and December. In addition to baseball, the Youth Flag Football program transitioned indoors and saw 125 kids in kindergarten through third grade play in this fun and non-competitive league. Another sport that was able to make use of the indoor turf was youth soccer. For the first time, the park district was able to offer a league and lessons throughout the winter months. The community greatly enjoyed being able to keep families healthy and active throughout the year.
The Creative Studio opened its doors in October with a Journal Design class that allowed participants to create a personalized journal full of writing prompts and positive affirmations. Local author Ariel Holvrook encouraged expression during this two-hour class. Since completing the inaugural session, the studio has been host to countless other classes, ranging from canvas painting to clay creation. The studio really sets the recreation center apart from other rec facilities, and truly provides programming for a wide variety of interests.
In addition to this new programming, many user groups were excited to use the facility for their programming as well. West Fargo Baseball was able to start practice earlier in the year and utilize the batting cages during spring training. Shanely High School rented turf time for its soccer club to have additional practices and prepare for the upcoming season. Red River United Soccer Club hosted several tournaments in the facility, bringing in many visitors to the community. Polars Lacrosse hosted games and tournaments on the indoor turf. Youth groups were not the only organizations taking advantage of the new space. Everyone from FM Rugby Clubs to the Fargo Invaders enjoyed the benefits of the indoor turf, something that is very limited in the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo community. Other private-user groups quickly learned about the space and started scheduling time, not only on the turf, but at the entire facility. Building Champions and ND Pro both rented basketball courts for their programs. The Red River Infinity volleyball program continued to use the courts for its practices, games, and tournaments. Woodside Moorman Basketball Camps claimed the recreation center as its home as well.
Young And Old Are Welcome
Seniors programming developed quickly and grew rapidly. Many seniors participate in pickleball, which has grown into one of the most popular sports in the country. The park district offers exclusive adult pickleball times Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a minimal fee. All skill levels are welcome to participate, and free beginner lessons are available. Currently, the park district has more than 250 players participating, making it one of the most successful programs offered. These passionate but friendly competitors are finding that physical activity isn’t the only benefit of playing, as many of them enjoy socializing with other players. In addition to pickleball, Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is a strength, balance, and fitness program for adults 55 and older that the park district is excited to host. The exercises can be completed standing or sitting, which provides an opportunity for seniors of all physical abilities. The one-hour class is offered three times a week. Currently, there are more than 70 seniors in this program.
The Indoor Playground was an exciting addition in Phase 2, and the community absolutely loved it. The park district converted a youth-sized gym, originally built in Phase 1, and transformed it into an indoor play area, providing hours of endless fun for kids of all ages and abilities, thanks to the adaptive features. Active participants pay $3.25 per visit with no time limit.
The open gyms have become a popular get-together for families and young adults. Since there are no fees associated with the facility, participants can attend frequently. Open gyms typically host between 20 and 50 people per session, and participants can play basketball, volleyball, or other gym-related sport.
In the four years since the facility opened, the recreation center has become a staple in the community, a place for people of all ages and interests to get out and play, throughout the year!
Katie Ettish is the Events and Communications Specialist for the West Fargo Park District in North Dakota. Reach her at Katie@wfparks.org.