After successfully passing a $64 M referendum in 2017, Chisago Lakes School District had a goal to create enhanced spaces for both student and community use in a space that would be available to both during the operational day.
The new community center, an addition to Chisago Lakes High School, addressed this need through a field house, gymnastics gym, weight and fitness rooms and community education offices and classrooms. The addition includes a new lobby for the space adjacent to the existing pool, enhanced by a large glass opening to the pool for increased viewing, and new family friendly locker rooms. The biggest challenge the district faced with this facility was creating a secure area that would be used by both the school and the community members simultaneously. This challenge was overcome by creating “secure zones” to provide optimum security in spaces that were shared during school hours.
Additionally, the high school industrial tech shops were relocated to the main student entry of the school for increased exposure to students. The renovated space promotes a broadened career focused curriculum, more collaborative spaces and a greenhouse which is also shared with the community.