MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Brooklyn Park Plans New Recreation Center for Older Adults, Invites Residents to Help Shape Its Future

The city proposes converting its Central Fire Station into a dedicated recreation facility for older adults, with construction tentatively scheduled for June 2027 and an opening targeted for early 2028.

BROOKLYN PARK, MN (October 12, 2026). Brooklyn Park is moving forward with plans to transform its existing Central Fire Station into a recreation center for older adults, creating a dedicated space for physical activity, social connections, learning, and community programs.

The proposed facility, located next to the Community Activity Center at 5600 85th Avenue North, is intended to address a longstanding need for recreational spaces designed specifically for older residents.

City officials announced a new round of community engagement on October 5, inviting residents to help determine the programs, amenities, and physical features that should be included in the facility.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in June 2027, with the city targeting an early 2028 opening. The timeline remains subject to planning, design, and project development.

A Longstanding Community Priority

The recreation center proposal is part of Brooklyn Park's broader effort to improve public recreational facilities and accommodate the needs of its changing population.

The city's 2018 Park System Plan identified the need for dedicated space for older adult programming rather than relying entirely on the existing Community Activity Center, which serves residents across different age groups.

Brooklyn Park voters subsequently approved a $26 million park bond referendum in November 2018, providing funding for a range of park and recreational improvements.

According to city planning documents, the senior center project includes converting the current Central Fire Station into space dedicated to fitness, recreation, and social activities for older adults.

The project is connected to the city's plans for a replacement Central Fire Station on the former Hennepin County Library property.

The city's 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan identifies planning and renovation expenditures for the older adult recreation center. However, the final project cost and specific design features will depend on further development.

Residents Invited to Shape the Design

Brooklyn Park is providing three opportunities for residents to participate in planning the proposed center.

Community Survey: October 5–25, 2026

Residents can complete a brief survey about the activities, programs, amenities, and accessibility features they would like to see in the new facility.

The survey takes less than 10 minutes and is intended to help city planners understand both current and future recreational needs.

Community Focus Groups

Two facilitated discussions are scheduled at the Community Activity Center, 5600 85th Avenue North:

• Wednesday, October 21, from 1:00 to 2:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 28, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.

Participants will receive an introduction to the project before discussing their experiences, priorities, and ideas for the proposed center.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Registration is required by the Monday preceding each focus group. Residents may register by calling 763-493-8333, visiting the Community Activity Center front desk, or using the registration links on the city's project webpage.

Public Open Houses: November 18, 2026

The city will host two open-house sessions at the Community Activity Center:

• Afternoon session: 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.
• Evening session: 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Residents will be able to examine preliminary design concepts, learn about proposed spaces, speak with the project team, and offer additional feedback.

A brief presentation is scheduled approximately 30 minutes after each session begins.

No registration is required, and everyone is welcome.

Planning for an Aging Community

The proposed center reflects the city's recognition that older adults benefit from recreational opportunities that support physical activity, lifelong learning, and regular social interaction.

Dedicated facilities can also make it easier to organize activities around the schedules, interests, and accessibility needs of older residents.

The specific programs and amenities have not yet been finalized. Community feedback collected this fall will help inform those decisions.

Questions still to be resolved include the final renovation budget, accessibility improvements, transportation connections, and how the completed center will accommodate residents with different mobility and recreational needs.

How to Participate

Residents interested in contributing to the project can obtain additional information directly from Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks.

Community Activity Center
5600 85th Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN

Telephone: 763-493-8333

Official project information and participation opportunities:
https://www.brooklynpark.org/city-projects/park-improvement-projects/recreationcenterforolderadults/

Community survey deadline: October 25, 2026

The city is encouraging residents to participate while the design remains under development, allowing community preferences to help shape a facility intended to serve older adults for years to come.

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