Published in Pilot-Independent: Wednesday, July 8, 2009 3:03 PM CDT
By most measures, the Walker Area Community Center (WACC) has been a success since the multi-use facility opened in July 2007. By hosting hockey tournaments, home and garden shows, sports and recreation shows, Relay for Life fundraiser, after-prom parties, receptions, benefits, curling bonspiels and other private and public events, WACC has brought thousands of visitors to the area, strengthening the local economy.
WACC’s effect on area youth has also been overwhelmingly positive. Programs and activities have produced 22,285 youth visits to WACC for the Boys’ and Girls’ Club, Just for Kicks, hockey, fitness center activities, youth center, Kids Rock curling classes, open skating, elementary basketball and more. Whether from Boys and Girls Club kids, fitness center members or Just For Kix dancers, user feedback has been enthusiastic.
At a crossroads
But despite this, the WACC is at a critical crossroads. Without immediate help from the community, the facility may not be able to operate in 2010. At two meetings held June 29 and July 1, the WACC Board laid out its current situation and what needs to be done, then answered questions and took public input. Board secretary Claudette Holly said that WACC needs to address two areas immediately: debt reduction, and staffing and improvements.
The annual debt service (principal and interest) on the mortgage is about $100,000. After running at a deficit for the first year or so, the Center has produced a net profit of $11,600 over the past 12 months: $213,500 in income and $201,900 expenses. However that margin is not enough to meet the annual debt service. Holly said First National Bank of Walker agreed to decrease the interest rate on the mortgage and to suspend payments until Jan. 1, 2010, to allow WACC time to address its financial problems. But that is only a stopgap solution. “We’re running on a shoestring; we don’t have enough staff,” she stated. “We don’t have maintenance staff. We don’t have enough front desk staff. And we need people to address marketing and promotions.”
Today’s financial stresses are partly related to unforeseen factors that occurred during the facility’s construction, she went on. For example, WACC received a low-interest USDA loan; but one of the loan requirements was that an archaeological dig be conducted at the site. Those services cost about $13,000 but increased the costs of other elements like the street project. The building permit came in at $10,000, much higher than estimated. Roads to the center ultimately cost $100,000, much higher than expected
Looking to the future, Holly said it is critical for WACC to grow current programs, to market and promote more aggressively and to attract more events, year-round. It also needs to improve operations, control costs and improve revenue streams in order to establish a capital fund for future equipment needs, improvements and emergencies.
WACC hires consultant
Helping the WACC Board sort through these challenges and plan for the future will be an experienced consultant who will soon be on board. Doug Bryant brings 38 years of experience in parks and recreation administration and community centers in the Twin Cities area. He has agreed to work with WACC for a fraction of the cost a consultant would normally charge.
“I wasn’t looking for a job, but I think I can help you,” Bryant told the audience and Board. “I’ve been living here about five years, and I love this community.”
After getting feedback from the Board, WACC Director Gretchen Gribbin and the community, Bryant said he will investigate grants and funding opportunities from the state Legislature and other sources. Since WACC initially received a $300,000 grant from the state, “It’s easier to go back to get additional dollars,” he explained. Still, those dollars couldn’t be used to pay off debt service, but might be available to complete the parking lot, for example.
Bryant also will research a local sales tax option and whether revenue raised could pay for a building that’s already in place (see Q&A page). President Pat Kastning said WACC plans to contract with an experienced grantwriter to work with Brandt on appropriate grants. “In a short period of time, we’ll find out what’s out there,” Bryant promised.
New capital campaign
Holly announced that WACC will begin a new capital campaign to solicit additional support from individuals, businesses, organizations and local governments. At both public sessions, audience members had a chance to ask questions that were answered by the Board (see Q&A page).
“WACC took community input and created a multi-use facility available to the region,” Holly concluded. “It provided the opportunity for continued growth. Now the key to success depends on you. The choice is yours.”
