SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls) presented his legislation to fund the new Kerry Park Health and Wellness Center in International Falls to the House Capital Investment Committee. The facility will feature a new fitness center, ice rink, and community room along with outdoor recreation components including a playground, skate park, splash pad, sledding hill, and more.
“The city of International Falls has worked thoughtfully to develop a master plan for their park facilities to best serve local residents and those from surrounding communities,” Rep. Ecklund said. “Kerry Park will be a multigenerational facility for people in and around International Falls including kids and families who need child care, seniors who need a place to gather, and everyone in between. As a border community, International Falls faces some unique challenges. I’m hopeful we can deliver the funding necessary to build the facility which will improve residents’ quality of life and strengthen our local economy.”
Rep. Ecklund’s bill would invest $15 million worth of state bond proceeds to fund the project’s design, construction, site preparation, and engineering. Mayor Harley Droba joined Rep. Ecklund to present the bill, which the committee laid over for future consideration in a larger capital investment package.
Video of the hearing will be available on House Public Information Services’ YouTube Channel.