Onalaska breaks ground for new community center, to replace 50-year-old facility

When Onalaska opened its current community center 50 years ago, in 1974, the city’s population was only around 5000. Now, there are almost 20,000 people in Onalaska, and the demand for community meeting and recreation space has grown as well, along with the need for more accessible facilities. That’s a big reason why the city broke ground for a larger, $6 million community center on Wednesday, next door to the current center on Quincy Street, which has been used recently for a senior meal program, along with other activities.

Mayor Kim Smith led several community members in turning shovels of dirt at the construction site along Quincy Street. Smith says there’s more than just an improved meeting center in the works for the area near Onalaska Middle School.

“We’re really working on revitalizing this whole area,” the mayor said. “The community center is one piece of that, but we are also partnering to help support the Lions project for the all-abilities playground. That playground will be located behind our other shelter in the same park grounds.”

At Wednesday’s ceremony, Onalaska park director Dan Wick thanked the community for its support of a new facility. “Your generosity has made a tangible difference in insuring that this community center will be a place where everyone feels welcome and included,” said Wick.

About $4 million in funding for the senior center and community meeting hall has come from the Onalaska city government. A $2 million gym is also included in plans for the new building expected to open next year.

The old center along Quincy Street will be demolished, and replaced by a building that includes gym space, meeting rooms, and kitchen facilities to continue providing senior meals.