Approximately three years ago local citizens formed a committee devoted to breathing new life into the Wabana Recreation Area on Clearwater Road north of Grand Rapids. The idea was to update and enhance key items that would allow people to enjoy the use of this area once again.
The committee has spent the last three years raising money for the project and they are currently at $310,000 of their $480,000 goal. They have been applying for grants as well as having received many generous donations from local individuals, businesses, and organizations.
Many new updates are in the current plan, which includes pickleball courts, a new kiddy rink, upgrading lights around the hockey rink, adding a basketball pad, a double-wide slide and even a zipline! These items are sure to draw families to the complex year-round.
The Wabana Recreational Complex Project Committee is made up of 19 dedicated members and their plan is to break ground in August 2024. “It’s time to see the complex come together,” says Kim Oja, committee member.
Currently, the project has an anonymous donor who will match donations up to $15,000. That donor is also willing to contribute $100 for every person who donates time (volunteers) during the rebuild (kids included). Therefore, a family of four would mean a $400 donation to the project. With the matching donation, now is the time to donate!
You can donate to this project through their fund at the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation at www.gracf.org/donate and search for Wabana Community Fund, or you can send or drop off a check to the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, 350 NW 1st Avenue, Suite E, Grand Rapids, MN 55744.
For more information on the project or donating, you can contact Kim Oja at mrs.o@msn.com.
