By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
Flandreau has seen a surge of new development in recent weeks, progress aimed at supporting young families and strengthening the community for years to come.
Now, another major project is gaining traction a multi-use sports and recreation complex that organizers say would be a game-changer.
But they need help, fast.
After nearly a year of discussions about the best location for the facility, a gentlemans handshake last week sealed the deal on a potential site: 4.5 acres just north of Krulls Garage, off Broad Avenue and South Center Street. The Flandreau Sports Association (FSA) now has just 90 days to raise the money to secure the land.
Weve all had conversations about the thought of workout facilities, said Bret Severtson.
The project is going to go well beyond baseball and softball.
Phase one of the project is estimated at $650,000. Organizers have already secured $160,000 in in-kind donations and $110,000 in cash leaving roughly $380,000 still to raise before the clock runs out.
The current design is an 80×150 facility that would include:
A turf area for year-round baseball and softball training
A basketball and pickleball court
A fitness space for adults
Practice areas for wrestling, volleyball and soccer
A community gathering area and open mezzanine
Currently, local youth athletes travel out of town to train. Spring weather delays often leave them behind their peers in other communities who have indoor options.
Everybody goes out of town right now for training, said Brittany Bennett.
This kind of started with the needs of our community youth kids getting up to speed caliber-wise in baseball, said Chris Wiese, another leader with the FSA.
Then Bret (Severtson), Marc (Burggraff) and I thought, this community needs a workout facility. And it took off from there.
Phase two of the project would include outdoor baseball and soccer fields
Asked if this type of space is necessary, the group didnt hesitate.
1000 percent, Severtson said.
But the project, they emphasize, is about more than just sports.
This is about making Flandreau a place where families want to live, stay, and grow, said Eric Beltman, another leader with the project. We need amenities to keep people here and attract new ones.
That sentiment is echoed across town. The rec center proposal joins a growing list of recent public and private investments aimed at improving local quality of life factors including:
The Boys and Girls Club of Moody County just celebrated its expansion.
The Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Plains broke ground last week on a state-of-the-art Early Childhood Enrichment Center a regional, if not nationwide first.
Colman-Egan Schools is wrapping up work on a major campus expansion.
A partnership between Big Sioux Rural Water and Minnehaha County is bringing critical water infrastructure upgrades to the area.
A project to modernize the local electrical grid is underway.
And a new phase of the citys bike path network is set to begin later this year.
The rec center, organizers say, is the next natural step.
We want Flandreau to be a destination, said Severtson. Not just a pit stop.
Landowner Mike Wendell has offered favorable terms for the land deal, but its contingent on raising funds within three months. Organizers are asking businesses, and residents to support the effort. Naming rights are available for larger contributions.
The hope is to pour the foundation by fall, raise the walls before winter, and open by summer 2026. The project will prioritize local contractors, materials, and partnerships including with Flandreau Building Center.
Local architectural graduate Madeline Hursey has helped with renderings and a video walk through of what the new rec center would look like.
For more information, scan the attached QR code or to pledge support, ask questions, or make a financial commitment, contact Bret Severtson at (605) 864-1343.
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