• The GND Rec

    The GND Development Alliance, Gary New Duluth community, the City of Duluth, the private sector and various other organizations are working together to revitalize and transform the GND Recreation Area into a fully functioning Community Center and Recreation Area serving the community, City and be a destination for tourism. The project area is located adjacent to Stowe Elementary School and in the middle of the St. Louis River Corridor.

  • City of Duluth - Our Partner

    “GND REC represents the best of Duluth. This neighborhood has rallied and organized to make sure the needs of kids, families and seniors are being met. Along the way, they've brought in new partners and opportunities, and created a space with a strong sense of place and purpose. Our job as a community is to pull out the stops and support this effort. It's making a difference in the lives of people, and the life of our community.“
    Emily Larson, Duluth Mayor


    "The City of Duluth is a proud partner with the GND Development Alliance and the GND community to bring this important and exciting project to fruition."
    Jim Filby Williams,City of Duluth


  • In Gary New Duluth, we believe that every citizen deserves a place where everyone feels welcome, from 5 to 95. Our focus is on PLAY, or Promoting Lifetime Activities for Youth. Whether you want to go ice skating, want to bring your dog to the dog park, love to go play soccer, spend your time at the skateboard park, want to hone your green thumb in the community garden, learn something new, or just to be social, there is something for everyone at the Gary New Duluth Community Center and Recreation Area.

  • A GND Development Alliance Project

    The GND Development Alliance is a group of concerned citizen that are working hard to improve our community for the betterment of all. The property is owned by the City of Duluth. The GND Development Alliance has entered into an agreement with the City to design, construct and operate the GND REC. Although the property is owned and will be continued to be owned by the City, the GND Development Alliance, 501 (c) (3) organization, will raise funds and build partnerships with various businesses and organizations to make the necessary capital improvements and operate the facility.

  • A St. Louis River Corridor Project

    In 2009 Mayor Don Ness organized a St. Louis River Corridor Summit and brought over 70 stakeholders together to develop a comprehensive vision for the area. Many of the ideas generated then are now being fully developed and some are already being implemented. We are excited to be part of the St. Louis River Corridor plan. Read More
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  • Introduction
  • Benefits
  • Our Plan
  • Conclusion

Introduction

The Gary New Duluth neighborhoods are located in the far west portion of Duluth. More than 3000 people live in the community. The community is served by Stowe Elementary School which provides elementary school education for approximately 360 students from the Fairmont area (Spirit Valley) all the way west to Fond du Lac.

Vision

Our vision is to support a strong sense of community by promoting social, educational and physical activities for people of all ages.

Mission

The GND Community Center and Recreation Area is dedicated to providing a place to be used by members of the community for social, cultural, learning and recreational purposes.

The GND Community Center and Recreation Area including its facilitators, partners and committed volunteers promotes respect for the individual, the community and the environment through physical, recreational, social and environmental activities.

Values

We value and take pride in our community and each of its members, education, physical activity and our environment, those who promote positive actions and give back to our community, and appreciate the opportunity to have fun as we promote service in our community and strong personal relationships between its members.

Benefits

Revitalizing the Gary New Duluth area brings with it many benefits to the residents of the Gary New Duluth area and for the city as a whole, making the Gary New Duluth Community Center and Recreation Area a very important project.

"Sense of Community”

By effectively transforming the park property for the benefit of the community, the people of the community will become stronger, safer and interact with one another.

Direct Use Value

Team sports, skateboarding, ice skating, various programs and social interaction for all ages, special events, picnicking, bench-sitting, enjoying nature, gardening, off leash dog park, soccer and more.

Health

The site will promote an increase in physical activity necessary for good health. Having a site where individuals can relax in a pleasant environment and social interaction leads to improved mental wellbeing.

Property Values & Tourism

Property values traditionally increase the closer they are to a well maintained, functioning recreation area. The site that is envisioned will draw people to the community, enhancing the St. Louis River Corridor.

Our Plan

Revitalizing the Gary New Duluth area is no small task, but with the help of the community and generous donations the project will be done before we know it. The Gary New Duluth Community Center & Recreation Area will be completed in four distinct phases, each phase bringing with it something exciting to the area.

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Phase One

Phase One will see the installation of a new water line, a remodel of "The Shack", a Stormwater Feature with walking paths, and construction of a Pavilion Picknic Area, new parking lot, garden, open play area, ropes course/U8 soccer field, and a full-size soccer field with bleachers.

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Phase Two

Phase Two will add a much needed dog park to the City, as well as community gardens and a multi-use sport court at the park. This park will truely have something for everyone!

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Phase Three

Phase Three will bring to the Gary New Duluth community a state-of-the-art Urban Skateboard Park designed by nationally recognized skate park designer Mark Leski, aka “The Wizard”, as well as additional parking and landscaping adding to the functionality and beauty of the park.

4 & 5
Phases Four & Five

Phase Four, the final phase, will see the reconstruction of 101st Ave W., as well as the addition of a dedicated disk golf course on the outskirts of the park.

Conclusion

The community is in a period of transition with many new people moving to the community. This project provides the catalyst for bringing the community together, benefiting young people and seniors alike while instilling an overall sense of pride throughout the community.

We can't get this projected started without your help!

We Need Your Help

The new GND REC is becoming the center of the community. The Community Center is completed and active.  Phase I has been completed with soccer games keeping our new fields busy.  The performance pavilion was the venue for four concerts in 2017 and the 2018 schedule is being established.  The dog park is completed and is actively used.  Much more is needed to complete our project.  Amazing people - people like you -  are asked however they can. 2018 construction is focused on Phase 2 & 3 of our project will be started and are accepting donations to keep the project rolling.

Current Progress

The GND REC

$1,543,849.00
Raised
$2,380,000.00
Goal
65% Donated

Latest Donors

  • Thank You: Northland Foundation

    The Northland Foundation Donated $15,000

    Over 2015 and 2016, The Northland Foundation provided a grant of $15,000 for programming and staffing.

  • Thank You: Union Partners

    Union Partners

    The Electrical, Painters, Carpenters and Iron Workers Unions have all provied support for the project from day one.

  • Thank You: BOLDT Construction

    BOLDT Construction Donated $30,000

    During 2015 and 2016, BOLDT Construction provided $30,000 worth of services including concrete work for a new patio outside of the GND REC, awnings over both GND REC exterior doors and the concrete work for the paviliion and the instation of the pavilion.

  • Thank You: L. K. Johnson Foundation

    L.K. Johnson Foundation Donated $25,000

    In 2016 the L.K. Johnson Foundation provided a grant of $25,000 for the purchase and installation of the new open air pavilion.

  • Thank You: DNR

    DNR Donated $91,000

    In 2016 the DNR contributed a matching grant of $91,000 to build rain gardens and auxiliary structures to improve drainage.

  • Thank You: Minnesota Power Foundation

    Minnesota Power Foundation Donated $15,000

    On August 3rd, 2016, Minnesota Power Foundation donated $15,000 toward addressing drainage issues

  • Thank You: Vintage Acres

    Vintage Acres Donated $100,000

    On October 8th, 2015, Vintage Acres donated an impressive $100,000 to the GND Development Alliance for capital improvements at the GND REC.. This donation will go a long way towards developing a recreation area for use by the entire community!

  • Thank You: Canadian National

    CN Railway Donated $100,000

    On September 29th, 2014, Canadian Railway donated an impressive $100,000 to the Gary New Duluth Community Center & Recreation Area. This donation will go a long way towards reaching our goals!

    Read More

  • Thank You: Miller Creek Lawn and Landscape

    Miller Creek Donated $52,500

    Miller Creek Lawn and Landscape was an integral part of the transformation of the Veterans Memorial in GND. When the project to transform and revitalize the Gary New Duluth Recreation Area was conceived, they quickly committed. Miller Creek has pledged $17,500 worth of services and materials over a three year period for a total contribution valued at $52,500!

  • Thank You: Kraus Anderson

    Kraus Anderson Donated $38,000

    Kraus Anderson Construction Company has been on board with the project since the beginning. Because of their commitment to improving our community, Kraus Anderson has agreed to donate $38,000 worth of of project management services and technical support!

  • Thank You: ME Elecmetal

    ME Elecmetal Donated $25,000

    On April 25th, 2014, ME Elecmetal donated $25,000 to the GND REC. This donation will go a long way towards reaching our goals!

    Read More
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Why People Are Joining Us

There is a diverse set of citizens who have answered the call to make amazing things happen in Gary New Duluth. This is why they decided to volunteer their time, money, and resources to help build the new Gary New Duluth Community Center and Recreation Area.
  • Since Wagner Zaun Architecture started in 2005, community based design has been at the center of our work. So being part of the volunteer effort to resurrect and revitalize the Gary New Duluth Community and Recreation Center was a perfect fit for us. This grassroots initiative is a great example of architecture being an important part of community empowerment and neighborhood transformation. Doug ZaunWagner Zaun Architecture
  • We are rooted in the Gary area and our neighbors were asking for support. As a good neighbor we have put some financial backing into the project as well as volunteer time. It is important to have a stable neighborhood to do business in and this project has brought the entire community together. The families and the business of Gary need to feel proud of something and this project will do that and more. Bill GrauDuluth Plant Manager - ME Elecmetal
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