Photo Credit: JLG Architects
What was once a quiet community in the rolling hills of Western North Dakota, Williston saw its population boom after striking oil in 2008, transforming from a town of 12,500 to a city of more than 40,000 permanent and transient residents. This influx brought with it challenges that turned into opportunities—from massive infrastructure and housing changes to hundreds of new school-age children looking to learn. Williston Parks & Recreation District (WPRD) saw an opportunity of its own: a chance to create an unparalleled recreational facility that would improve the quality of life and give all of Williston’s residents—new and old—a destination that would make them proud to live in this vibrant city. The end result was the Williston Area Recreation Center (2014)—the largest parks and recreation district -owned rec center in the United States, which has paid for itself, socially, healthily, and financially.
“When the oil boom hit, it confirmed what we already knew: We needed a place for our kids and the families that lived here, and that would be moving here, to relax, recreate, and enjoy a high quality of life,” says Darin Krueger, Executive Director of the district.
Responding To Residents
Overseen by Krueger, designed by lead architect JLG Architects and design architect Sink Combs Dethleffs Architects, and built by JE Dunn Construction, the Williston Area Recreation Center, often called the ARC, shines through its details. From the earliest feasibility studies, community input drove the facility. For example, racquetball courts were not included in the original program, and so Williston local David Schmidt rallied a signed petition to add them—and they were incorporated soon after. “We actually lost the first vote without a recreation center in the proposal,” says Krueger. “We went back to the public to find out what they wanted, and we answered with what they said—a rec center! We lost the first vote by 31 votes and won the second by over 800 votes.”