Community investment gets kids moving
January 22, 2026With support from Heartland Energy, Lake Crystal opens new indoor playground
Kids in Lake Crystal have a new place to play, explore, and stay active during Minnesota’s long winter months.
The newly opened indoor playground at the Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center (LCARC) features slides and climbing elements that encourage movement, creativity and fun year-round.
The $1.5 million project is the result of seven years of planning and fundraising, with support from community partners including Heartland Energy, which contributed $10,000 through its Power Forward and Economic Development grant programs.
A vision takes shape
Planning for the indoor playground began in 2017, when the LCARC Board of Directors set forth to create a strategic plan.
As part of the process, they asked a simple but important question: What does the community need most?
They determined that an indoor children’s playground would meet a community need while aligning with the center’s mission to promote health and wellness.
“During the harsh winter months and other inclement weather days year-round in Minnesota, there are few indoor options for young children to climb, run, and play,” said Ryan Yunkers, LCARC Director.
The expansion includes a large, multi-level play structure for children from toddlers through age 12, along with an adult exercise corner where parents can use a treadmill or bike to exercise while watching their children play.
“We’ve created an opportunity for families to be healthy together and build healthy habits,” Yunkers said.
Supporting healthy, active kids
With the 2,200 square-foot indoor playground open, the recreation center plans to incorporate the space into existing youth programming.
The Fit Kids program focuses on creating opportunities for children to stay active and healthy. It includes daily activities to support physical movement while emphasizing social and intellectual skills. Activities include youth fitness classes, health lessons, swimming, games and more.
“We’ve developed our programming to keep kids active and knowledgeable on healthy activities,” Yunkers said. “The new indoor playground supports that mission.”
Yunkers also noted the role the facility plays in reducing children’s screen time, which can be associated with higher rates of obesity, irregular sleep, behavioral challenges, and lower academic performance.
The new space gives children another opportunity to be active year-round.
Investments make it possible
The project was made possible through a combination of donations and support from the city of Lake Crystal.
Heartland Energy also contributed, awarding a $5,000 economic development grant and a $5,000 Power Forward grant.
“Community amenities are crucial for economic development,” said Heartland Director of Economic Development Casey Crabtree. “They help attract people to the community and foster a higher quality of life.”
The new addition was also designed with efficiency in mind. Lights are fixed with motion sensors, and the playground area utilizes daylight harvesting technology. A new, high-efficiency heating and cooling system helps reduce energy use.
“Not only does this new addition benefit the community, but it was built with efficient technologies to support long-term energy savings,” said Heartland Chief Communications Officer Ann Hyland.
Families do not need to be members of the recreation center to use the new indoor playground. Day passes are available and like other areas of the recreation center, families may be eligible for scholarships to reduce admission prices.
