The Dunn County Board of Commissioners voted to award the City of Halliday a $2,000,000 grant for outdoor improvements at the Wolverine Den community center, the board said at its meeting. The motion to approve the grant passed by roll call vote with all commissioners voting in favor.

County commissioners and Halliday representatives said the funds would pay for Phase 1 work: a pavilion with restrooms, a multi-use trail, renovation of tennis/pickleball and basketball courts, playground upgrades, grading and irrigation, and retaining walls. The city’s presentation said total Phase 1 cost is about $2,560,000 and that additional funding sources include a forestry grant for tree replacement and other local and state sources.

The grant is intended to support the city’s conversion of a former school into a community hub. City representatives said the building already houses a food pantry, gym space, a commercial kitchen and other services, and that the outdoor work is expected to improve recreation, attract visitors and expand community use.

Commissioners said they were supportive of the project and noted the city had already invested in the building itself. Commissioner Olson moved to approve the $2,000,000 grant request, and Commissioner Heizer seconded; a roll call vote recorded all “yes” votes and the motion carried.

The county presentation and discussion included a proposed timeline: begin design and funding activity in 2025 with construction of Phase 1 during 2026. City presenters asked the commission to consider the grant as part of a broader economic-development and quality-of-life strategy for small towns in the county.

Details the city provided at the meeting show Phase 1 scope and a site plan; city officials said they expect to combine county funding with state grants (including a forestry grant), city funds and private donations to complete the work. The county did not specify a schedule for disbursement or reporting requirements at the meeting.

The board did not attach conditions in public minutes beyond the formal award; city representatives said they would continue local fundraising and coordination with state partners.

The county clerk will record the approved grant and next steps in the official files.