The Dunn County Board of Commissioners approved a $2,000,000 grant to the City of Halliday on a unanimous roll call vote to fund Phase 1 outdoor improvements at the site the city calls the Wolverine Den.

County commissioners said the funding will complement local and state grants and the city’s own investment in renovating the former Halliday school into a community center.

City representative Rebecca, who presented the application, described the Phase 1 scope as a pavilion with restrooms, a multiuse trail, renovated tennis/pickleball and basketball courts, playground upgrades, irrigation, grading and retaining walls; she said the total estimated cost for Phase 1 is $2,560,000. Rebecca said the city already has internal funds committed to renovating the school building and has secured a forestry grant to clear and replant trees on the site.

Jamie Cronier, a Halliday resident who spoke with the board, described the project as a place for children and families and urged county support. “I pushed our commission board to buy the school because I didn’t want to see it just go to waste,” Cronier said. “It would be very great if you guys could help us make this happen in Halliday.”

Commissioners discussed the city’s prior investment in the property — commissioners said the city has spent several million dollars to buy and renovate the building — and asked county staff to coordinate with the city auditor on exact local match amounts before the next meeting. Commissioner Olson moved to approve the $2,000,000 grant; Commissioner Heizer seconded. The board voted yes on a roll call and the motion carried.

County staff and the city estimated a construction timeline that would aim to complete Phase 1 by the end of summer 2026, with a Phase 2 program (splash pad, ballfield renovation, ice-skating area and disc‑golf upgrades) to follow in 2026–27. The county and city said they expect additional funding to come from state sources, a forestry grant already secured for tree work, and local contributions.

The board did not attach conditions to the grant vote beyond standard grant administration and asked county auditors and city finance staff to coordinate on the disbursement schedule and any required documentation. The Halliday delegation said it would return to the board with finer budget and match details if needed.

The vote: motion carried unanimously (Commissioner Olson moved; Commissioner Heizer seconded).