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Detroit Lakes approves $225,000 support package for Minnesota Flyers expansion
Summary
The council approved a finance committee recommendation to provide $225,000 over five years for the Minnesota Flyers capital expansion, split as $10,000/year from the liquor fund and $35,000/year from the Legion Park campground fund, recognizing prior city investments in the property.
The Detroit Lakes City Council authorized multi-year financial support for Minnesota Flyers’ planned expansion after a presentation from the organization and committee review.
What the council approved: Following a finance committee recommendation, the council approved a support package totaling $225,000 paid over five years: $10,000 per year from the liquor fund and $35,000 per year from the Legion Park campground fund. The recommendation reflected the committee’s assessment of available fund balances and prior city contributions (including demolition and parking lot work and ownership of the building the Flyers occupy).
Flyers’ proposal and finances: Minnesota Flyers representatives (Executive Director Lisa Lingard and consultant Beth Pratty) described a $3.85 million expansion to grow the facility at 1306 Rossman Avenue from ~12,000 sq ft to ~34,000 sq ft, increase program capacity and add therapy and sensory spaces. They reported $2.3 million in pledges and an $860,000 new market tax credit award; the Flyers emphasized community programs and athletic development as program goals.
Council discussion: Council members asked whether the organization would return for further support in future years and discussed prior financing steps taken by the organization (a proposed bank financing letter from Midwest Bank that did not require city obligation). Staff noted the recommendation considered fund balances and existing commitments; council members emphasized oversight, the city’s existing ownership of the building and maintenance responsibilities for parking.
Outcome and next steps: The council voted to approve the committee’s recommendation to fund the Minnesota Flyers capital campaign as outlined. Council members asked staff to track the commitment across the five-year horizon and noted that additional parking lot costs will likely require future actions.
Quote: "We are the owners of the building in which they are doing business," a council member said when discussing the city's ongoing relationship with the project.
Public-interest note: The expansion is pitched as a community-serving investment in recreation and inclusive programming; the local contribution will be structured through annual commitments from identified city funds.
