The Community Center was recently honored with the Partner Award from Crow Wing Energized, recognizing a collaborative effort focused on improving community health and wellness. As part of the award, the Community Center received a new hydration station, now located in the facility’s main lobby, offering patrons convenient access to clean, refillable drinking water.
The Partner Award highlights organizations that demonstrate a commitment to creating healthier communities through meaningful partnerships. The hydration station represents a simple yet impactful addition that supports the daily needs of residents who use the Community Center for recreation, learning, and connection.
Each year, more than 85,000 people walk through the doors of the Community Center. From early-morning fitness users to families attending programs and evening recreation participants, the facility serves as a central gathering place for people of all ages. With such high annual usage, even small improvements can have a significant and lasting impact. The addition of the hydration station promotes one of the most fundamental elements of good health—proper hydration—helping patrons stay energized, focused, and comfortable during their visits.
Recreational groups are among those who will benefit most directly. Pickleball continues to be one of the fastest-growing activities in the community, drawing players of all ages and abilities. Matches can be fast-paced and physically demanding, making hydration essential for endurance and injury prevention. The centrally located hydration station allows players to refill water bottles before, during, or after play without leaving the facility.
Youth recreation programs will also see positive impacts. Children participating in after-school activities, camps, and seasonal programs are encouraged to build healthy habits early. The hydration station gives staff an easy opportunity to promote wellness by reminding participants to take breaks and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Library visitors are another group supported by the new addition. The Community Center lobby serves as the entry point to the library, welcoming students, families, seniors, and lifelong learners. Many patrons spend extended time reading, studying, or attending programs. Access to water nearby improves comfort and convenience while supporting concentration and overall well-being.
Senior programming and community gatherings likewise benefit from the hydration station’s accessibility. Proper hydration is particularly important for older adults, and having a clearly visible water source encourages healthy routines in a welcoming environment. Whether attending a club meeting, educational program, or social event, patrons can easily access water without leaving the building.
In addition to health benefits, the hydration station supports environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of reusable water bottles and reducing reliance on single-use plastics. This aligns with broader community goals focused on responsible resource use and long-term environmental stewardship.
The Community Center expressed appreciation to Crow Wing Energized for the recognition and support, noting that collaborations like this help ensure public spaces remain welcoming, healthy, and accessible to all residents.
The Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) promotes community-driven initiatives that create opportunities for active living, healthy eating, and tobacco-free living. Its goal is to help all Minnesotans prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
SHIP collaborates with local partners to enhance safe spaces for physical activity, improve access to healthy and affordable foods, reduce tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure, promote wellness in the workplace, and foster better emotional well-being.
Through these efforts, SHIP works to build vibrant communities, offering all Minnesotans the chance to live longer, healthier lives. With 90 percent of national healthcare costs attributed to chronic conditions—many of which are preventable—SHIP’s work plays a critical role in improving public health and reducing healthcare expenses.
Crow Wing Energized was founded with the mission to “improve health and wellness in our community by making the healthy choice the easy choice.” The organization proudly collaborates with SHIP to increase access to healthy opportunities for Crow Wing County residents.
To learn more, visit CrowWingEnergized.org/SHIP and follow Crow Wing Energized on Facebook for updates.
Written by TJ Graumann, CPRP
Director of Parks, Recreation & Library
