A  three-way partnership between Anoka-Ramsey Community College, the City of Cambridge and the State of Minnesota Department of Military Affairs recently opened the doors to a fitness center in the Armed Forces Reserve and Cambridge Community Center 54,000 sq. foot facility, located on a 25-acre parcel along the west side of Cty. Rd. 70 (Spirit River Dr. S.) to the south of the last remaining Cambridge Campus metal building.

“We were able to make substantial savings by sharing the costs of items such as equipment and floor covering.” says Anoka-Ramsey Community College Vice President, Michael Seymour who signed the agreement to sublease the space from the city last month. “We will fine tune our partnership annually to maximize use of the facility.”

Along with other amenities, the city contributed to the facility to expand the fitness center from 800 to 2,400 sq. feet and to upgrade the 6,400 sq. foot drill floor to a 9,000 sq. foot gymnasium. 

The fitness area is equipped with a weight training area as well as a full-size basketball court and bleachers, allowing the college to offer an extensive array of health and wellness programming to students, such as badminton, Tae Kwon Do and, beginning mid-semester, an Aerobic Fitness class.

“The city entered into a use agreement with the military for the shared public spaces which in turn allows us to enter into use agreements with other entities, such as Anoka-Ramsey,” says the city’s Director of Development, Dave Carlberg. “The use agreement between the city and the Anoka-Ramsey is a prime example how public entities can partner and collaborate to maximize resources for the greater good of the community.”

In addition to contributing enhancement funds, the college anticipates $12,000 to $15,000 in annual room rental costs to be paid to the city. The money will help defer operating costs and the cost of replacing equipment.

According to Carlberg, the Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center is the first facility built in the State of Minnesota in partnership and cooperation between the Army National Guard, US Army Reserve and a city.

Excitement Grows for New Space
Courses were offered for the first time this spring in the new fitness area, and college staff could not be more pleased.

Wendy Zins, Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) faculty member at the Cambridge Campus for the nearly 14 years, has seen the program grow from a confined space in the college’s original metal buildings to this larger space.

“It is very exciting to see the progress that’s been made,” says Zins. “Now I am looking forward to continue working with all the groups to continue to offer more programming to our students.”

Cindi Gilbert, the college’s Cambridge Campus Director of Student Life, adds, “The new fitness center area is a clean, bright area with a great view, and the locker rooms are well-equipped.”