To view the most up-to-date renderings of the project, click here.

To view the 3D virtual tour, click here.

January 7, 2026

Residents were invited to an in-person open house at the Chanhassen Rec Center to see the latest materials and speak directly with staff and project partners. The open house included updated renderings, floor plans, amenity information and space for questions and feedback. This was a great opportunity to learn about the project’s progress and see how the design continues to evolve based on resident input. Thank you to all of the residents who attended. At the open house, pamphlets about the project were distributed. You can download a copy of those pamphlets here.

December 21, 2025

What to know: The Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center remains on track and on budget as the project moves into its next phase.

Where things stand: Since voters approved the project and the local option sales tax in 2024, staff, councilmembers and design partners have worked to keep every voter-supported amenity in place while refining the design and controlling costs.

What’s new:
• The project team advanced the site plan and refined interior layouts this fall
• Workshops focused on landscaping, circulation, stormwater, fitness and studio spaces, the community room and daily operational needs
• Interior planning reviewed equipment, materials, sound and long-term maintenance to ensure a durable, resident-friendly facility

By the numbers: Council reviewed updated renderings and the latest cost estimate on December 8. The total project estimate is $80,092,184, including design and construction contingencies.

What it means for residents: The project remains aligned with the budget voters supported. All amenities and program elements stay intact.

What’s next: Council supported the current direction and authorized the team to move into the next design phase. Construction documents will be completed this winter, bidding is expected in spring 2026 and construction is anticipated to begin later in the year. Completion is targeted for 2028.

September 8, 2025

On September 4, the city finalized the land buy (13.1 acres) for the Community Center and, at a special City Council work session held on the same day, the project team (BKV Group architects and RJM Construction) presented three updated design options, cost estimates and new renderings for the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center.  

This followed Council’s July 14 meeting, where BKV, the project’s architecture firm, presented an update that reflected higher costs and adjustments to the previously discussed programming elements. At that meeting, Council asked BKV to explore a version of the project that maintains both the approved $80 million budget and the core programming elements. Those revised proposals were presented at this September 4 work session. 

The three options presented by BKV were:   

• Option 1 (Two-level): Most cost-efficient, best flow, strong connections to wetlands, clear separation of athletes and visitors. (Preliminary cost estimate: $82,611,181)
• Option 2 (Single-level): Less efficient, required costly retaining walls, created awkward flow and rear side service areas. (Preliminary cost estimate: $82,981,648)
• Option 3 (Mid-level hybrid): Most expensive due to stepped foundations and inefficiencies. (Preliminary cost estimate: $83,192,000) 

Councilmembers overwhelmingly voiced support for Option 1, a two-level concept that balances cost, efficiency and amenities. They thanked BKV for presenting a design that maintained the programming elements presented to voters before the 2024 General Election. Councilmembers praised Option 1's openness and flow, welcoming lobby, two full hockey rinks, better-sized community rooms and indoor playground off the main entrance. They highlighted its strong gathering spaces and flexibility for weddings, events and community use. Following this meeting, Chanhassen Mayor Elise Ryan shared her perspective on the latest Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center developments in her latest "Message from the Mayor," which you can read here.

Option #1

Option 1 lowers costs from the July 14 proposal by trimming overall square footage, simplifying roof design (from pitched to flat/membrane), using precast exterior panels instead of metal framing and streamlining mechanical and electrical systems. These changes cut millions from July’s higher estimates while keeping all of the core amenities voters supported. Some areas were reduced in size and a planned restaurant was removed, but community rooms were redesigned with better proportions and views, the indoor playground was moved for higher visibility and the walking track now connects directly off the lobby. Although the original restaurant design was eliminated in order to align with the established budget, we are exploring convenient amenities such as enhanced concessions that could include hot food and beverage service to support users of all ages while keeping operating costs manageable. The result is a more efficient design that still delivers two hockey rinks, a field house, fitness center, walking track, indoor playground, community rooms, dance studios and space for wellness-focused tenants. 

One space that will not see a reduction in square footage is the fitness center. The design moving forward actually expands the fitness center to 3,800 square feet—about 20 percent larger than what voters approved last fall (and over 2x the size of the current fitness center at the Chanhassen Rec Center). While the design is still in the schematic phase and details may shift, city staff and council members are committed to ensuring that the fitness center will be at least the 3,200 square feet originally approved.  

New renderings, fresh perspective



New project renderings were shared at the Sept. 4 work session. Click here to view a photo gallery of the latest design vision.

What's Next

Although the option presented at the Sept. 4 work session brought the design much closer to the original cost target of $80 million ($82,611,181), Council did direct BKV and city staff to continue working on bringing the project’s cost down to meet the $80 million goal. 

The design team will finalize the schematic design phase and prepare another cost estimate. Design is expected to continue through 2025. The goal is to begin construction in May 2026 and complete it in 2028. 

May 6, 2025

Since voters approved funding for the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center last November, significant progress has been made to bring this project to life:

Design Team Selected
In March, the Chanhassen City Council approved a Letter of Intent and later a formal contract with architectural firm BKV Group, following a competitive interview process. BKV will lead the design of the new community center. Additionally, the Council brought on The Sports Facilities Companies to assist with venue planning and financial modeling.

Tours and Early Design Discussions
To help shape the vision for our facility, Council and staff toured several nearby community centers in April. On May 5, they met with BKV to discuss takeaways and review early concepts for the site.

Site Secured
On May 5, the City Council approved the acquisition of 13.1 acres at Powers Boulevard and Highway 212 for the future community center. The site also includes a 1.8-acre stormwater pond donated at no cost. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2026. The city expects to close on the property later this summer. 

March 10, 2025

The City Council selected the BKV Group as the architect and engineering firm for the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center.

December 19, 2024

The City of Chanhassen is excited to move forward with the new community center. So what's next? In 2025, we’ll provide opportunities for residents to share feedback and to help shape the design of this project. The next steps are completing the land acquisition and RFP processes for the Architect and Construction Manager. It is likely that construction will begin in 2026, with completion anticipated in spring 2028. Make sure you are signed up for our email list (click on the green "Subscribe for Project Updates" button) to stay up to speed on this project. 

November 5, 2024

On Election Day, Chanhassen residents voted to support the proposed Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center. This step forward represents our shared commitment to creating a welcoming and vibrant space for all. Resident input has been—and will continue to be—an essential part of this important milestone for Chanhassen's future, so stay tuned for ways to get involved and help us create a gathering place that truly meets the needs of our growing community.

One great way to stay in the loop about the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center is to sign up for our email newsletters and then scroll down under Projects to make sure you have the checkbox next to Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center selected.

Current Chanhassen Recreation Center 

Built in 1995 through a joint powers agreement with Easter Carver County School District, the Chanhassen Recreation Center was designed to serve local residents and the surrounding community. Since then, it has become the hub for community activities organized by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Current Amenities

• Sport Court with seating for up to 150 people
• Fitness and Aerobics Room
• Locker Rooms
• Meeting Rooms
• Outdoor Activities: Tennis and pickleball courts, warming house, ice skating rinks, soccer fields, and baseball/softball fields

Current Status

 The Rec Center has not undergone a major renovation since it was built, and several features now need updates. A site facilities study conducted in 2021 provided the following recommendations:

1. Address Deferred Maintenance: Windows, handicap doors, roof of the warming house, HVAC units, gymnasium, locker rooms, aerobics room, fitness room, and meeting rooms.
2. Improve Site Drainage: Critical drainage issues causing water to pool and drain back towards the building, particularly around the warming house and parking area.
3. Enhance Site and Building Accessibility: Updates needed include skating rink lighting, milling and overlaying the parking lot, and repairing tennis and pickleball courts.
4. Upgrade Interior Facilities: Ceiling replacements, refurbishing gym, locker rooms, and meeting rooms, and replacing interior doors.
5. Expand and Adapt to Meet Growing Demand: Desired additions we hear from community members are more gymnasium space, indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, an outdoor refrigerated ice rink, and possibly a splash pad or pool.

Potential Expansion

In 2022, the Parks Referendum Task Force reviewed these recommendations and sought solutions to address these issues and funding sources to better serve the community. They concluded that future expansion at the current site is not feasible due to land available and parking restrictions. The task force recommended pursuing a local option sales tax as the primary revenue source to build a new Recreation Center that meets the community's needs.

Funding Overview 

The Community Center will cost approximately $79.7 million. The city will use a voter-approved one-half percent (0.5%) local option sales tax increase, property tax levy, and other funding sources to finance the plan.

Primary Sources of Funding

• One-Half Percent Local Option Sales Tax Increase: In November 2024, Chanhassen residents will vote on a one-half percent (0.5%) local option sales and use tax which will generate $40 million in revenue for the Community Center project. Forty-five percent of the one-half percent (0.5%) sales tax will be paid by nonresidents, according to research by the University of Minnesota.
• Property Tax Levy: The property tax increase will be phased in over time. The estimated property tax impact will be about $17 per month for a residential home valued at $600,000, averaged over 20 years.
• Other Funding Sources: The remainder of the project funding includes but is not limited to the sale of the existing rec center, naming rights and sponsorships, and property taxes generated by the Avienda Development that will be dedicated to the repayment of the bonds on the Community Center Project.

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Local Option Sales Tax

The Parks and Recreation Task Force explored funding options for building a new Recreation Center due to the limitations on expanding the current facility. One viable solution is the local option sales tax. The Minnesota legislature allows cities to increase sales tax by up to 0.5% for select infrastructure projects, pending state approval. This option is especially appealing for growing cities like Chanhassen, which attract non-residents for shopping, lodging, and activities.

How will the sales tax impact me?

Benefits of a Local Option Sales Tax

Ensuring both residents and nonresidents share in the cost to invest in the community center.

• Alternative Funding Source: The location option sales tax provides a way for cities to fund new developments without relying entirely on bonding or increasing property taxes. This allows cities to pursue necessary projects while minimizing the financial burden on residents.
• Historical Success: Over the past five years, local option sales taxes have been a valuable tool for cities and counties to fund significant public projects. In 2022, 14 cities had 21 ballot questions for local sales taxes, and 18 of these projects were approved by voters.
• Expiration Terms: The sales tax would expire in 20 years or sooner if the bonds for the project are paid off early. Any extension or redirection of the tax would require legislative approval and voter consent.

The University of Minnesota Research

As part of the application process, the city worked with the University of Minnesota to analyze the impact of adding a local option sales tax. The study found:

• Non-Resident Contributions: Approximately 45.1% of the taxable sales in Chanhassen come from non-residents. This means nearly half of the revenue generated by the local sales tax would come from visitors, reducing the financial burden on local residents.
• Resident Impact: The 2019 study shows the average cost of the one-half percent (0.5%) sales tax per Chanhassen resident would be approximately $35.55 per year. That’s about $2.96 per month.
• Revenue Estimates: If the local option sales tax had been in place in 2019, a one-half percent (0.5%) sales tax would have generated about $1.7 million. Chanhassen residents would have contributed around $934,000, while non-residents would have added approximately $766,000.
• Future Revenue: The projected revenue from the local option sales tax remains strong, offering a reliable source of funding for Chanhassen.

Read the University of Minnesota's full analysis of the proposed local option sales tax by clicking here.

What about other cities?

Chanhassen’s proposed 0.5% local option sales tax aligns closely with regional standards, with neighboring towns maintaining local sales tax rates primarily at 0.5%, and a few as high as 1.25% and 1.5%.

Property Tax Levy

The property tax increase will be phased in over time. The estimated property tax impact will be about $17 per month for an average residential home valued at $600,000, averaged over 20 years.

Estimated Tax Impact

AAA Bond Rating Affirmed

On July 17, 2024, the City of Chanhassen’s bond rating agency, Standard & Poor’s (S&P), once again affirmed Chanhassen’s ‘AAA’ bond rating with a stable outlook, meaning they do not expect the rating to change in the next two years. ‘AAA’ is the highest bond rating available to a municipality. The bond rating was evaluated for the City’s issuance of bonds for the Civic Campus project. Sustaining the AAA bond rating results in lower interest rates for the city and tax savings for residents.