There are six capital projects being addressed by The Dakota Center (all finished by mid-late summer 2023). The highest priority is the acquisition of a 25-passenger plus driver mini-bus. This piece of equipment replaces a 2012 15-passenger van. Next, we are adding a Little Tikes Playground (41’x30’x7’with 8 play activities) for 5 to12 year-olds and replacing our 3 outdoor basketball hoops, adding seating for 32 adults (currently no seating at all) and installing a five-foot gate along the northwest end of the fence line. Third, we are investing tens of thousands of dollars in technology including adding/upgrading all audio-visual equipment in 5 areas including a new projection and sound system to our gym. Fourth, we are upgrading our phone system to be more flexible in use both at the Center and especially away from it. A Public Address component will be added to this new system for emergency warnings and other urgent communications that need to be delivered to all at the same time. Finally, once the new playground and basketball hoops are completed, we will restore, resurface, and restripe our parking lot.
These capital investments directly address the 3rd Priority, Objective #2 and #3 of our strategic plan: #2-Develop and expand our outside space for social, educational, and recreational activities #3- Maximize the use of the Center. The practical impact is our seniors now have a safe, comfortable, convenient mode of transport and the increase in capacity allows our program to grow. The benefits of play are innumerable. Play helps children develop cognitively, physically, and emotionally. The new playground and basketball hoops with sitting areas creates a healthy environment for this play to occur. The impact of new technology is self-evident in light of COVID. The phone and parking lot are also safety upgrades plus improve communications and curb appeal. Thank you to our donors, both individuals and foundations, which have made this incredible endeavor possible.
