Last Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m., community members gathered at Dacotah Bank for the latest Join the Conversation meeting, focused on the growing need for physical activity spaces in Clark County. The turnout was strong, and the discussion was both engaging and productive, reflecting the community’s shared interest in supporting both youth and adult activities.
A highlight of the evening was the participation of Mr. Ahrens, superintendent of the Clark School District, who provided valuable insight into recent adjustments regarding the use of the fieldhouse. He explained how the demand for space has increased significantly due to a wide range of activities—not only traditional sports but also adult pickleball and other programs. His presence was a welcome addition, offering context about the school’s usage of facilities and helping to bridge the conversation between school needs and broader community interests.
Attendees also included individuals from both Clark and Willow Lake who are exploring ways to grow their physical businesses and provide more opportunities for residents to stay active. The discussion underscored a shared county-wide need for versatile, accessible spaces that can serve kids, adults, and athletic groups year-round. Gymnastics, dance, and other activities require substantial room, and with growth in these areas—particularly gymnastics—it’s clear that the demand for usable space is only increasing.
There was also conversation around the idea of having a shared space located between Willow Lake and Clark. While it initially seemed like a potential solution, concerns were raised about accessibility—especially for kids and for adults who want to quickly work out after work or in the evenings. The added travel time could affect how usable such a space would actually be. Additionally, attendees from farther north expressed that a centrally located facility between the two towns could be a drawback, requiring extra travel time and making it less practical for them. From this discussion, the consensus leaned toward the idea that each community would benefit more from having its own unique space tailored to its residents, rather than trying to share one central facility.
One idea discussed was the potential for Choose Clark County to play a role in helping create or facilitate access to a shared community space. While still in the early stages of exploring possibilities, the organization is actively considering various options—whether that means supporting an existing facility, partnering on a new initiative, or helping to secure space that meets the needs of our growing community. Any significant step would likely involve collaboration and grant support, but the willingness to explore creative solutions is a promising start.
In small communities like ours, the key to solving challenges like these lies in being creative with what we already have—finding ways to make existing spaces work and thinking outside the box. If you have ideas, have seen how other communities have tackled similar needs, or simply have a dream for how this could work in Clark County, please reach out to Choose Clark County. I, Catie Noethlich, would love to talk with you and help bring those ideas to the table. It’s through collaboration, community input, and a little creative thinking that we’ll find the best solutions to serve our communities now and into the future.
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