Frequently Asked Questions

Our Community, Our Center

  • In recent decades, community members have expressed the need for a community center in Owatonna. In response to this feedback, the City has launched Our Community, Our Center, a community-driven planning process to explore building a new community center including ways to provide the activities, amenities, programs and services that community members believe are essential. The planning process will also include assessing potential community center locations and funding options to build and maintain a community center. Read more about the facilities planning process on our Community Center page.

  • Decisions have not been made on whether this project will proceed, the scope or location of a new community center. City staff and the Community Center Task Force will spend the next 12 to 18 months conducting a facilities planning process, which will include opportunities for community engagement. 

  • Community members have expressed their desire for a community center through multiple feedback processes. In June 2024,  a community survey asked community members to share the amenities and activities they most desire in a community center. 740 community members responded to the survey, contributing almost 700 ideas. 

    The City also formed a Community Center Task Force to guide the planning process for a new community center. The Task Force comprises community members representing different backgrounds, City Council members and representatives from the Owatonna School District, Steele County and Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. This Task Force will begin their work this fall by analyzing the community survey results. Read more about this process on our Community Center page.

  • No decision has been made on a community center. During the facilities planning process, the City and the Community Center Task Force will assess potential community center locations. 

  • The City is still in the initial stages of the facilities planning process. The City is committed to ensuring the community center planning process is guided by the priorities identified through community engagement and resident input. Read more about this process on our Community Center page. 

  • Yes. The facilities planning process for a community center is grounded in resident engagement. There will be ongoing opportunities to provide feedback throughout the planning process. The City will share information about community engagement opportunities through this website and City communication channels. In the meantime, community members are encouraged to submit feedback using this Connect Form.

  • Visit this website for ongoing updates and to learn about opportunities to get engaged. Community members are also encouraged to use the Connect Form to ask questions and share feedback on this initiative.

  • The City of Owatonna is dedicated to keeping community members informed and engaged in its work to preserve City-owned assets and plan for the future. The Our Community, Our Center website will be regularly updated. Community members are encouraged to follow the City's communication channels including its Owatonna Update newsletter and Facebook page for more information.

    To ask questions or share feedback, use the Connect Form or email communitycenter@owatonna.gov.

Long Range Asset Plan

  • After thoroughly assessing City-owned facilities, the City identified more than 90 buildings and structures that require annual maintenance and long-term investments to preserve their value and effectively serve the community. The Long Range Asset Plan ensures the City is serving taxpayers by investing in these facilities to meet community needs and provide the services that community members prioritize.

  • The City of Owatonna is committed to providing the services and amenities that community members expect and deserve while using resources and taxpayer dollars efficiently. By preserving facilities and making thoughtful, planned improvements, the City can maintain the high quality of life Owatonna community members enjoy.

  • Read more about the Long Range Asset Plan and the projects included in the plan. 

Facilities Planning Process

  • A facilities planning process uses assessments, strategic planning, and community engagement to develop a plan to construct, repair, or enhance a building or facilities. Engaging in this process ensures investments in City-owned facilities serve taxpayers and enhance the amenities and services that community members prioritize.

  • With more than 90 City-owned buildings and structures and their surrounding sites requiring maintenance and long-term investments, the City is implementing a plan to preserve and enhance these assets to meet community members’ expectations. This process aims to use resources efficiently, meet the expectations of community members, and ensure a high quality of life in Owatonna for the foreseeable future.