Mayor Rob Rafferty said it was a task that he and other city leaders knew would be easier said than done.
“The reality of it is we had to make some tough decisions,” Rafferty said.
When Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021, it sent millions in federal aid to cities, counties, and states. The idea was to use the money to support governments after the COVID-related economic downturn. Rafferty said city leaders began to research how to use the more than $2.4 million Lino Lakes was allocated.
“Because those dollars were directly related to something that was directly affected by COVID–the closing of the doors, the YMCA going to another location or shutting down–it was kind of a tough decision,” said Rafferty.
Ultimately, the city decided to spend more than $1.4 million of the ARPA funds on re-opening, refurbishing, and staffing the new Rookery Activity Center in the more than 15-year-old former YMCA building.
“If those dollars weren’t there, we’d be struggling to try to figure out how we can make this work,” said Rafferty.
Now, the Rookery is ready to open. The city announced it’s opening day is May 23. It will be open Monday – Friday 5:00am – 10:00pm, and Saturday-Sunday 6:00am – 8:00pm. According to a city press release, the public will be able to purchase memberships in person during these hours, or anytime online starting May 23rd. Membership details and additional information can be found at www.linolakes.us/therookery.
offering a range of membership options, starting at $55/month. Membership rates and operating hours for The Rookery Activity Center have been established and approved by the Lino Lakes City Council.
Membership includes: access to the lap pool with 6 lanes, recreational zero-depth pool with waterslide and water play feature, sauna, gymnasium, locker rooms, guest passes, discounts on programs and services, and priority registration for programs, and access to the fitness floor, and basic fitness classes provided by Endurance Fitness.
Premium services for an additional cost include: Aquatic programs, drop-in child watch, towel service, other recreational programs, and premium fitness classes, and personal training provided by Endurance Fitness.
“The transformation–to try and change it from what was the YMCA to a new paint, new floors, new carpet, new locker rooms, everything–it made it look alive and brand-new,” said Rafferty. “That’s just unbelievable.”
