The Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center (LCARC) has long been a hub for wellness, family activity, and community connection in southern Minnesota. As membership continued to grow and families voiced interest in more year-round spaces for play, the center’s leadership began asking an important question: What’s next for the Rec Center?
For Executive Director Ryan Yunkers, the answer became clear—an indoor children’s playground to serve local and area families. To bring that vision to life, the Rec Center partnered with Widseth to design and engineer a thoughtful and efficient expansion.
A Seamless 2,200-Square-Foot Addition
The project includes a 2,200-square-foot building addition that blends seamlessly into the original facility. That’s a significant accomplishment considering the original building was constructed 25 years ago. Widseth’s architecture and engineering teams worked intentionally to match the aesthetic, scale, and character of the existing structure.
A Smooth, Transparent, and Collaborative Process
For Yunkers, this project stood out as “one of the best experiences” he’s had across multiple construction efforts. From the earliest planning discussions with Widseth architect Dana Hlebichuk to final completion, the process was clear, well-organized, and dependable.
Estimates aligned with the final budget, schedules stayed on track, and Widseth’s strong relationships with contractors, subcontractors, inspectors, and other project partners kept everything moving smoothly. As someone who doesn’t manage construction projects every day, Yunkers felt supported throughout the entire process.
“I always felt like I was an important client to Widseth—not just a small project they didn’t have time for.”
The LCARC expansion includes a workout area for adults—something not often found in facilities with indoor playgrounds.
Supporting Community Wellness for Years to Come
The Lake Crystal Area Rec Center’s expansion brings new energy to the facility and new opportunities for residents of all ages. With spaces that support play, fitness, celebration, and connection, the project reflects the center’s mission and the community’s vision for the future.
Looking to update or expand community facilities in your town? Reach out to Dana Hlebichuk.
