March 2, 2026, marked a defining moment for Brooklyn Park. The ribbon has officially been cut on the city’s first city-owned gym inside the new Teen Center, a powerful investment in access, opportunity, and community. This milestone reflects what is possible when vision, leadership, and partnership align. The Minnesota CHILL Foundation (MCF) is grateful to stand alongside the Thielen Foundation and the City of Brooklyn Park in helping bring this 10-million-dollar project to life. The gym itself became possible after MCF reached out to its partners at the Thielen Foundation to help secure the funding needed to make this important addition a reality. With the leadership, and the steady guidance by Marcus Hill as the project manager along with Zanewood Recreation staff and the city’s Park and Recreation departments team, this center now stands as a lasting commitment to the future of our community.
We are also deeply appreciative of the professional media team assembled to document this historic occasion. Alongside MN Podcast and Content Studio and our partners from the Thielen Foundation, we were honored to include the Minnesota Spokesman Recorder. Having CEO and Publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard and her team present meant a great deal, as this moment deserves to be seen and remembered. This Teen Center is a tangible reflection of collaboration, generosity, and a shared belief that when we invest intentionally, we strengthen the entire community.
