BROOKINGS, SD – The City of Brookings, in collaboration with the Brookings School District and Brookings County, is pleased to announce a joint initiative to secure the Fifth Street Gym as a dedicated community recreation facility. The plan addresses the increasing demand for consistent indoor recreation space in Brookings, ensuring year-round opportunities for residents of all ages.
Last fall, the district declared the gym surplus property and entered a contract to list the property for sale. Since January, the city has been working to solidify a plan to properly invest in the facility while negotiating a shared parking agreement with Brookings County. This effort reflects a strong commitment by all three entities to meet the community’s growing recreation needs.
Addressing Gym Space Shortage
Brookings has long faced ongoing challenges with limited gym space, making scheduling programs, leagues, and community activities difficult. The city’s acquisition of the Fifth Street Gym will provide a dedicated space for these important services.
“The demand for indoor recreation has steadily increased with our community’s growth,” said Kristin Zimmerman, director of the city’s Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. “By investing in the Fifth Street Gym, we can better serve residents while supporting both youth and adult programs.”
Benefits of Acquiring Fifth Street Gym
The city’s acquisition of the gym will:
• Provide a consistent and reliable gym space for leagues, camps and activities.
• Expand opportunities for programs like pickleball, volleyball, basketball, and futsal.
• Improve scheduling flexibility, reducing conflicts for community groups and programs.
Funding and Maintenance
The city will fund the necessary improvements using its existing Parks, Recreation and Forestry Capital Improvement Plan. No new taxes or funding sources will be required. To accommodate its investment, the city will prioritize maintenance of existing facilities while deferring some new park amenities.
“Our focus remains on maintaining and enhancing our current assets,” said City Manager Paul Briseno. “By making strategic adjustments to our budget, we are confident we can meet both the short-term needs and long-term goals for this facility.”
Timeline and Next Steps
Brookings County owns the Fifth Street Gym parking lot and has an agreement that allows the school district to use it. The County Commission is expected to take action in early April to ensure adequate parking for the city’s expanded programming and activities at the gym.
Final approval from the Brookings City Council and Brookings School Board will soon follow.
Once ownership is secured, the city will begin making improvements to address both the current and future needs of the facility.
“We want to ensure the Fifth Street Gym will remain a vibrant hub for community engagement and recreation programs well into the future,” Briseno said.
Commitment to the Community
Zimmerman said this investment aligns with the city’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which identified the need for additional indoor recreation space. By repurposing the Fifth Street Gym, the city provides a cost-effective solution that enhances health and wellness opportunities while fostering community engagement.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to collaborate with the Brookings School District and Brookings County to deliver a long-term solution for our community,” said Mayor Ope Niemeyer. “This is an investment in our residents, our programs and the future of Brookings.”
Brookings School District Superintendent Summer Schultz expressed support for the acquisition.
“The Fifth Street Gym has played a vital role in our school district for years,” she said. “We are pleased to see it remain a valuable community resource. This partnership ensures that our students, families and residents will continue to benefit from its use for years to come.”
📸: City of Brookings