Employees from JLG and RJM participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for phase 2 of Maple Grove Community Center

JLG Architects celebrates Phase 2 Groundbreaking at Maple Grove Community Center   

JLG Architects, RJM, and the City of Maple Grove commemorated a significant milestone in the 312,000-square-foot renovation and expansion of Maple Grove Community Center (MGCC). On Thursday, October 8th, the team celebrated the groundbreaking of Phase 2 at 12951 Weaver Lake Road.  

MGCC Phase 2 

Phase 2 of the MGCC project will mark its largest transformation yet, combining renovation of the existing Community Center with a new Activity & Aquatic Center in the former Life Time Fitness building. Through the construction of a new skyway bridge, this 70,000-square-foot building will connect to the MGCC and offer expanded indoor aquatic facilities, new family locker rooms, cardio and strength-training areas, fitness studios, an indoor walking track, and a new/expanded indoor playground. The former fitness facility will also designate space for party rooms, a gymnasium, a teen center, and several multi-use recreation and programming spaces. 

The renovated Grove Cove Aquatic Center will feature three indoor pools/basins, a tot pool with slides and sprays, a program pool with two slides, and a six-lane lap pool. Outside will be a zero-depth entry pool with spray features and two slides at the deep end. 

Within the existing Community Center, Phase 2 work is planned to provide a new dedicated arts room and gallery, expanded senior programming, a new 400-seat banquet room, an outdoor event terrace, expanded rental rooms, expanded recreation/programming space, and building infrastructure upgrades to optimize operational efficiency.  

“Breaking ground on this second phase is exciting; a major step forward in seeing the City of Maple Grove’s ultimate vision come to life, from new community programming to expanded ice sports and aquatics. We are not just reimagining what is possible within two neighboring facilities; we’re building a multi-generational bridge and a stronger foundation supporting active, social, sustainable, and healthy lifestyles.” 

—Adam Barnett, AIA, Sports Studio Principal Architect – JLG Architects  

MGCC Phase 1 Summary 

JLG Architects has been working with RJM and the City of Maple Grove on the Community Center project since summer 2023, slated to become a multi-generational social and recreational hub for ice sports, aquatics, fitness, events, and youth and senior activities. 

Phase 1 celebrated TruStone Financial Rink’s grand opening on January 2, 2026, and a broader facility grand opening on March 16, 2026. Altogether, Phase 1 included the addition of a third NHL-sized ice sheet (TruStone Financial Rink), renovations to their existing two ice sheets, an expanded lobby and locker rooms, the new Lions pavilion and play area, and general site and parking lot improvements.  

Meeting the Demand  

The 25-year-old facility accommodates approximately 650,000 local and regional guests each year. Over the last decade, Maple Grove’s 18% population growth has demanded more ice time and year-round community activity space. JLG’s renovation and addition plans, supported by a 2022 voter-approved sales tax, further address ADA compliance, infrastructure upgrades, and operational sustainability strategies for long-term cost savings. The team anticipates completion of all phases in late 2028.  

“The renovation of the Community Center will be a transformative project for the City of Maple Grove. Following an extraordinary effort working with the City to develop the plan, the JLG team looks forward to seeing this multifaceted facility fulfill its mission as a modern resource, serving community needs for decades to come.” 

—Michael Jak, Sports Studio Senior Project Architect – JLG Architects  

Source: Tracy Nicholson