Southern Prairie Activity and Recreation Center (SPARC) Updates

This page serves as the official information page for the proposed Wahpeton Recreation and Wellness Center until a facility website is created.

A 1% sales, use, and gross receipts tax was approved by a vote of Wahpeton residents on April 29, 2025 for the purpose of building a community recreation and wellness facility.

Updates:

• The City Council voted to name the facility the Southern Prairie Activity and Recreation Center (SPARC) on 1/20/26.
• A website solely devoted to the SPARC is in the process of being created and will be up and running in the spring of 2026.
• The city is currently working with JLG Architects on the planning/design of the facility.
• City Council voted to discontinue negotiations with NDSCS regarding the college land at the corner of 11th Street and 14th Avenue North on 3/2/26 (more below).
• City Council voted to place the SPARC in Phase I of the Legacy Lakes development on 4/20/26.
• City Council voted to approve the proposal from Comstock Construction to be the Construction Management at Risk for the SPARC on 5/4/26.
• An official logo for the SPARC was approved by council on 5/18/26.
• Council approved Comstock Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk for the SPARC on 7/6/26 (contract approved on 7/20/26).
• JLG Architects presented its schematic design for the SPARC to the city council and park board on 7/20/26.
• The SPARC website (sparcwellnesscenter.com) is live as of 8/3/26.
• Comstock Construction, as Construction Manager at Risk for the Southern Prairie Activity and Recreation Center (SPARC), presented cost estimates to the Wahpeton City Council this afternoon for two options for the SPARC: one with a cost estimate of $49.3 million, and a scaled-down version with a cost estimate of $32.4 million. The city council will be meeting with Colliers Financial next week to learn about the city’s options for SPARC financing, and will be choosing the amenities soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will be included in the SPARC?

Final inclusions are yet to be determined (based on construction costs), but considerations for an indoor playground, basketball courts, walking track, practice turf, water feature, fitness area and studio, public gathering space, commercial kitchen, and senior citizen meeting area have been discussed.

What's the cost of the SPARC?

Estimates vary depending on what's included and changing construction costs. Currently, it's believed that the final cost would be between $16 million and $30 million.

How is the SPARC being funded?

The 1% sales tax voted in by the public in April of 2025 will be used to fund a majority of the project. Donations and sponsorship will also play a part in the overall project.

Can I donate and/or be a sponsor of the SPARC?

Yes, donations and sponsorships are welcome. Information on those will be coming soon.