About Us

History
In January 1996, Helen and Eldon Jones met with a few local citizens to tell them about their dream of a combination swimming pool and fitness center to be built in Lake Crystal. Such a facility would be paid for with private funds, including a $1 million gift from the Jones family-if the community could match that amount over a period of five years.

It did not take the community long to decide to accept the challenge, and even enlarge the scope of the project to include a multipurpose gymnasium. Crystal Co-op employee Tony Jacobs suggested the slogan "Take the Plunge" and people dove right in to help. Dean Meixell generously donated 4.8 acres of land on the southwest edge of Lake Crystal for the building site. The Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center Board purchased an additional 1.2 acres from Dean to make a total of six acres, which would allow for adequate parking and for possible future expansions.

The architectural firm DLR Group, from Bloomington, MN, was hired to design the facility. A logo designed by Vernon Center artist Robert Williams was adopted, and a marketing firm was retained to assist the fundraising committee by creating literature, training volunteers in the difficult task of asking for money and setting goals for the five-year timetable set by the Joneses.

The Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center project was a major financial challenge. In 1998 the fundraising committee determined that matching the Jones challenge gift would get the project halfway to completion, but additional funding would also be necessary. A plan was devised to approach the Minnesota State Legislature for a grant, using the theme of "Recreation for Rural Kids." Letters were written to legislators, and groups of local supporters attended legislative hearings. At one of the hearings Laura Deal, age 9, spoke about metro area kids having recreation centers vs. rural kids not having them.

These efforts paid off when the LCARC received a $1.5 million Minnesota state grant. The grant, however, required the City of Lake Crystal to own the Recreation Center.

Thus began another chapter in the life of the LCARC. Legal documents were prepared and recorded that deeded the LCARC land and building project to the city to clear the way to receive the state grant. Another governmental unit, Blue Earth County, pledged $14,000 to the LCARC to be put into an endowment fund. The earnings from this fund may be allocated as needed for future operations. This fund will grow as additional donors make contributions through estates, wills and other instruments.

A groundbreaking ceremony in June 1999 commenced construction, culminating in a beautiful facility, completed in September 2000. Building Committee Co-chairman

Ron Held deserves many thanks for untold hours dedicated to monitoring the construction to make sure the LCARC's best interests were maintained.
History
Meet Our Staff
Meet Our Staff

Hi! I am Molly Elder, the LCARC Operations Manager. I am a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, where I worked at the university recreation center for 4 years and graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing.

After graduation, I entered the Peace Corps and served 2 years as a business development volunteer in Mali, West Africa. After returning to the states, I worked as a loan officer at a bank in Colorado for 7 years.

My husband and I moved to Lake Crystal in June of 2007 and couldn't be happier. We love running around after our two children, Emden Charles (2) and his new baby sister, Avery Vivian. For fun, we like to go camping, go fishing or boating, and just play with our two spoiled dogs, Mac and Maggie.

I'm always happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. Email me at lcarc@hickorytech.net today!

 

Hi, I'm Jennifer Yost, the aquatics manager and facilty rental coordinator at the LCARC. I graduated from St. Peter High School in 2002 and attended Gustavus Adolphus College where I played one year of hockey. I graduated from Gustavus in May of 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Health Fitness and a coaching minor. I previously worked at the St. Peter indoor and outdoor pool for eight years, where I assisted in management and taught a variety of courses. I also coached middle school soccer for two years and dabbled in many athletic activities. I currently reside on a farm between St. Peter and Nicollet. I married Jake Yost from the Nicollet area.  We have two daughters, Kyla Ray (3) and her new sister Jaylin Jo (1). We also have a dog, Rosco, and between a dog and the two girls, they keep us running all directions.  In addition we also tend to stay active with sports, demolition derbies and family. 

Want to learn more about rentals or aquatics programs? Email me today at lcarc1@hickorytech.net!

Hi, I'm Stephanie Howe and I'm the Health and Fitness Manager. I've been loving my job here at the rec center since I started in September 2008.

I graduated from Mankato West High School in 2003.  After that I attended Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato where I was a member of the soccer team for 4 years.  I was team captain and made the All-Conference team for two of those years.  I graduated in May 2009 with a degree in Exercise Science.

I am a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. I hold NETA certifications as a Group Fitness Instructor, Pilates instructor, and Group Cycling instructor. I have over 7 years experience teaching group fitness classes and over 5 years experience personal training. I love working with people of all ages and fitness levels to help them reach their goals! My philosophy is that there are no shortcuts to fitness (even though we all try to find them).... train hard, eat well, get plenty of rest, and most of all have fun!

I am a newlywed and live in Mankato with my husband, Nathan Howe. We love to ride horses, play with our golden retrievers, and take trips to Northern Minnesota for fun in the outdoors.

Quesitons or comments for me about our group fitness programs or personal trainings? I would love to hear what you have to say! Email me at lcarchf@live.com and I'd be happy to help!

Hello, I'm Katie Roemhildt, the Fit Kids Coordinator!

I graduated from Mankato, Loyola High School in 2004. I recently graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in Community Health. I have always had an interest in working with children and a passion for helping people live a healtheir lifestyle, making this the perfect career! One of my biggest passions in life is playing volleyball. I also spend a lot of time with my family and doing arts a crafts when I can.

Hi everyone! My name is Debbie Behnke. I currently work as a water aerobics instructor, lifeguarding, corporate memberships, coordinating worksite wellness and bringing the news of fitness throughout our community. Working at the Rec Center has been a plus; just knowing that you are helping to make a difference in peoples lives and they make a difference in yours is a very rewarding experience.

I graduated from the Mankato Vocational School in 1978. I am married to Rick, and together we are blessed with 2 children, Elisha and Joseph. Our daughter lives in California and our son and his wife, Katie live in Worthington, Minnesota. We are very proud of our family and enjoy spending time with them. We also have two crazy cats, Bear and Yogi and they often make us laugh.

Rick and I enjoy traveling, spending time with our family and friends, doing 1-day trips and taking in all the great surroundings. We like to garden and canning, most sporting events, bicycling, going for walks, church and just being together is important to both of us.

I always want to hear from you. Email me today about corporate memberships, advertising and more! My email is lcarccorp@live.com!

The Mission of the Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center is to provide the Lake Crystal area and surrounding communities with a family-oriented facility that will encourage people of all ages to improve their health and physical fitness through the use and enjoyment of a variety of recreational activities.