Staples, Minn (KNSP) — The community of Staples-Motley gathered in celebration Monday morning for the grand opening of The Nest, a state-of-the-art gymnasium and community fitness facility, powered by Lakewood Health System. The event marked the culmination of more than five years of planning and collaboration, a journey that began as an idea scribbled on a napkin and grew into a testament to partnership and community investment.

Lisa Bjerga, CEO of Lakewood Health System, took to the podium to welcome attendees. “This has been a journey that’s been five-plus years in the making,” Bjerga said. “I was in a different role at Lakewood as CFO in 2019 when this was just a concept. Today, we see what collaboration can achieve for our community.”

The event brought together students, community members, and local leaders, highlighting the facility’s potential to impact not just the school but the region as a whole.

One of The Nest’s key features is a giant $200,000 video board, which was paid for by First International Bank and Trust.

“I’ve been in a lot of gym spaces over my time as a coach and as a as a parent and I can tell you right now that there is not another gym at least that I’m aware of that has a scoreboard like this,” said SM superintendent Shane Tappe.

Attendees were treated to a video chronicling the journey of The Nest’s development. Voices from the Staples-Motley student body, including Alex Schultz and Corrine Olsen, shared their excitement.

“This is precious to all of us,” Schultz said. “It brings a sense of community and shows what’s possible when we work together.” Olsen added, “I hope everyone who walks in here feels the same pride and excitement that we do.”

In addition to the video board, The Nest also features the new Cardinal Wrestling room on the main floor. On the second level, accessible via stairs or elevator, features the weight room, walking track, and Lakewood Community Health space.

Josh Lee, Activities Director and Community Educator at Staples-Motley, emphasized the deeper significance of the facility in his remarks.

“Today, we celebrate more than just a building. We celebrate partnership, purpose, and community,” Lee said. “The Nest now stands as a symbol of the athletic excellence Staples-Motley is known for and a beacon of community spirit. It represents what’s possible when we work together.”

Adam Barnett, a 2002 Staples-Motley graduate, was a part of the design team at JLG Architects that brought a new look to the old South Gym.

“I spent long hours within this very domain,” reminisced Barnett. “Whether it be practicing free throws in the morning before school, hours of concerts in the theater, turning pots in the ceramics room, or my favorite, summer weightlifting sessions in the old weight room. With the history I have with this school, and my intimate knowledge of this building, I was absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to come back and work on this project with the district.”

School board member Brian Winkles, also a Cardinal alum, expressed a similar sentiment.

“I couldn’t help but reflect when I was here, a student, when I remember the excitement when the South Gym at that time first opened.” Winkles said. “And there were also big dreams for the space back then with seating, expanded spaces, but unfortunately there were a bunch of limitations and those dreams never came fully to life. When we fast forward 35 plus years later and here we are celebrating the transformation of this beautiful gym into a revamped facility, a vibrant space that can be joined by everyone within the community.”

“This space is not just for students to enjoy,” Tappe added. “This place promotes healthy living in our community with the community fitness space and walking track, providing residents a warm, dry, traffic-free walking option. We wanted a space that our community could be proud of, a space that will highlight the talents of our students, and a space that brings community and students together.”

The Nest’s impact is already being felt, as students and residents alike look forward to utilizing its state-of-the-art amenities. The facility’s potential to attract regional competitions is expected to bring economic benefits, strengthening local businesses and fostering a sense of pride in Staples-Motley’s ability to thrive.

“Together, we made this possible,” Bjerga said. “This is just the beginning of what we can achieve as a united community.”

The Cardinals hold their first competition in The Nest when the Boys Basketball team opens their season against West Central Area on Thursday, December 5th at 7:00. The Cardinal Girls will play their first game in The Nest against Menahga on Friday, December 13th.