Building Community - Together.

The Ottertail Community Project

Two new spaces that will strengthen our community—together.

Who We Are

What began as a dream rooted in community, connection and a desire to meet local needs has now grown into something official and inspiring.

Both the Ottertail Family Center and the Ottertail Community Center are recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, each with a dedicated board of directors guiding their mission, strategy and growth. These boards are made up of passionate, community-minded individuals who are committed to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of each center.

From the beginning, this effort has been driven by collaboration, belief and a deep love for the Ottertail area. What started as a conversation around a kitchen table has transformed into a foundation for real impact—and it’s just the beginning.

The Ottertail Community Center

Movement. Connection. Belonging.

Our Mission

To foster a vibrant, welcoming space at the heart of our community—where people of all ages come together to move, learn and connect. We aim to strengthen the physical, mental and emotional well-being of our neighbors through fitness, creative programs and shared experiences, creating a place where children can grow and explore, families can gather, and individuals feel supported, valued, and inspired to thrive.

  • The Ottertail Community Center will be a multi-use facility designed for all ages. With a gymnasium, gathering space, indoor playground and walking track, it will serve as a hub for fitness, wellness, learning and community-building.

    • Full-size gym with basketball, pickleball, and volleyball

    • Multi-purpose rooms for classes, meetings and events

    • Programs for youth, adults and seniors alike

    • Event rental opportunities for the community

    • Communities need centralized spaces for connection and activity.

    • There are few local spaces for youth, families and seniors to gather.

    • A welcoming space helps strengthen the fabric of the town.

    • Promotes physical and mental wellness

    • Increases access to enrichment and recreation

    • Supports intergenerational connection and volunteerism

Learn More

The Ottertail Family Center

Supporting Providers. Empowering Families. Strengthening Community.

To provide a supportive, well-equipped space for dedicated childcare providers to run safe, engaging and high-quality programs by creating an environment where children can learn, grow and thrive — socially, emotionally and physically — while fostering a sense of community, connection and care for families in and around the Ottertail area.

Our Mission

  • The Ottertail Family Center will provide licensed childcare providers with affordable, home-style units to run their own childcare businesses. These units will be built to meet DHS standards and create a supportive, sustainable environment for early childhood education in our community.

  • Access to reliable, high-quality child care isn’t just a family issue—it’s an economic one. For local businesses, child care shortage means increased turnover, workforce shortages and slower growth. Investing in child care solutions helps retain employees, attract new talent and build a stronger, more stable local economy. When families thrive, businesses thrive.

    • Purpose-built, residential-style childcare units

    • Shared resources and ongoing provider support

    • Programming to enrich early learning

    • Increased capacity for infants, toddlers and preschoolers

    • Otter Tail County is facing a critical shortage of over 1,347 child care slots, with 442 of those needed right here in our community.

    • Working families need reliable, local options to stay and thrive in the area.

    • Without it, working parents are forced to reduce hours, decline job opportunities or leave the workforce altogether.

    • New and existing providers need affordable space to grow their businesses.

    • Reduced childcare waitlists

    • More local providers entering or staying in the field

    • Greater stability for working families

Learn More

How You Can Help

Project Numbers

The total project is estimated at $5 million, with a $2.5 million match available if the community can raise $2.5 million.

Donations. Sponsorships. Volunteerism.

Your Donation Supports

- Construction and Facility Development

- Equipment and Program Materials

- Scholarships and Reduced-Fee Access

Donate Online

Submit your donation or pledge by filling out the form below. We appreciate any contribution - large or small.

Mail In Contribution

Download our Donation & Pledge form below and return to:

PO Box 92
Ottertail, MN 56571

Corporate Sponsorships

Please contact us for corporate sponsorship opportunities available. We’d be thrilled to partner with you!

In-Kind Donations & Volunteerism

We welcome In-kind Donations and Volunteer opportunities. Please contact us with your ideas!

Follow The Project

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Your voice helps us grow a stronger, more connected community.