Couple Brings Community Center and Childcare to Ottertail, Minnesota

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An Ottertail, Minnesota couple, Tyler and Alex Rupe, frustrated by the lack of childcare options in their town of 600 residents, decided to start their own nonprofit childcare center called the Ottertail Family Center. The couple is also behind the development of a new 19,000 square foot Ottertail Community Center that will feature a basketball court, pickleball courts, a walking track, senior center, and indoor play area for children.

Why it matters

The Ottertail Family Center and Ottertail Community Center projects are addressing critical needs in the small town of Ottertail, which previously lacked access to affordable childcare and community recreation facilities. The new centers are expected to have a significant positive impact on the quality of life and economic opportunities for Ottertail residents.

The details

The Ottertail Family Center is using four two-bedroom, one-bathroom townhomes to provide affordable childcare, with providers able to rent the spaces for $750 per month including utilities, lawn care, and snow removal. The goal is to keep costs low for both providers and families. The Ottertail Community Center, once open, will feature a high school-sized basketball court that can be divided into three pickleball courts, an elevated walking track, a senior center, and an indoor play area for children. Classes for both children and adults are also planned.

• The Ottertail Family Center opened less than one month ago, with two providers already operating and two more joining within the past week.
• The Ottertail Community Center is expected to open in the coming months.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Rupes hope to have all childcare slots at the Ottertail Family Center filled within the next two months.