Well-Rounded Action in the Brainerd Lakes Area
Competition can be transformed into cooperation. If you are looking for proof, look to the Brainerd Lakes Area. Through the creation of “Energizing Our Dreams-Mobilizing Our Gifts”; Brainerd, Baxter, and Nisswa residents’ vision for healthier communities, people are working together to 
optimize their many resources. The Brainerd Lakes Area, specifically the partners Brainerd, Baxter, and Nisswa, was the first to enter the Blandin Community Investment Partnership (BCIP) in November 1998 and in August 1999.
The community planning team’s proposal was awarded two grants: a challenge grant to the YMCA for expansion and administrative support to other priorities. Those other priorities include
* arts and culture development,
* lifelong learning, and
* environmental stewardship.
This northern area is rich in assets. Talented artists, beautiful lakes, and a YMCA center nourish the residents of this northern destination area.
In response to rapid population growth and development, community members have solidified their commitment to preserving their natural resources and supporting each other.
The Will of the People
One example of this solidarity is in the arts and recreational groups partnering to serve the whole community. Success, according to volunteer Don Hickman, is not always measured in dollars, “Relationships built as a result of this work will far outlast the money. I believe it is not necessarily lack of money that limits people’s dreams for their communities, it is lack of will. We have new energy and the will to work together.”
Integrating Interests
The YMCA has garnered the needed financial match and has nearly met their overall budget for expansion. Community priorities to protect nature are reflected in the parking lot plans where old-growth oak trees will survive its construction. When swimmers are enjoying their laps in the pool, the water will be heated by passive solar methods. Visitors walking through the lobby of the YMCA will view local art that reflects the natural features of the area.
Make Room for Community
The lobby itself will be accessible to all (not exclusively members) and will serve as a place for the promotion of arts and environmental events. A new community space is also in the YMCA plans. This space is slated for:
* classes,
* cultural group meetings and
* events.
One annual celebration event is already on the books. It will feature local arts groups and spotlight businesses that support the arts and cultural life in Brainerd, Baxter, and Nisswa.
Arts Advocacy
Arts supporters now have the Crossing Arts Alliance as an anchor organization in which to participate. While the area has always had an active and talented cultural arts community, the Crossing Arts Alliance provides a vehicle for increased public awareness of the creative arts’ positive impact on individuals and communities.
One aspect of this advocacy is evident through rallying support for a performing arts center. If pending BCIP funding is approved, the Crossing Arts Alliance will conduct a feasibility study to examine this idea. An existing downtown building will be among the locations considered for the center.
Keeping in Touch
In support of the community’s events and opportunities the lifelong learning team of planners is developing a communications hub on the Internet. A cyber-bulletin board will include such things as information on community classes and volunteer and arts opportunities. Local residents will soon have a place to “click on” to the many resources that already exist in their area, making options easier and faster to explore, and more efficient to update.
Connected to Nature
In addition to human resources, the Brainerd Lakes Area abounds with natural beauty. Upon examination of current environmental stewardship efforts, communication and lack of organization were identified as the limiting factors of effective education or political action. To combat this problem a bimonthly cyber-newsletter is now being used to keep people informed of:
* workshops,
* meetings
* and general environmental news.
Examples include a Science and Nature Club for elementary school kids and information about proposed legislation to allow the removal of sunken logs in lakes. It is a detailed and comprehensive update on the state of the lakes and what can be done to protect the Brainerd Area.
The people of Brainerd are creative as well as informed. The “Voices for the Land” essay contest encourages people to reflect on landscapes they cherish and people who have inspired them to appreciate the natural world. It is a celebration of Minnesota, sponsored by the Star Tribune. Milkweed Editions, a nationally renowned literary press, publishes the winning essays. 
A Community in Action
People are united in the Brainerd Lakes Area. They are united in the important commitment they have made to each other and to the environment. It has not always been easy, but through creative solutions and discussions about how people can work together, the first BCIP project planners are succeeding.
There are many new projects in the works including a network of logical, natural bike paths through towns in the region and a community garden that demonstrates ecologically friendly techniques. Brainerd Area residents have mobilized their dreams and they are off and running.