Children in Renville County will have a new indoor play space this winter, thanks to the opening of CORNLAND USA at the Olivia Community Center. The facility will be unveiled during an open house from 16:00 to 20:00 on December 7, 2023, in the center’s lower level, which was formerly the Minnesota Army National Guard Armory. This new center is designed to provide a stimulating environment for children aged 0 to 8, focusing on STEM and sensory development while ensuring plenty of fun.
Sara Maher, representing the Pages of Our Communities Foundation, referred to the initiative as “our Christmas gift to the city of Olivia.” The foundation carries on the legacy of Jim and Mary Page by supporting various community projects, including cancer survivor initiatives and recreational activities. With an investment of approximately $100,000, the foundation aims to enhance the local community through this innovative space.
The new center features hand-crafted wooden playhouses, including models of the Olivia Fire Hall, FM Bank, a BOLD school bus, and a CORNLAND USA barn. These structures were built on-site by Lilliput Play Homes Inc. from Finleyville, Pennsylvania. These playhouses serve as portals to a variety of engaging activities, such as a slide, a toy airplane, a 4-H-built vegetable garden, and even a “flight lab” that operates with a fan.
In addition to the physical play structures, the center will include various toys, stuffed animals, magnetic building sets, and a reading nook equipped with rocking chairs for adults. Maher highlighted that the space not only offers entertainment but also fosters social connections among preschool children and their families.
The lower level of the Olivia Community Center is spacious and includes a kitchen area. The city plans to staff the center for around 15 hours each week. Families and childcare centers will also have the option to rent the facility. To access the center, children must be accompanied by an adult. Initial fees include a $125 annual membership for families or a $7 per visit pass.
The idea for CORNLAND USA emerged from Maher’s observation of local families traveling to The Village Children’s Museum in Willmar and The Wheel and Cog Children’s Museum in Hutchinson for STEM-based learning activities. “I thought, why not have something here in Renville County, especially in the wintertime when the roads can be icy,” she said.
The name CORNLAND USA pays homage to Renville County’s agricultural heritage. Maher’s late father, Bob Rauenhorst, was president of Trojan Seeds and organized an annual event called “CORNLAND USA” in the mid-1970s, which attracted up to 5,000 attendees. This event featured prominent speakers, including Governor Wendell Anderson and Senator Hubert H. Humphrey.
Reflecting on those memories, Maher expressed her hope that the contemporary version of CORNLAND USA will similarly boost the local economy. Parents can bring their children for a few hours of fun and use their time in town to shop or dine. “Keeping it local,” she emphasized, is a priority for the community.
The rapid development of this center, which took just three months, involved significant input from local childcare providers Laurie Lubitz and Carol Rothmeier. Maher acknowledged their contributions, stating, “Without their help, it wouldn’t be possible.”
As the community prepares for the grand opening, anticipation is building for this vibrant addition to Olivia, promising both educational and recreational opportunities for local families.
