For families in McCall, Donnelly, and across Valley County, the long, snowy months can mean a challenge: where do our kids go to run, play, and burn off energy? Where do sports teams practice when the fields are buried? Where can community members walk, gather, and stay active regardless of the weather?

A bold new proposal aims to answer all those questions and more. Meet the vision for the Mountain Community Center, a state-of-the-art indoor facility designed to become the heart of year-round activity in our region.

More Than a Building: A Community Asset

The centerpiece of this ambitious project is a sprawling 120,000-square-foot fieldhouse. To put that in perspective, that’s space for multiple full-size soccer fields or baseball diamonds operating under one roof, all at once. The innovative design includes partitions, allowing different groups—from youth soccer leagues to adult softball teams, to practice or compete simultaneously without interruption.

But the plans extend far beyond the fieldhouse. The current vision includes:

• An Indoor Walking Track: A elevated track will surround the playing fields, offering a safe, climate-controlled space for walkers and joggers to get their steps in every day of the year.

• Room to Grow: The facility is designed for future expansion, with potential additions like dedicated pickleball courts, an indoor swimming pool, a full-size gymnasium, and more. This isn’t just a building for today; it’s a foundation for the future.

Designed for Our Lifestyle, Funded by Our Visitors

The most compelling part of the Mountain Community Center proposal is its innovative funding model. The facility would be paid for without raising local property taxes.

Instead, the project would be funded by a levy on short-term lodging, meaning visitors who enjoy our beautiful area would help build this legacy asset for our community. This approach directly addresses a need identified in official plans adopted by both Valley County and the City of McCall in 2023.

Help Shape the Future

The exact location is still being finalized, with several sites in the McCall area under consideration. The final design, however, will be shaped by the people who will use it most: you.

The volunteer group behind the proposal is actively seeking community input on what amenities matter most. Through a survey on their website, every resident is invited to share their ideas and help design a center that truly reflects the values and needs of Valley County.

“This facility will be for everyone,” Defoort said. “We want it to be a place for sports, for community events, for families, and for healthy living. We want to hear from our neighbors to make sure we get it right.”

The Mountain Community Center represents more than just steel and concrete; it’s a vision for a stronger, healthier, and more connected community, 365 days a year.