The Blue Valley Recreation Commission announced an exclusive three-year partnership with SCHEELS effective March 1, 2024.
The agreement provides an opportunity for a collaborative effort that encourages the community to understand the importance of health in both mind and body. SCHEELS recognizes that participating in sports programs offers benefits and lessons that carry over to all aspects of life. Their commitment to maintaining excellence, organization, and availability of athletic programs complements Blue Valley Rec’s vision statement of Enriching lives, strengthening a spirit of community.
“Blue Valley Rec is honored to join forces with SCHEELS as we work together to enhance athletic, recreational, and social opportunities for our community,” said Shane DeWald, BVRC Executive Director. “At the core of Blue Valley Rec’s mission is providing lifelong recreational experiences that enhance the community and SCHEELS’ commitment to this is unsurpassed.”
The partnership not only focuses on youth athletics, but also special events and inclusive rec programming. Blue Valley Rec has more than 5,000 participants in youth sports and various events throughout the year for all interests. The inclusive rec programming is growing and appeals to SCHEELS’ philosophy.
“This partnership between SCHEELS and Blue Valley Recreation brings together two organizations that are committed to doing good in our community and providing an unmatched experience for every youth athlete, family, and customer,” commented Jesse Gulotta, SCHEELS Team Sports Coordinator.
ABOUT SCHEELS: Three acres of potatoes were the seed for the first SCHEELS store in 1902. Frederick A. Scheel, a German immigrant, used the $300 he earned from that first harvest as the down payment on the first SCHEELS, a small hardware and general merchandise store in Sabin, Minnesota.
Over the years, SCHEELS opened in surrounding communities including Fargo in 1930, where the Corporate Offices are located. Firmly planted in the hardware business, SCHEELS had a small selection of sporting goods from the beginning in 1902. Customer interest grew, and more sports lines were added with athletic shoes and clothing being introduced in the product mix in 1972. In 2015, SCHEELS Overland Park, Kansas opened its doors at Corbin Park Shopping Center. With a wide selection of sporting goods and entertainment for the entire family to enjoy, this 220,000 square-foot store is a retail shopping experience.
SCHEELS is now a 32-store operation with stores in 14 states including Colorado, North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Nevada, Illinois, Utah, Kansas, Arizona and Texas. Currently, Steve D. Scheel, the great grandson of the SCHEELS founder, is the company’s Chairman of the Board. Matt Hanson serves as CEO and Todd Anderson serves as President and oversees SCHEELS daily operations of over 12,000 associates.