After nearly four years of planning and reconstruction, the Depot Pavilion in Stanley is officially open for public use as of August 11. The new structure stands as both a functional community space and a symbol of resilience following the December 2021 tornado, which caused significant damage to the original depot building.
Located at the site of the historic depot, the new pavilion blends practicality with heritage. It was constructed using posts, sandstone, and brick salvaged from the original depot, preserving a physical connection to the city’s past. A glass window has also been installed at the pavilion and will be used in the future to honor the history of the original depot.
The Depot Pavilion is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and features two public restrooms, each equipped with baby changing stations for added convenience. The building is equipped with automatic locking capabilities to help maintain safety and security outside of operational hours.
While the pavilion is free to use, reservations are encouraged for those planning events or gatherings. To reserve the space, residents can call Stanley City Hall. The completed pavilion also includes four brand-new picnic tables, built by city employees and generously provided by the Stanley Rodeo Committee. In addition, the Rodeo Committee funded six more picnic tables now placed near the Stanley Community Center, further enhancing the park’s amenities for public use.
The completion of the Depot Pavilion marks another milestone in the city’s continued recovery and revitalization efforts. It’s more than just a building—it’s a place for the community to gather, reflect, and look forward.
Stanley Mayor Mike Henke shared his thoughts on the significance of the pavilion’s opening, emphasizing its value to the community and its role in moving forward after the storm.
“I hope these bathrooms and Pavilion allow more families and young children to use the Soo Line Park. It is a great addition to the park,” Henke said. “With the completion of this building, the community can finally move on from the December tornado.”
In light of recent vandalism at Chapman Park, the City of Stanley is encouraging residents to take pride in their community and help care for the public spaces and amenities provided. As part of ongoing efforts to promote safety and accountability, plans are already in motion to increase security around the Depot Pavilion and other high-traffic areas. This past week, security cameras were installed at the bathrooms by the tennis courts at Chapman Park, and additional cameras were added around the newly renovated Maves Pavilion and the campground bathrooms. These upgrades reflect the city’s commitment to preserving its parks and ensuring they remain safe, welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Stay tuned for more updates on how the city plans to honor the historic depot and continue building community spaces for all to enjoy.