Disturbance at Apple Valley Community Center Leads to Temporary Suspension of Open Gym Programs
Updated: October 11, 2025, at 8:15 AM.
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA—The Apple Valley Police Department says four people were cited following a disturbance at the Apple Valley Community Center last week, prompting city officials to suspend open gym programs temporarily.
According to a statement from Apple Valley Police Chief Nick Francis, officers were dispatched to the community center around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, after receiving a report of a disturbance. While en route, police learned that those involved had already left the building in two separate vehicles. Officers located both vehicles a short time later near County Road 42 and Cedar Avenue.
Investigators determined that a group of males had gotten into an altercation while playing basketball inside the community center. Following the investigation, three juveniles were cited for disorderly conduct, and one adult was cited for disorderly conduct and reckless driving.
In response to the incident, Apple Valley Parks & Recreation announced that Youth Open Gym and Family Open Gym programs would be canceled until Monday, October 20, while staff review existing procedures and guidelines. The department also noted that youth will not be permitted to congregate in the facility lobby during this period.
“Please note that youth will not be permitted to congregate in the facility lobby during this period. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding,” the Parks & Recreation notice read.
Provided by the Apple Valley Parks & Recreation.
City officials did not report any injuries connected to the incident in the press release that we received, but we have learned from staff members who witnessed the incident that two children were injured. They reported to Limitless Media that one child suffered a broken nose, while a second had to receive stitches. According to witnesses of the incident, a father and son came into the community center and instigated the fight with kids ranging between the ages of 2 and 14 years old. Witness accounts go further to say this wasn’t a fight, but rather a physical assault, and said that due to the amount of blood, it took up to five days to clean up.
The incident was brought up during the Apple Valley City Council Meeting on October 9, 2025, when a resident and part-time staffer at the Community Center voiced their concern, stating that the incident was preventable. They also requested an increase in the budget to hire additional staff for supervision during open gym hours. Mayor Clint Hooppaw reiterated that the open gym hours are currently closed while the city reviews its policies.
Written by: Will Wight
