Creating a space that serves both a congregation and the wider community is no small feat. Lakeland Community Church in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, partnered with Catalyst Construction to bring this vision to life, resulting in Lakeland Park—an indoor play area that has welcomed over 100,000 visitors in just two years. This project exemplifies how strategic construction can foster growth, outreach, and community engagement.
Rethinking Church Growth
Traditional church expansions often focus on auditoriums to accommodate growing congregations. While this addresses immediate needs, it can leave children’s ministries and communal spaces underdeveloped. Lakeland Community Church recognized the importance of balancing growth with family-focused spaces. After the pandemic, the church sought a cost-effective, high-impact solution for both its members and the broader community.
Transforming Space into a Community Asset
Lakeland turned to Catalyst Construction to transform 16,000 square feet of existing space into state-of-the-art spaces for kids to connect with God and others, including a vibrant indoor play area. Lakeland Park features a multi-story play structure, a three-court basketball area, an interactive projection gaming system, seating with charging stations, and a toddler-specific area. Catalyst’s relationship-driven approach helped curate the right team of partners, vendors, and volunteers to ensure a smooth and cost-effective project.
A Space That Brings People Together
Since opening, Lakeland Park has exceeded expectations. Originally designed for winter use, the park remains full even in summer, attracting families from surrounding areas like Kenosha, Racine, and the Chicago suburbs. It has become a vital resource for special needs families, local schools, daycare centers, and church youth programs. Youth ministry attendance has increased by 54 percent, thanks in part to the park’s dynamic space.
Most notably, Lakeland Park serves people from all walks of life, with over 70 percent of visitors being non-Christians, showing the church’s impact beyond its congregation. By creating positive experiences, the church is building relationships and opening doors for future outreach.
A Unique Approach to Church Construction
Catalyst Construction ensured Lakeland Park met both functional and budgetary needs. Catalyst takes time to understand each church’s leadership and mission, tailoring the construction process to align with their vision. For Lakeland, this meant creating a safe, engaging space while minimizing disruption to church operations. Catalyst was sensitive to religious needs, ensuring worship services could continue without interruption.
Their expertise in church construction and transparent pricing helped Lakeland make informed decisions. Despite post-COVID supply chain disruptions, Catalyst delivered the project on time and within budget. The partnership continues to grow, with plans for a new children’s wing to accommodate the increasing number of young attendees.
Josh Amstutz, lead pastor at Lakeland Community Church, said, “Catalyst understood our heart for this project from the start. They weren’t just building a space—they were helping us create an environment where families can connect, kids can feel safe, and our community can come together.”
Lessons for Other Churches
Lakeland’s success demonstrates the value of investing in multi-use community spaces. Churches can enhance engagement and outreach by prioritizing family-friendly environments. Making spaces accessible throughout the week helps churches become valuable community hubs. Partnering with experienced builders ensures projects align with both mission and budget.
Lakeland Park stands as a testament to thoughtful church construction. By prioritizing community engagement alongside traditional ministry needs, Lakeland Community Church has created a welcoming space for both its congregation and the broader public. Through strategic planning and expert execution, Lakeland serves as a model for other churches, where faith, family, and community come together under one roof.
Catalyst Construction has a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions for faith-based projects, including worship centers, educational facilities, and community spaces. Their dedication to quality and integrity has made them a trusted partner in church construction, www.catalystbuilds.com.
