NEXT TRAIL TO LOCALPARTWHOLEDISCOVERTAKEANEWOFTOWNNEXTTHINGTOTRYCHECKOUTCURLINGCHASKAHERALD.COMCHA NEXT!NEXT! SUMMER 2022CHASKA AND CARVER
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Contents NEXT THING TO TRY 4 NEXT DEVELOPMENT 6 NEXT TRAIL TO TAKE 8 NEXT PLACE TO TAKE A PHOTO 10 NEXT UP IN CLASSROOMTHE 12 NEXT FESTIVAL TO ATTEND 14 NEXT UP IN PICKLEBALL 16 Summer 2022 on the cover Cover Photo by Mark W. Olson Residents gather in City Square Park for Taste of Chaska earlier this year. The next big festival slated for City Square Park is River City July 29-31. General Manager: Laurie Hartmann \ Editor in Chief: Mark Olson \ Editor: Gregg Aamot Editorial Content: Lydia Christianson, Jacqueline Devine, Alyssa Huglen, Eric Kraushar, Brendan O’Brien, Tom Schardin, Christine Schuster, Mark Wasson Cover Design: Carrie Rood \ Advertising: Samuel Schmitt and Erin Troxel Published by Southwest News Media. Copyright 2022-2023. Printed in the USA. For additional information or to submit corrections, call 952-445-3333 or visit www.swnewsmedia.com. 2022-2023 NEXT! NEXT BALLPARK TO VISIT 18 NEXT PARK TO CHECK OUT 20 NEXT PLACE TO BRING YOUR DOG 23 swnewsmedia.com | SUMMER 2022 | NEXT! 3
Learn-to-curl classes are available; the first step into curling
PHOTO BY ERIC KRAUSHAR You be the judge. What team earns the point? If you guessed red, you’re correct. The red rock is ever so slightly closer to the center than the yellow rock.
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aresportit’sMarchwinterplayoffsixber).andMarch),December),seasons:forMembershipadults.isrequiredleagueplay.TherearefourWinter1(October-Winter2(January-Spring(May-June),Summer(August-Septem-Theseasonsrangefromto10weeks.AnoptionaltournamentforthetwoleaguesalsooccursinandApril.“Somepeopleatfirstthinkscary.It’sonice,it’sanewformostpeoplethattheynotusedto.Maybethey Have you tried curling yet?
BY ERIC KRAUSHAR
Let’s be honest. You watched the sport of curling at the 2022 Winter Olympics and thought, “That would be fun.” So, what’s stopping you? A fear of falling? A lack of understanding the scoring? A need for equipment? Maybe you just need a push, or in the case of curling, a slide? Jeff Isaacson, the Chaska Curling Center manager, is here to address all of these concerns.“Itwas a bit of a risk; an ambitious project for the city to take on because it wasn’t a curling hotbed. It was a ‘build it and they will come’ philosophy. Thankfully the city put up a great facility here and people were generously curious about it,” Isaacson said. “We put the focus on learning when we first opened. We did tons and tons, like two months worth, of learn-to-curl classes. It was an opportunity to come in and try it and people loved it.”
The Chaska Curling Center opened in December 2015 as part of the Firemen’s Park renovation project. An event center and Crooked Pint Ale House restaurant are also housed in the building. The arena has six sheets of ice, locker rooms and a player’s lounge. The curling center quickly took off, with 1,000 members pre-pandemic, one of the largest memberships in the country. Memberships are $34 for Chaska residents 21 and younger, and $68 for
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“We have classes that are casual and are meant to be fun. We have something for every experience.” Jeff Isaacson Chaska Curling Center manager swnewsmedia.com | 2022 |
THE BASICS
A curling team consists of four players: the thrower, two sweepers and a skip to communicate directions when the stone is in motion.
“We recommend a basic tennis shoe, a running shoe. Clean shoes are important. Loose stretchy clothing so you can get into an athletic position,” Isaacson said. Slip-on sliders are available at the center. Is the rock heavy?
AT HOME ON THE ICE Isaacson grew up on the Iron Range in northern Minnesota. Every small town had curling clubs and with his family involved in the sport, he became a rink rat. Isaacson jumped into it at the age of 13. Nowadays, youth as young as 8 enjoy the sport.“It’s a sport anyone at any age can jump into. We have members in their 50s, 60s, even 70s. Some are just trying for the first time. They love it and they come back,” Isaacson said. “You can come in, practice alone, or go 1-on-1. You can come in with a group or form a team.”Isaacson played in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and Sochi on the USA Curling team. His teammates in 2014, John Shuster and John Landsteiner, won gold in the 2018 games. Isaacson was also a national champion in 2005 and 2009. “I’ve seen the momentum really start to build since about 2010. The Vancouver Games got a lot of TV coverage. Norway had the goofy pants that got a lot of press coverage. It brought a lot of attention to the sport. It got huge ratings. People were drawn in and interested about the sport. That’s still the case. It was the top-rated sport when it was on these last games. Something about it appeals to people. That feeling that ‘I could do that,’” Isaacson said. The Chaska Curling Center became a USA Curling National Training Center in 2018. At times, the country’s best are on the ice practicing. They have been known to give a pointer or two; something the juniors league participants have thoroughly enjoyed.
had seen it on TV once or twice when we first opened. When you don’t know about something, yeah, it’s difficult to jump in and try something,” Isaacson said. “That’s why we have focused on a welcoming environment to come try it. We have classes that are casual and are meant to be fun. We have something for every experience.”
What should someone curling wear?
“They are about 42 pounds. The nice part is they never leave the ice. That’s a safety tip. We never want to lift them up. Curling ice has that pebbled ice, so it’s not completely flat, which is reducing the friction between the rock and the surface. We have such fast ice here that we find most people tend to overthrow. It doesn’t take much to get the rock down the ice,” Isaacson said. How is the game played? Each team throws eight rocks per end. A team of four has its Lead, Second, Third, and Skip. Each throws two rocks. When not throwing, team members sweep. The sweep carries the rock further down the sheet. It also keeps the rock from curling, moving straighter down the ice. Brooms are available for use. But, what about the score? Isaacson said think about bocce. The closest rock to the center earns a point. For every other rock that is closer than the opponent earns an additional point. The red, white and blue rings do not figure into the scoring except a rock must be inside of the outer ring to gain a point. Still not convinced? Isaacson said public viewing is available in Crooked Pint Ale House and in the Welcome Hall. You now have no excuse not to try curling!
PHOTO BY ERIC KRAUSHAR
NEXT THING TO TRY
SUMMER
WELCOMING COMMUNITY
BY ERIC KRAUSHAR
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“There’s been raisecansomewhereofintentionallong-standingthisgoalChaskabeingyoulive,workandafamily.”
Nate Kabat Chaska DevelopmentCommunityDirector
Chaska is growing at highest rate seen in many years
A decade ago, a drive on County Road 140 heading west from downtown Chaska would have been met with farmhouses dotting the landscape. It was a back way west to Waconia, or an alternate route to the newly opened Mills Fleet Farm in Carver.That same drive now leads to Chaska’s biggest residential development in decades. Access to Highway 212 has also been added. The southwest corner of Chaska is the future for growth for the Twin Cities suburb that is equal part metro, and equal part“Thehometown.wayIlook at it, Chaska has been a growing community for quite some time,” said Nate Kabat, Chaska community development director. “What we’re seeing right now is everything we planned for. What we saw coming. What is different from expectations is the pace that is occurring is faster than we’ve ever seen before.” Kabat, who has been in his position for six years, said the city is experiencing “historic levels of development.” “It’s a symptom of the broader landscape. There is such high demand for new residences. Where Chaska is located in the metro, we stand to strategically benefit from this,” Kabat said. “The last six months, it’s been a remarkable change.”
RICH LANDSCAPE The Harvest, one of the beautylocationvardBigopmentsresidentiallargestdevel-intheWoodsBoule-area,boastswiththeoftheMinnesota River Valley. An area with wide open lots, natural wetlands, trails andTraditionparks. Companies describes the development as one with great character. “Each home built in The Harvest is architecturally intended to be unique and different from their neighbor’s home, yet still maintaining a traditional neighborhood feel.” Founders Ridge is located on the south side of Big Woods Boulevard. While phase one continues to see builds, the next section of growth, with (Carvercitytiativebigadded,terchangemeeting.CityawasvertownWoodsEnsconcedandRi-Heights,approvedinspringChaskaCouncil“Whenthein-wasitwasastrategicini-bythealongwithCounty) and MnDOT. It took some work to get the funding, but I think it’s safe to say it was a gamechanger for the area. It makes it a lot more convenient for residents getting on and off the highway,” Kabat said. Adelwood, an age-restricted housing development off Highway 41 on the hill above downtown Chaska, is approaching 100 completed homes with planned development on the north and west zones of the property.Other projects that have been approved in 2022 include a 107-lot and 152-unit apartment building at Oak Creek/ Sagewood development in the Clover Ridge area and an 86-lot development at the Reserve at Autumn Woods off Audubon Road.“Chaska is an attractive place to develop. There is a lot of competition, and the current market drives up the quality of development. I also think we need to give credit to the City Council. Through the years, they have maintained a priority of thinking forward. A thinking that Chaska is a place that is valued. When you have a council that over a long period of time maintains that consistency, it goes a long way with developers,” Kabat said.
Construction of new homes at The Harvest near Big Woods Boulevard and Highway 212 is kicking into high gear. Developments south of Big Woods Boulevard are moving forward as well.
PHOTO BY ERIC KRAUSHAR
Company set into motion construction of a third phase that will break ground in July 2022 and be ready in 2023. Phase one will also be completed this summer, while phase two has a target date of November 2022. Jay Moore with Oppidan said they plan to open each building as they are completed, bringing new jobs to the area.
“There’s been this longstanding intentional goal of Chaska being somewhere you can live, work and raise a family. We have kept an eye on a metric of having two jobs per household in this community,” Kabat said. It’s why two targeted areas for business development have been so important to the city’s continued future growth. The Chaska Creek Business Park, an 83-acre mixed development with flexibility to accommodate retail, office and industrial users of all sizes, is located on the southwest corner of Engler Boulevard and HighwayOppidan212.Investment
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PHOTO BY ERIC KRAUSHAR
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The city of Chaska isn’t just stopping there. They have targeted the area west of Big Woods Boulevard and Highway 212 for a guided industrial business park. “That area is something like 350 acres. There’s a lot that needs to happen, roads, sewer, water connection. But we estimate it could bring up to 10,000 jobs to the city once completed,” KabatPartsaid.ofKabat and his team’s job is promoting to companies what Chaska has to offer.
That question can be summed up generally by the vision of the city as a whole.
“Sometimes you have a business that is looking to relocate or expand, actively looking for different opportunities. But there are also opportunities to promote ourselves with various conventions. We are looking at what businesses we’re hoping to have so we can target them,” KabatRegionalsaid.
When all is said and done, the development of the Big Woods Boulevard/Highway 212 area will bring other amenities to the city of Chaska with the addition of a new community park. Eastern Carver County Schools also owns land for a potential elementary school in the next decade.
partnerships with entities like the Greater MSP is a connecting point between the city and developers. “It is about developing those relationships with partners, the broker community. The reputation a city has. All those things and when you have a strong vision, a vision of developing a whole community that includes miles of trails and parks, companies want to be a part of a thriving community,” Kabat said.
WHY CHASKA?
BY ERIC KRAUSHAR With more than 70 miles of offstreet hiking and bicycle trails, selecting a favorite route can sometimes be challenging for Chaska residents. “I can’t pin it to one specific trail. The system as a whole is unmatched. All trails are connected to one another and touch all parts of the city,” trail user Zach Opperman said. “Trails in the Jonathan neighborhood have maps and sculptures. Living out of state really made me appreciate the trails in Chaska.” One trail consistently came out on top among social media responders as their favorite. “The ravine. I get on by World Learner School. It is beautiful now with the creek running full,” Karla ThompsonHeidisaid. Miler needs a bit more distance, so she begins on the ravine trail through the Weston Ridge neighborhood before connecting with the Southwest Regional Trail near Audubon Road and Engler“IBoulevard.headonthe light rail trail past Bluff Creek into Eden Prairie. The new bridge over (County Road) 101 is lit,” MilerChaskasaid. Ravine Trail begins at Spring Peeper Meadow near the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The northern half of the trail is more unpaved, navigating through lakeshore woods at Big Woods Lake and McKnight Lake.
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intoElementaryAcademiapropertytheChaskaRavineTrailalongwiththeEastCreekjusteastofHighway41.
Stairs descend from the bluffs on the north side of La
While the trail currently does not have a direct route over the Twin Cities and Western Railroad tracks — the city of Chaska is currently applying for a grant to complete an underpass to improve safety — the southern part of the trail does have a number of underpasses to bypass Hundertmark Road, Highway 212 and Highway 41. It is near 212 and 41 where the Chaska Ravine Trail meets up with the East Chaska Creek, flowing south and east toward the Minnesota River. Up above the ravine or leisure, Chaska’s trail system is vast TRAIL TO TAKE via its paths
For exercise
Chaska Explore
PHOTO BY ERIC KRAUSHAR
DESTINATION CHASKA
How do you promote the miles and miles of trails in Chaska? Grange formed a committee to explore a designation to become a Bicycle Friendly America city. A program supported by the League of American Bicyclists, a program that “makes bicycling a real transportation and recreation option for all people and it recognizes those doing it well.” The application process forced the committee to develop a master plan — one that included community engagement sessions. More than 1,400 comments came in. With the partnership of Carver County, which funded a design team, Grange said the first draft of the plan was set to be released in May, followed by a 30-day review period. Ironically, May is National Bike Month.“Welook at this master plan and it’s intended to be 10 to 15 years of possibilities,” Grange said.Taking a page from the League of American Bicyclists, using the Six E’s (it is now revised with Five E’s): Engineering, Evaluation, Education, Encouragement and Equity, has helped the committee with an initial assessment on what the city is doing, and recommendations on what they can do. Grange envisions the trail system throughout Chaska to be more than recreation, but as a 70maptotiontowouldsignageprovementssystem.transportationThat’swhereim-suchasandmapsgoalongwayhelpthoseinmo-thatdon’twantstoptocheckaontheirphone.“Whenyouhavemilesoftrails, we’ve learned a lot of people don’t know where they lead. We know people get lost. We want them to have that confidence of knowing where they are going,” Grange Color-coordinationsaid. with major trails or loops is something that could be implemented. Signage directing users to regional trails will be a first step. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan hopes to increase the number of people walking and biking in the city, and in turn improve community health, quality of life, and enjoyment for all Chaska residents.Whether on two wheels, or two feet, get out and enjoy Chaska’s rich system of trails. You never know what you might find, or where you might end up.
“It’s like somewhere.”uptransplantedyou’renorth
What makes Chaska’s trail system so widely used is that connection to neighboring cities and CarvertwoCountystate41betweenItion.reachbike,providingattractions,thoseonorrunning,totheirdestina-“Foralongrun,likemakingaloophighwaysand101.TakethetrailinScottbetweenthebridgesandinCountyit’sthe Minnesota Valley Regional Trail. Outside of the bridges it’s a pretty quiet and secluded route,” Daniel Griesinger said.
Marshall Grange Chaska Parks and Recreation director NEXT TRAIL TO TAKE Completedetailsat:chaskafireandicefestival.com MUSIC-FOOD-BEER Celebratesummerduringthisfreecommunityfestival! Enjoyfamily-friendlyactivities,abagtosstournament, livemusic,foodtrucks,beertents,andcurlingevents. FireworkswillbeonbothFridayandSaturday! JULY15-16 CHASKAFIREMENSPARK swnewsmedia.com | SUMMER 2022 | NEXT! 9
are hiking trails that connect schools and funnel into multiple neighborhoods. Catch a great view of a sunset on a southern bluff of the ravine north of La Academia elementaryOneschool.Sunday afternoon saw families on a walk, some pushing a stroller or wagon. Wildlife, including deer, turkeys and owls are common. “It’s like you’re transplanted up north somewhere,” said Marshall Grange, director of Chaska Parks and Recreation. The Chaska Ravine Trail connects with the Southwest Regional Trail, eventually becoming the Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail into Chanhassen and Eden Prairie.
“There really isn’t a right or wrong way to take photos when you are taking photos for yourself. Just keep taking photos that you love!”
softer and more flattering light.”
INSTAGRAMMABLE Want to explore Chaska for that photo that will get your friends talking and clicking the heart on Instagram? Try these locations. In Bloom: If you want some of the best sights around, head over to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on Highway 5. The 1,200-acre horticultural garden features more than 5,000 plant species. “The Arboretum, in a way, is one giant photo studio; fantastic for taking nature photos, portraits and even wildlife shots. Of course, everywhere you turn, there are incredible, colorful blooms, bees and butterflies for close-up photography. But there are also wide, open vistas and forested landscapes that allow for environmental portraits amid incredible scenery, which is partly why the Arboretum is so popular for weddings,” said Sarah Jackson, who works in marketing at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Jackson said fan favorites include the tens of thousands of tulips, daffodils and other spring bulbs in early spring. Swaths of bloom in other collections, including crab apples, magnolias, azaleas and, of course, lilacs, follow. In summer, perennials, prairies and wildflowers are in their prime, followed by sunflowers at the Farm at the Arb and colorful fall leaves on many maples and other tree collections in autumn.“Notall the sights at the Arboretum are purely seasonal: Our Japanese garden is spectacular all year long. And both our Chinese Garden and the Harrison Sculpture Garden are photogenic every day of the year. In fact, I like the Chinese garden best of all when it’s covered in a soft layer of fresh snow,” Jackson said. In liquid form: Scroll through your phone, how many pictures of brewery-branded glassware do you have? Local breweries see patrons doing this“Craftoften.beer lovers have an affinity for local beer and love to take pictures of their beers because they see it as a work of art. Each brew has a story Chaska has many locations to snap a photo for your social media accounts
BY ERIC KRAUSHAR
PHOTO BY ERIC KRAUSHAR
Lynn Laumann Professional photographer
Props: “Maybe you are checking out the farmers market on a Wednesday in Chaska? Grab an ice cream or some fresh fruit and include it in your photo. If you are at one of the lakes, bring a fishing rod to add to the theme. Grab a seat in front of Dunn Bros Coffee or Red Bench Bakery and include your favorite treat! Hats have always been a fun prop and creates a fun vibe too! Maybe it starts to rain when you are out? Grab an umbrella and have some fun!” Connection: “Stand close to each other and even have arms around each other! Put kids on your backs or in someone’s arms and get close! If it is just one person, connect with talloutgrass,wall,bysurroundingsyourleaningonasittingintheorreachingtotouchthegrassorflowers nearby. Connecting always makes a photo better.”
If Lynn Laumann could give amateur photographers a piece of advice, when trying to get a great photo, sometimes it comes down to trying and trying again.“Ifyou take a photo and don’t love it, turn a little and try again, or step into a different area. Try holding your phone/ camera lower or higher. You might take 20 or more photos and then boom you have one you like the way it turned out. There really isn’t a right or wrong way to take photos when you are taking photos for yourself. Just keep taking photos that you love!” she said. Laumann has been taking photos — professionally — for more than 20 years, occupying a downtown Chaska business on Second Street East. Whether snapping photos of graduating seniors or families, location is so important, and Chaska has a number of unique places for background.Doesyour backdrop tell a story?“If you are at the Arboretum include some flowers or trees behind you or even one of their featured exhibits. For example, in the fall, take some fun photos with the scarecrow exhibit. If you are in downtown Chaska, head over to a building with Chaska brick, that always makes a great background! This area has so many trails and paths. Try using one behind your subject and create leading lines in your photo composition,” Laumann said. What other tips should you know, whether trying to capture moments for your living room wall, or maybe to post on your Instagram?
Light: “The best time of day for photos is morning and findyourtheflattering.andpeoplesunToosundirectlysubjecttoItlessningafternoon/eve-lateforasofter,harshlight.isusuallybestnothaveyourlookingintotheforaphoto.muchdirectmaycausetosquintitcanbeun-Keepsunbehindsubjectoropenshadefor
NEXT PLACE TO TAKE A PHOTO Have your camera phone ready to go 10 NEXT! | SUMMER 2022 | swnewsmedia.com
At a Chaska Hawks sporting event, grab your phones and snap a photo with friends.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK MACLENNAN
Regardless of the time of year, there are always great photos to take at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
to tell from the people behind it to the local culture and why a beer exists. There is tremendous thought gone into each beer, from deciding what styles to brew, what hops and malt to use, stories behind the name and even what style of glass it is poured in. Nothing is arbitrary. There are other local characteristics such as the local water used to brew beers, which can impact taste and color. This is why the same style and ingredients of a beer may taste different from one brewery to the next. No two beers are the same,” said Ashley Schram, owner at SchramSittingHaus.atop a bluff on County Road 61, just west of downtown Chaska, Schram Haus, which opened in 2019, gives aspiring photographers a beautiful backdrop on the outside as well. See if you can spot these three landmarks: Chaska’s Athletic Park, home to the Chaska Cubs; the steeple of Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Chaska; and Shakopee’s Rahr Malting Co. “We are the only brewery in the state with a view of Rahr Malting Co. from our patio overlooking the bluff. Guests can sit outside drinking a beer and literally see the malt house over the treetops where we receive malt to brew our beers. If that’s not local,” Schram said. In Flight: Jon Summer came to Chaska High School, following in the footsteps of building and community leaders in former athletic directors, Dick Ungar and Troy Stein. What Summer quickly found was a passion, a pride, for the Hawks inside and outside of the“Ibuilding.lovethe strong sense of community within our Chaska Hawks school community. Our Hawk pride, along with our school colors of purple and gold, are consistently on display as our community engages and supports our students’ co-curricular experiences,” Summer said. In recent years, Chaska has won state titles in girls basketball (2021) and football (2019). Whatever the occasion, a baseball game at Athletic Park, inside the Superfans student section at basketball, volleyball, hockey, and football games, a rivalry contest with Chanhassen High School, if the moment says so, photos with friends are strongly suggested.
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Eastern Carver County Schools science teachers are at work setting up new standards for the 2022-23 school year. COURTESY EASTERN CARVER COUNTY SCHOOLS
The days of the chalk dust cloud from clapping erasers outside are a thing of a past in most classrooms. How students receive instruction from teachers has evolved as technology hasSciencechanged.education is evolving as well, and with standards within the subject up for revision, a practice the Minnesota Department of Education requires of districts every decade, Eastern Carver County Schools science teachers are at work on setting up new standards for the 2022-23 school“Foryear.middle school, in sixth grade we used to teach Foundations of Physics & Chemistry, but with the new state standards we will be teaching Earth and Space Science in sixth grade and moving Physical Science to eighth grade. Seventhgrade content will remain life science,” said Mary Jo Nairn, sixth-grade science teacher at Chaska Middle School West. High school students at Chaska and Chanhassen will also see a sequence change, said Chris Lenius, science teacher at Chaska High School.
OF
Sequence of study will adjust in middle and high school classrooms
SCIENCE STANDARDS set to change in District 112
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So, how will Nairn incorporate new standards into her classroom instruction?
“The most obvious change people will see at Chaska and Chanhassen high schools is our new sequence of required courses. Since the last revision in 2009, our 9th-, 10th-, 11thgrade sequence has been Physics, Chemistry and Biology, in that order. But starting with the current eighth-graders, when they’re in ninth grade they will take Environmental Science, in 10th grade they will choose between Chemistry and Physics, and in 11th grade they will take Biology,” he said.
PHOTO
BY ERIC KRAUSHAR
NEXT UP IN THE CLASSROOM
CHANGE IS GOOD Nairn feels hands-on and activity-based instruction with sixth-graders is an important way to introduce them to science learning in the classroom. She said it is about experiencing things, and talking through what they are learning. “One of the things I tell students at the beginning of the year is ‘If I’m the only one talking, I’m the only one learning.’ Meaning that I encourage talking as we learn — asking each other questions, arguing about answers, taking risks to try out new ideas and new learning, and defending what we think with evidence,” Nairn said.
“For me, the biggest difference might be more open-ended unanswered questions at the beginning of units and using tools like whiteboards as they create models of their thinking and then revise them as they learn. We don’t ever learn it all at once anyway, we start with what we think we might know and then layer on more and more as we learn. Our first answers are rarely our ‘right’ answers, but activate our thinking for learning,” Nairn said. Lenius said the way high school students will learn science will adapt as well.
THE FIVE E’S These new standards, developed by Teaching and Learning leadership in collaboration with teachers within the science department, are working with a “Five E” structure for learning.ceptsthefirmstudentspracticesandwilloutate.rateExplain,gage,planning.lessonTheyare:En-Explore,Elabo-andEvalu-“Through-aunitweweaveinoutofthesetohelpgetagraspofsciencecon-theyareWe
Chris Lenius Chaska High School science teacher
want them to be fully engaged, constructing their knowledge through discussion and activities. I hope that this will ensure that their learning is deep and long-lasting,” Nairn said. District 112 works within the state standards to identify what is most essential for students to learn and understand. These are called Power Standards. According to the District 112 website, “Power standards are those pieces of information a student should know when they complete a class. Teachers spend most of their instructional teaching and assessing time on these standards because it is important for all students to learn them.”
“The new Minnesota standards, like science standards in most states, are based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The NGSS emphasizes connections between different areas of science as well as ‘science and engineering practices’ — the ways that scientists and engineers approach understanding the world. These new standards are much less about memorizing facts and more about thinking, analyzing, evaluating, and creating,” Lenius said.The new science standards take a athatandthinkinglearnalldesignedtists.sionalbecomeofsmalltosignedbenefits.theproachclassroomwholeap-towhoinstruction“They’rede-notjustprepareanumberstudentstoprofes-scien-They’retohelpstudentscriticalskillsunderstandscienceiswayoffinding out how the world works,” Lenius said.
“They’re designed not just to prepare a small number of students to become howisunderstandthinkingstudentsdesignedscientists.professionalThey’retohelpalllearncriticalskillsandthatscienceawayoffindingouttheworldworks.”
While in with the new, and out with the old, like the chalkboard to the smartboard, change is welcomed by teachers. Both Lenius and Nairn agree, great things are happening in the district. “Great things our science teachers and students are doing and will do in the future,” Lenius said.
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BY ERIC KRAUSHAR
The return of River City Days
FILE PHOTO BY MARK W. OLSON River City Days draws a crowd on Friday night in 2021.
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Undesser and her husband moved to Chaska after getting married, and have been residents of the city for two decades. They raised a family in the community, and their kids went through the Eastern Carver County Schools system. Chaska is home, and River City Days, which will celebrate its 46th anniversary as the city’s town festival July 29-31, is part of what creates that feeling for the Undesser family. The entertainment and activities in City Square Park. The food that surrounds it. The parade through downtown Chaska.Undesser was elected executive director of River City Days in December 2021. “I was a long-time volunteer. I moved tables and chairs and did clean-up. I was part of all sorts of fun stuff. I just felt like I needed to do more,” she said. “(Former executive director) Tim Sebenaler has done so much for this nonprofit organization and I just wanted to do my part. There is a need in the community, so coming together and showcasing what all of our nonprofit organizations do for our city is important.” “All of our nonprofits are suffering. All of them are in need of resources and volunteers. For someone who used those resources, it hits close to home,” Undesser added. Undesser and the River City Days board have been hard at work in planning an event
After being canceled and reduced, full-scale event is back in July 2022
InformationMore More information on Chaska’s River City Days at chaskarivercitydays.org. 2022 swnewsmedia.com
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that was sidelined in 2020 and scaled back in 2021 due to COVID.Fora town festival run 100% by sponsor donations, getting the wheels back on the track has been a large undertaking. Undesser figures there will be around 50 craft vendors and 40 information booths in the park.
The Chaska’s Got Talent returns on Sunday, July 31 and there will be a car show and disc golf tournament. There will also be a family fun run. Undesser said the medallion hunt, an event that went away in 2017, will return. A group of elementary students have already been contracted to write the clues for 2023.
The parade, set for 1 p.m. Sunday, July 31, is being dedicated to first responders and public safety. It’s only fitting that the parade’s grand marshal is recently retired Chaska police chief Scott Knight. “He was our police chief for 20 years. We wanted to honor him for everything he’s done for the city of Chaska,” Undesser said.
The opportunity for more organizations to join in the parade exists. Undesser figured in May she had 40 to 50 confirmed Middlethemousincludingentrants,thefa-ShrinersandtalentedChaskaSchoolband. However, the push is on for a few more.
· LocalSWPrime-$4/Ride · BestBuyHQ-$4/Ride · MallofAmerica-$6/Ride · MSPAirport-$8/Ride 952-949-2BUS (952-949-2287) HoursofOperations: M-F:5:30AM-7:00PM Saturdays:6:00AM-5:30PM Visitourwebsite Cost: SWPrimeoffersservicetoandfrom: ·494Corridor/MOA ·MSPInternationalAirport ·SWPrimeMD ·ShakopeeService ·Essentials(grocerystores andPharmacies) ·OnDemand ·CurbtoCurb ·Affordable ·Safe WhatSWPrimeoffers: “There is a need in isdoorganizationsourwhatshowcasingtogethersocommunity;thecomingandallofnonprofitforourcityimportant.” Billie Undesser River City Days executive director NEXT FESTIVAL TO ATTEND swnewsmedia.com | SUMMER 2022 | NEXT! 15
“I’m super excited to have the medallion hunt back. It’s a way to explore our city for families. We had a family step up and write the clues this year. Everyone be on the lookout for the big gold medallion!” Undesser said.
The entertainment line-up includes Friday night’s main act, Coyote Wild, which plays a mix of both classic and current rock and country; and top-40 cover band Good for Gary on Saturday aretertainment,aboutTheythecitedCastaways.JamboneHollyMatttainmentwhileSaturday,frominRaesongwriterMinneapolisevening.singer/BeckyDaltonwillbethebeergarden5to8p.m.onJuly30,gazeboenter-includesMcAllisterandHalldorson,andthe“We’resuperex-topartnerwithChaskaLions.providefor75%oftheen-sotheybigsponsors.We have some really good up-andcoming acts. Good for Gary and Coyote Wild are huge. They are playing somewhere every weekend,” Undesser said. With construction work on Highway 41 and downtown Chaska at the forefront this summer, Undesser said SouthWest Transit will provide shuttle service from the East Creek Transit Station to the event from 3-10 p.m. Friday, July 29, and 2-10 p.m. Saturday, July 30. “Construction will be in all of the parking lots, so there will be almost zero parking downtown. That is why we are telling people to carpool and shuttle down the hill,” Undesser said. Construction could also affect the 2023 festival. City Square Park is set to get a makeover, including a new gazebo.“We’re working with the city to make sure it happens before or after the festival. River City Days not being in the park wouldn’t feel the same. It is a beautiful and wonderful setting,” Undesser said.
BY JACQUELINE DEVINE
PICKLEBALLANDRIDE In thepreviousSouthWesttweenanevolvedandnertheTransitedcourtsparkingSouthWesttinginplayresidentsChaska,canpickleballauniqueset-atthetopofaTransitramp.Thearelocat-atEastCreekStation,onsouthwestcor-ofhighways41212.Thecourtsaspartofagreementbe-thecityandTransit.Accordingtoreports,ideatocreate
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NEXT UP IN PICKLEBALL PICKLEBALL
Pickleball players gathered at Lakefront Park in Prior Lake. PHOTO
FILE
pickleball courts on top of the parking ramp came during the COVID-19 pandemic. A portion of the ramp was not being utilized so SouthWest Transit partnered with the city of Chaska to create much needed pickleball courts in the community. Zac Johnson, recreation supervisor for the city of Chaska, said if the courts become popular, there is a possibility for pickleball programs in the future. “At this time we haven’t planned anything new at the courts. For now, the courts will offer open play,” said Johnson. “Depending on the number of players utilizing the courts and the popularity, we could look to start some programming there in the future. This will be the first summer where the courts will be available through the summer and the fall — weather permitting. We’re hoping for a great turnout at the courts.”
There’s a sport that’s exploding in the southwest metro. If you haven’t heard about pickleball by now, it won’t be long before a friend recruits you to play a game. Enthusiasts say the sport is popular for its fun, social and friendly nature. Plus the fact that it’s good exercise doesn’t hurtPickleballeither. is a racket or paddle sport that was created by combining elements of several other racket sports. Two or four players use solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net. The ball is much like a wiffleball. A pickleball court is similar to badminton, with a net similar to tennis, and the paddles are similar to those in table tennis. According to the official pickleball website, pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington. Three dads — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — whose kids were bored with their usual
“It’s so fun to see the big smiles on their faces when they come in and we have a large portion of our visitors come in three to five times a week which has been wonderful.”
The lighted courts are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with access to restrooms. Parking is free and available a short distance from the courts. Equipment is stored at the site. The city is handling any necessary scheduling. There are no fees.
Southern metro embraces sport
Rick Gray Owner of Mega Pickle & Pong popularity soars
theaddingAsianEuropeanasingTheU.S.throughoutasimpleequipmentnalevolvedingcreditedactivitiessummertime—areforcreat-thegame.Pickleballhasfromorigi-handmadeandrulesintopopularsporttheandCanada.gameisgrow-internationallywell,withmanyandcountriescourts.Overtheyears,sportspreadlike wildfire and became popular in community centers, public parks, YMCA facilities, retirement homes and the southern Twin Cities metro where it’s home to several pickleball courts and clubs.
MEGA PICKLE & PONG Mega Pickle & Pong, an indoor pickleball and ping pong club, opened its doors March 1 and is going strong. The club, located at 2929 Water Tower Place in Chanhassen, includes six indoor pickleball courts and nine ping pong tables.
Rick Gray, owner of Mega Pickle & Pong, said the surrounding communities have been extremely supportive of the new “They’vebusiness.really come together and built up a lot of our business and it’s about them getting all their friends together. They’ve been extremely passionate about pickleball,” said Gray. “It’s so fun to see the big smiles on their faces when they come in and we have a large portion of our visitors come in three to five times a week which has been wonderful.”
Gray said the idea to build an indoor pickleball and ping pong club started as a passion project that has since evolved into a thriving business. “It was really a passion project. My business partner and I were big table tennis fans and it kind of started as we love to play table tennis so let’s open up a little ping pong club,” said Gray. “My mother-in-law introduced me to pickleball and I immediately thought this is so fun and saw there wasn’t really much in dedicated indoor sports with an outdoor surface that everyone was looking for.” Gray also said that the new business has extended what it currently offers. “We have been extending what we offer as far as different play for different skill levels. We now have three instructors that teach classes all the way from beginner to advanced. We also have multiple tournaments going on over the summer and 100% of those fees go to charities. So, we’re really trying to give back to the community,” said Gray. “In addition to that, we are looking to be the largest pickleball retailer in Minnesota. We have a substantially sized pro shop where you can come in and we carry a demo of every single paddle that we have that you can try.” Pickleball players can reserve a court online ahead of time by using the app CourtReserve. The club also offers open play time, when participants can show up and play with others. Ping pong is open play only. To play ping pong, it costs $5. Open play pickleball costs $8 and it costs $25 to reserve a court by the hour. Mega Pickle & Pong is open 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Those interested in learning more can visit megapickleandpong.com.
OurteamservingyouinChaska PEDIATRIC JamesE.Carrabre,M.D. SportsMedicine VickiK.Zbikowski D.O. FAMILYMEDICINE DavidB.Haugland M.D. SarahE.Carlson M.D. LeahM.Clark M.D. WACONIA 424St.Hwy.5 952-442-4461 CHASKA 110105PioneerTrailSuite100 952-556-0120 WATERTOWN 313TerritorialStreetEast 952-955-1921 NORWOODYOUNGAMERICA 406FaxonRoad 952-467-2888 LoreneE.Rutherford M.D. LaurelL.Erickson M.D. LauraA.Mohling M.D. MaggieE.Kennealy PA-C PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT FAMILYMEDICINE DawnM.Stapleton M.D. SURGERY TimothyM.Thormodsgard M.D. LisaM.Chapman M.D. OB/GYN ErinL.Chinnock M.D. TaraL.McMichael M.D. INTERNAL MEDICINE PeterH.Rogers D.O. INTERNAL MEDICINE/ PEDIATRIC SUBMITTED PHOTO Mega Pickle & Pong, an indoor pickleball and ping pong club opened its doors on March 1. NEXT UP IN PICKLEBALL swnewsmedia.com | SUMMER 2022 | NEXT! 17
“Many ballparks are proud of their unique characteristics, as they should be,” Beckman said. “The Jordan baseball park just seems to have many of them.”Beckman said as you drive into the park along the left field fence, you can see the viewing area that fans enjoy. The field sits below “like a stage.” There’s the wooden grandstand that dates back multiple decades and actual dugouts that players step down into. Beckman loves the church steeple and clock in the distance over the right field fence, the manual scoreboard, the bluff of trees beyond the first base foul line and the train tracks that are parallel to the drive into the park.
The finished concrete areas surround Veterans Field in Prior Lake. There’s quality seating
VETERANS FIELD
As president of the River Valley League, Ron Beckman has seen many town ball games at a lot of different parks. There are 16 teams in the RVL, including the Chaska Cubs, the Chanhassen Red Birds, the Prior Lake Jays and Mudcats, the Jordan Brewers, Shakopee Indians and Coyotes and the Victoria Vics. And those teams’ facilities are all top-notch.
ATHLETIC PARK Beckman said Athletic Park in Chaska consistently draws large crowns and it’s easy to see“Theywhy. put a good product on the field,” Beckman said. “They have a wonderful surface to play on, and the fans hover over the field down both foul lines and in the grandstand to create a lot of energy for players to play in front of.”
Jordan has the Mini Met, while Prior Lake is home to Veterans Field at Memorial Park and Shakopee plays at Joe SchleperChaskaStadium.hashistoric Athletic Park, while Chanhassen, winners of the last four Class B state titles, is home to Storm/ Red Bird Stadium and Victoria plays at Poppitz Field.
“They have a giant press box that has been home to some great announcing over the years by legendary announcer Dick Jonckowski and Bill Schleper,” Beckman said.
The Mini Met is home to the Jordan Brewers. The park is located near the train tracks that run through downtown Jordan, and if you’re there in the evening, you’ll hear the 6 o’clock train horn as it runs through town.
“The RVL is fortunate to have so many beautiful local ballparks that are all worth seeing a game at during the summer,” Beckman said.
The Minnesota Baseball Association has 265 teams from Class A, B and C, so business seems to be booming, while the ballparks are bustling.
JOE SCHLEPER STADIUM
FILE PHOTO NEXT BALLPARK TO VISIT BALLPARKS Plent y of pristine, historic localPlenty of pristine, historic local 18 NEXT! | SUMMER 2022 | swnewsmedia.com
“The train looks to be riding on top of the left field fence from certain angles,” Beckman said. “This park is worth a visit whether your are a baseball fan or not.”
Beckman said all six of these parks are unique in their own way. Here’s his take on each of them:
River Valley League is home to some of the best venues
BY TOM SCHARDIN
MINI MET
Beckman enjoys the many viewing experiences at Joe Schleper Stadium in Shakopee. including the decks down both foul lines and the deck near the backstop on the first base side that’s shielded by netting. Behind home plate is the large stadium seated grandstand.
“They typically have one of the more enthusiastic announcers at their games as well,” Beckman said.
Fans enter Athletic Park in Chaska, many by foot, while others hope for a parking spot. Located at 725 West First Street, it’s the heart of baseball in the city.
Storm/Red Birds Stadium, located at 2200 Lyman Blvd., Chanhassen, is home the Chanhassen Red Birds, winners of the last four Class B state titles. swnewsmedia.com
“The changes made by the late Mike Poppitz were instrumental in the improved playing field and surrounding environment at the facility,” Beckman said of Poppitz field in Victoria. “The surface has been immensely improved in the last decade, and the wooden fence and scoreboard are on par with their competitorBeckmanfields.” likes how standing down the lines in right and left field puts you near the action. “It’s a great way to view a game at Poppitz,” he said.
Located at 5181 160th St., Veterans Field at Memorial Park is one of Prior Lake’s oldest parks. It was established in 1948 and is home to the Prior Lake Mudcats and Jays.
NEXT BALLPARK TO VISIT
POPPITZ FIELD
down the right field line where spectators can watch the game from lawn chairs.
FILE PHOTOS
Beckman believes the grandstand at Storm/Red Bird Stadium in Chanhassen is one of the more impressive viewing areas
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Joe Schleper Stadium in Shakopee is off Highway 169 and is named after Joe Schleper, a member of the Minnesota High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
STORM/RED BIRD STADIUM
“Thearound.grandstand is beautiful and gives an elevated view for fans to see the action,” he said. “They have spacious dugouts. There is almost a minor league feel to the grandstand that matches their extremely talented team.”
MUD RUN
Serving up some
One standout event this summer is the Minnewashta Mud Run. The mud run takes place from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 9 at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, 6900 Hazeltine Boulevard in
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This
“I think it’s important that we are supplying opportunities for people to outdoor recreation for their own health, to be connected to the world around us and not get insulated indoors all the time,” he said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CARVER COUNTY PARKS FUN Se r v i g u p so m e
NEXT PARK TO CHECK OUT OUTDOOR
will be the ninth one at the regional park.
“Our focus is on this outdoor recreation like canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, archery, fishing — things that are maybe less often offered by cities or school districts,” Ostergard said. “Carver County Parks is offering so much more than people realize … we’ve got something for everyone.”
once known as the Tonka Mud Run. The run was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic and brought back in 2021. While many mud runs tend to be tailored to adults, the Minnewashta Mud Run has made the event accessible to all. Children are welcome to participate in the run, and a quarter-mile mini-mud run takes place right before the full-length run for youngerAccordingkids. to Ostergard, this extra feature in the mud run is part of Carver County Park’s work in offering activities engaging for families and people of all ages. “We wanted to be able to have an activity that doesn’t separate the family … something the whole family can participate in,” he said. In recent years, Ostergard said the mud run has seen around 300-350 participants. This year, he is hoping for numbers to reach closer to 500 participants.Onabroader scale, he added that this event is just one of many that can appeal to residents wanting to get outside this summer and take advantage of the local parks and trails.
BY ALYSSA HUGLEN Parks in Carver and Scott counties are putting together unique activities and camps for children and their families this summer. Events range from immersive, historical summer camps at The Landing in Minnesota River Heritage Park to family mud runs at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park. Micah Ostergard, recreation and volunteer specialist for Carver County Parks, said putting on activities like these highlights recreational opportunities in an outdoor setting.
THE LANDING In Scott County, The Landing in Minnesota River Heritage Park is putting on another year of its “Build a Camp” summer camp. The camp takes place on location at The Landing, 2187 County Road 101 in Shakopee. Carver, Scott County parks running unique youth and family activities this summer year’s Minnewashta Mud Run
n
thementsrangedsaidfreshbalesmaze,”includes1.7-milelometerParticipantsChanhassen.runona5.4-ki-course,goingaroundalooptwice.Thecourseobstacleslikea“crazylimbo,waterslideandhaytoclimb.Tokeeptheeventandexciting,Ostergardthecoursehasbeenrear-alittlebitwithenhance-toexistingobstacles.ThisistheninthyearofMinnewashtaMudRun,
SUNDAY 1PM Build a Camp is a three-day camp that is put on in June, July and August. Families can choose for their children to attend one, two or all three days in their respective round of Build a Camp.Thisyear’s camp consists of three themes: “BioBlitz,” “Oneroom Schoolhouse” and “Day on theBioBlitzFarm.” centers around teaching kids all about different plant and animal species living in their animals,meetallowsDaycentury.backwithcessparticipateslatewillyearsfrompatinghousetraditionalofthehouseOne-roomcommunity.School-giveskidsexperiencelearninginaschool-andpartici-inlessonsaround150ago.Kidsgettouseaboardandinre-gamesandtoysdatingtothe19thThefinalday,ontheFarm,kidstosomefarmworkin the gardens and try out traditional farm chores.Three Rivers Park District historic interpreter Mike Murray said the Build a Camp activities offer a unique, immersive experience for kids to learn about life in the 19th century. “It’s a lot more fun to learn about history or some of the aspects that we teach at our camps than having to read about it in a book,” he said. “It makes history more real, and you get a better connection with people in the Buildpast.”aCamp also heavily focuses on appreciating the history specific to Scott County.
CANTERBURYPARK.COM LIVE RACING ATTHE PARK NOW – September17
PHOTO COURTESY OF CARVER COUNTY PARKS
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allinsulatedusthetotheirrecreationpeopleopportunitiesweimportantit’sthataresupplyingfortooutdoorforownhealth,beconnectedtoworldaroundandnotgetindoorsthetime.” Micah Ostergard Carver
The mud run has features that can appeal to family members of all ages. “I think County Parks
WEDNESDAY,THURSDAY &SATURDAY 5PM
Murray said kids attending the BioBlitz day will participate in multiple activities that center around the environment of the Minnesota River and how it impacts the land. The schoolhouse also has historical ties in town, as the building once served as a one-room school located in downtown Shakopee for St. John’s LutheranBeyondChurch.Build a Camp, The Landing has other programs and activities that can appeal to people of different ages and includesMurrayinterests.saidthislearning about old-fashioned chores and taking adult-themed bike rides that teach guests about the making of bricks and beer in the Minnesota Valley. “We have some unique experiences talking about Scott County history … so there’s experiences for all the family — from the young ones all the way up,” he said.
Lunds & Byerlys / Prior Lake 16731 State Hwy. 13, Prior Lake (952) www.lundsandbyerlys.com440-3900
Saint Michael Catholic School 16280 Duluth Ave. SE, Prior Lake (952) www.saintmpl.org447-2124
Parish Of Saints Joachim And Anne 2700 17th Ave. E., Shakopee (952) www.ssjacs.org445-1319
PERSONAL SERVICES CBeauty Salon 16154 Main Ave. SE, Prior Lake (952) www.cbeautyalon.com440-1010
Michael King Orthodontics 2687 W. 78th St., Chanhassen (952) www.michaelkingortho.com470-2627
Saint Michael Catholic Church 16400 Duluth Ave. SE, Prior Lake (952) www.stmichael-pl.org447-2491
HOME IMPROVEMENT/SERVICES
American Legion / Chanhassen 290 Lake Dr. E., Chanhassen (952) www.alpost580-chanhassenmn.org934-6677
Canterbury Park 1100 Canterbury Rd., Shakopee (952) www.canterburypark.com445-7223
RETAIL Cal’s Market & Garden Center 6403 Egan Dr., Savage (952) www.calsmarket.com447-5215
Premiere Dance Academy 4616 Colorado St. SE, Prior Lake (952) www.premieredanceacademy.com447-5788
WORSHIP Friendship Church 17741 Fairlawn Ave., Prior Lake (952) www.friendshipmn.org447-8282
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Morgan Family Dental 16670 Franklin Trail SE, Prior Lake (952) www.mypriorlakedentist.com447-4611
MEDICAL / DENTAL
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Anchor Iron Company 12358 Boone Ave., Savage (952) www.anchoriron.com445-3030
Mandinec Group Landscaping, Inc Prior Lake (952) www.mandinecgroup.com226-1813 Mediacom Communications 1670 Lake Dr. W., Chanhassen (855) www.mediacomcable.com633-4226
14093 Commerce Ave. NE, Prior Lake (952) www.haugensolutions.com440-8200
Chaska Parks & Recreation 1661 Park Ridge Dr., Chaska (952) www.chaskamn.com448-5633
D Fongs Chinese Cuisine 4321 Egan Dr., Savage (952) www.dfongs.com894-0800
Insurance Brokers / Jordan 223 First St. E., #100, Jordan (952) www.ibjordan.com492-2300
Lakeview Clinic / Chaska 110105 Pioneer Tr., Chaska (952) www.lakeviewclinic.com556-0120
REAL ESTATE Edina Realty / Chanhassen 2655 W. 78th St., Chanhassen (952) www.edinarealty.com/office/chanhassen934-5000
Edina Realty/Prior Lake - Savage 14198 Commerce Ave. NE, Prior Lake (952) www.edinarealty.com/office/prior-lakesavage447-4700
Edina Realty / Shakopee 4121 Dean Lake Blvd., Shakopee (952) www.edinarealty.com/office/shakopee445-6400
Friendship Church 12800 Marystown Road, Shakopee (952) www.friendshipmn.org447-8282
Haugen Insurance & Financial Solutions
ENTERTAINMENT
SCHOOLS / EDUCATION
Shakopee Public Schools 917 Dakota St. S., Shakopee (952) www.shakopee.k12.mn.us496-5862
Haferman Water 12142 12th Ave. S., Burnsville (952) www.hafermanwater.com894-4040
Edina Realty / Chad & Sara Huebener 14198 Commerce Ave. NE, Prior Lake (952) huebener-realtorwww.edinarealty.com/chad-and-sara-212-3597
INSURANCE / FINANCIAL
FOOD & DRINK
NEXT PLACE TO BRING YOUR DOG DOGGONE GOOD PARKSi n t h e so u t h w e s t m e t r oin the southwest metro swnewsmedia.com | SUMMER 2022 | NEXT! 23
Southbridge Community Dog Park at 7101 Southbridge Parkway, Shakopee is a park for dogs big and small. The off-leash park has a 10-acre allbreed park area and a half-acre area for small dogs only. The small dog area is limited to dogs that weigh no more than 25 pounds and are no taller than 13 inches at the shoulder. It also includes trails and a water station.
Roundup of local dog parks to check out with your pooch Dogs socialize at the Cleary Lake Dog Park in Prior Lake. PHOTO PHOTO BY MARK W. OLSON Nugget greets a visitor at Chaska’s dog park.
BY LYDIA CHRISTIANSON On a beautiful summer day, nothing beats playing fetch with your furry friend at a dog park. Luckily, the southwest metro area is home to a vast array of dog parks to visit. The following are a roundup of dog parks to try this summer.
CARVER COUNTY Lions Park Off-Leash Dog Area at 1300 Crosstown Blvd, Chaska is a fenced-in space for dogs to play and explore. It is approximately a one-third acre park, which includes a drinking and wash station. Lake Minnewashta Regional Park Off-Leash Area at 6900 Hazeltine Blvd., Chanhassen is a beautiful sanctuary for dogs and their owners alike. The park has nearly a mile of walking trails, a fenced pond, two open spaces for dogs to play, a water fountain for people and pets and a separate area for small dogs under 25 pounds. The park is a great place to take your dog on a hot summer day since it is well shaded by a forest of tall trees. Carver Park Reserve OffLeash Dog Park at 7200 Park Dr., Victoria is a great place for dogs to run, play and meet new furry friends. The park is 27 acres, which is more than enough room for dogs to explore and get out their energy. The area is fenced in and also includes a separate play space for small or frail dogs.
Savage Dog Park at 12425 Xenwood Ave., Savage is a space with over two acres of fenced open space for dogs and their owners to roam free. The dog park has trees for shade and benches to sit at after a long day of playing fetch.
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Sand Creek Dog Park at 103 Sawmill Rd., Jordan is a one and a half acre haven for dogs to play and socialize. The area is fenced in and includes two doggie bag dispensers. A trail under Highway 21 links Sand Creek Dog Park to Hillside Drive and leads to Lagoon Park.
Murphy-Hanrehan Dog Off-Leash Area at 15501 Murphy Lake Blvd, Savage is a three-acre area for dogs to run off-leash at Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve. The exercise and socialization a dog gets during off-leash play time helps maintain its mental and physical health, according to the Three Rivers Park District.
SCOTT COUNTY Cleary Lake Dog Park at 19011 Highview Ct., Prior Lake is a 28-acre off-leash area located at Cleary Lake Regional Park. The dog-friendly area is fenced in and has a wetland pond that dogs are sure to love. Make sure to bring a towel along.
EDINAREALTY-EDINAREALTYMORTGAGE-EDINAREALTYTITLE 22 PhilHolm SalesManager BarbEdeskuty OfficeAdministrator SueLarson LoanOfficer BeckyRadcliff TitleClosingManager TonyTorres InsuranceAgent CorbinKenneth RobertBramwell TaraClawson JamesHawthorne DrewCarlsonStaceyKosmides SarahKahn JanRomeand EmilyRomeWelter Randyand MelodeeBrooks Bethand MattJones SandyCarlson MissyVilett ErinNydahland MaryPatNydahl KelseyRiesgraf andSueBusch MaryBeth Burgstahler NancyArneson JayStaats JoshIves Ryan Rischmiller RandaHahn Kristen Nicholson CindyBramwell DarinBrooks JoeMayo TessaJuliar BriePiller& AmyLabo MikeMeyer DaveHopkins PatLauriaMeganCarlsen JanetOtto GregButler MicahVan Veldhuizen JohnKellogg ChrisKellogg AngieDegel JesalynBrianDonnell Desjarlais TonyLund ChanhassenOffice 952-934-5000
