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swnewsmedia.com | SUMMER 2022 | NEXT! 3 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 14 NEXT FESTIVAL TO ATTEND 16 Summer 2022 on the cover Cover Photo by Mark W. Olson The Chanhassen American Legion Post 580 Honor Guard leads the Fourth of July parade in 2021, accompanied by a flyover of WWII-era aircraft. The festivities return July 2-4. 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 ON MAIN STREET 18 NEXT UP IN PICKLEBALL 20 NEXT BALLPARK TO VISIT 22
Flock to the Arboretum for new bird exhibit
This summer, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is featuring The Art of Flying: Bird Images from A to Z. The colorful and educational exhibit is running now through Aug. 12. Visitors of the Arboretum can stroll through the hallway and view 52 illustrated species of birds (two for each letter of the alphabet) starting at the Skyway Gallery and ending in the Andersen Horticultural Library.“Youjust sort of bask in the images,” said PR and Media Specialist Sarah Jackson. “They’re just magnificent.” The Arboretum has had an alphabet exhibit in the past, but never like this. The art is some of the best bird art or ornithological art that’s ever been produced, said Kathy Allen, a librarian at Andersen Horticultural Library. “The images are exquisite,” Allen said. “We had so many amazing images, we actually managed to put two birds on every poster so that we only had to narrow it down to 52 different birds instead of 26.” The posters come from artwork found in giant books from the Arboretum’s library. Most of the images are taken from John
The exhibit features fun facts about each bird, ambient bird songs playing over speakers and bird cutouts hung from the ceiling. “You just sort of bask in the images” Sarah Jackson Arboretum media specialist NEXT THING TO TRY The exhibit starts at the Skyway Gallery and ends in the Andersen Horticultural Library.
BY LYDIA CHRISTIANSON
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM
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Gould’s rare seven-volume masterpiece, “The Birds of Asia (1850-1883),” which is part of the library’s rare collection. “We are privileged to have them in the collection,” Allen said. “They were donated to us, along with many many other rare books by Gov. (Elmer) Andersen.” Due to the value of “The Birds of Asia (1850-1883),” the book is kept behind closed doors and away from the public. This exhibit is a way to show the public the mind-blowing detail and beauty of theTheimages.library at the Arboretum is a bit hidden away in the building, so the exhibit is also a way for the library to put itself out there and let visitors know it exists, Allen said. Even though it’s called Andersen Horticultural Library, it includes natural history, naturalist horticulture and plants. According to Jackson the exhibit is oneof-a kind and great for visitors of all ages. It features fun facts about each bird, ambient bird songs playing over speakers and bird cutouts hung from the ceiling. While many of the birds featured are from Asia, the Arboretum has incorporated Minnesota birds that visitors will recognize. Visitors should be on the lookout to spot common birds such as the cardinal to the colorful Impeyan pheasant, which is native to Himalayan forests and shrublands. “It’s so colorful, and … just is upbeat,” Allen said. It makes me happy to see the images. I get to walk through that hallway several times a day, every day.” The fun doesn’t stop at the Arboretum. It has created a free coloring book that visitors can pick up at the library that features select birds from the exhibit. Children can take the book home, color and learn more about the birds, Jackson said. The exhibit is included with gate admission. Entrance is free for members, $15 for non-members ages 16 and older and free for ages 15 and younger.
· 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: The Impeyan Pheasant, which is native to Himalayan forests and shrublands, is featured in the exhibit. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM The exhibit will run through Aug. 12. NEXT THING TO TRY
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PHOTO BY LYDIA CHRISTIANSON AVIENDA CHANHASSENINHAS REGIONAL APPEAL NEXT DEVELOPMENT
“I think it’s going to create another gathering place, which is important,” Aanenson said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN A rendering of the Avienda development.TheAvienda development is conveniently located in the area of Highway 212 and Powers Boulevard in Chanhassen.
The Avienda development will draw “people coming from the south, people coming from the north, so it serves a larger area than just the city of Chanhassen,” Aanenson said.
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development is making its way to Chanhassen.
The Avienda development, conveniently located in the area of Highway 212 and Powers Boulevard, is a much-anticipated project.
According to Aanenson, the Avienda development, a lifestyle center, will be unique. It’s a mix of residential and business, but also a place for people to gather as a community.
BY LYDIA CHRISTIANSON
Avienda will be a big addition to the Chanhassen community. Whether people want to go there to grab a coffee or bring company from out of town to visit a restaurant and walk through its public spaces.Avienda should support high-quality, attractive design that is compatible as a whole with forms and materials that are authentic to the region, according to the city. According to Aanenson, it will Development to include hospitality, retail, office and housing
Anew
Avienda will incorporate hospitality such as restaurants, entertainment, retail space and offices that have potential to draw from a larger trade area since they are situated in a prime location close to Highway 212, Aanenson said. All of the different businesses haven’t been zeroed in on quite yet, she added.
The development hopes not only to draw people from Chanhassen, but also the entire regional area as a whole, said Chanhassen Community Development Director Kate Aanenson.
Chanhassen is known for its vast array of entertainment options, from Chanhassen Dinner Theatres to Paisley Park. It is one of the factors that lead to Chanhassen being named the best place to live in America by Money Magazine in 2021. The development is another way to draw people in to be entertained and spend their money in Chanhassen, Aanenson said.
A large part of the Avienda development will be housing. The development will have a mix of apartments, townhouses and senior housing. Aanenson estimated that Avienda has the capacity to house around 575 people.
The development will be comprised of distinct districts. In district one there is retail; district two includes apartments and retail/restaurants; in district three there is an of fice; district four is senior housing and in district five there is townhome housing. still be a number of years before Avienda is built out. The development will be comprised of distinct districts. In district one there is retail; district two includes apartments and retail/ restaurants; in district three there is an office; district four is senior housing and in district five there is townhome housing. To learn more about the Avienda development, visit projectanddentsmn.us/1746/Avienda.ci.chanhassen.There,resi-cansignupwiththeiremailorcellphonenumbertoreceiveupdates.
The development will draw people not only from Chanhassen but also from the entire regional area.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN
NEXT TRAIL TO TAKE
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A ribbon cutting ceremony for the regional trail was held in October 2021.
The section of trail between Minnewashta Parkway and Century Boulevard was the only area that did not have an off-street alternative paralleling Highway 5 for bikers and pedestrians between Victoria and Eden Prairie, Walsh said.
The trail project was a collaboration between Carver County, the city of Chanhassen, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Life Time Fitness.
The project connects over 100 miles of local trail systems of
he new Highway 5 Regional Trail is now open for the community to enjoy. The 1.8-mile trail runs from Century Boulevard in Chanhassen, under Highway 41, through the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and connects to the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail in Victoria.
REGIONAL TRAIL OFFERS IMPORTANT LINK PROVIDES SCENIC VISTAS
8 NEXT! | SUMMER 2022 | swnewsmedia.com The new Highway 5 Regional Trail offers scenic vistas as it passes through the Minnesota Arboretum.Landscape
“The project vastly improves public safety and mobility for pedestrians and cyclist,” said Carver County Parks and Recreation Director Martin Walsh, via email. “The impact/benefit is that this new TH5 Regional Trail segment removes a trail gap.”
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The project was completed in November 2021. Highway 5 is a busy transportation corridor and there was a significant trail gap, said Chanhassen Park and Recreation Director Jerry Ruegemer. Due to the gap, people didn’t feel safe walking or biking along that area.
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The Highway 5 Regional Trail and underpass project was completed in November 2021. Victoria, Chanhassen and Chaska, and links to the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail and Carver Park Reserve, Walsh said. Additionally, the trail connects destination areas of the Arboretum, the downtown areas of Chanhassen and Victoria, and provides connections to Life Time Fitness and Paisley Park, he added. According to Walsh, it’s tough to beat the views provided as users pass through the grounds of the Arboretum, historic apple research plots, pine groves, rolling topography, maple trees and large“It’swetlands.atransportation corridor for people wanting to bike to work,” Ruegemer said, adding it’s also “a recreation corridor for people that want to walk, rollerblade, skate, or bike ride on that trail corridor.” What makes Chanhassen special is its commitment to the park and trail systems, Ruegemer said, adding that residents use them all year long. “There certainly were obstacles going through this great of a project, but we hope it’s going to be well worth it for our residents and our community and our regional community as well,” Ruegemer said. “It’s going to be a big draw for people.”
The project was a collaboration between Carver County, the city of Chanhassen, the Arboretum and Life Time Fitness. The project was something that needed multiple jurisdictions to make it happen, Ruegemer said. “It really took on a life of its own with trying to get this completed,” Ruegemer said.
The funding for the project was split between the collaborators. The city of Chanhassen was responsible for 25%, the Arboretum was responsible for 25% and Carver County contributed 50% of the funds, Ruegemer said.
Close to $1.2 million in federal grants were received, as well as private support, according to the city of Chanhassen. Life Time Fitness supported the project and provided the right-of-way through their corporate campus in Chanhassen.
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Prince’s home and recording studio turned museum Paisley Park is located at 7801 Audubon Rd., Chanhassen. A great place to take a photo is in front of the building by its statue of Prince’s famous Love Symbol. The statue is free to visit during Paisley Park businessWhilehours.phones are inaccessible during tours at Paisley Park, museum goers do have another opportunity to take photos. Photos are allowed at the end of the tour in the Soundstage and New Power Generation Club. Prince outfits, vehicles, instruments and other memorabilia can be photographed in the Soundstage.
Four
ooking for a way to spruce up your Instagram feed this dentsChanhassensummer?resi-won’thaveto venture far to find some great photogenic locations. The following are the four must-visit spots to take a social media-worthy shot, right in your backyard. Photo subjects range from local lakes to bountiful flowers to the pop icon Prince.
Capturing nature and legendary music Chanhassen locations to snap a Symbol statue PaisleyoutsidePark.
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PAISLEY PARK
photo The Love
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stands
LAKE ANN PARK
Lake Minnewashta Regional Park is a 340-acre park located at 6900 Hazeltine Blvd. in Chanhassen. It is located on the shores of Lake Minnewashta and is sure to be a great location for photos during any season.While taking a walk along the park’s expansive five miles of turf and natural surface trails that go along the edge of Lake Minnewashta, through forest and prairie land, visitors can snap shots of the area’s natural beauty. Don’t forget to snap a photo of a beautiful sunset on Lake Minnewashta, which comes from the Dakota Indian language and means “good water.”
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The fountain inside the Griggs/Burke Annual Garden at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. PLACE TO
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chanhassen, is a destination to enjoy beauty of many different kinds. With over 1,200 acres of professionally maintained gardens, the Arboretum is a great place to take some stunningWhetherphotos.visitors want to see the rose gardens, the bog at Green Heron Pond or the Griggs/Burke Annual Garden, there are plenty of places to enjoy the scenery. Within the vast area of the Arboretum is 32 display and specialty gardens, 48 plant collections and more than 5,000 plant species. Note that if visitors want to get professional photos taken at the Arboretum, a daily photo permit is required.
LAKEREGIONALMINNEWASHTAPARK
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Photographers looking for a quiet place to relax and take a photo can look no further than Lake Ann Park. The park is located at 1456 West 78th Street and is dubbed Chanhassen’s premier community park by theLakecity. Ann is a great place to take some nature photos. Its shores are completely undeveloped and the waters are calm due to the lake not allowing motorized water crafts. A great place to scope out water and wildlife photos is on the lake’s fishingHowever,pier. the lake isn’t the only place for capturing photos. The 102-acre park has rolling hills, dense tree cover in the western quarter as well as walking paths to stroll along and look for photo opportunities.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM
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Helping reveal students’ gifts Bluff
Anna Edlund always tries to bring what is going on in the community into the classroom. In this picture are the Bluff Creek Plant Patrol Wizards.
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BY LYDIA CHRISTIANSON
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ollaboration with the community is incredibly important in schools. No one knows that better than Anna Edlund, the Gifted Services and STEAM Lab Facilitator at Bluff Creek Elementary School in CommunityChanhassen.partnerships bring opportunities to young people, Edlund said. In a recent speech she discussed how young people are like prisms. When they are surrounded with opportunity, the light of opportunity shines through them and reveals what their gifts are. Edlund recently received the 2022 Service-Learning Practitioner Creek
Elementary educator emphasizes collaboration EdlundAnna SUBMITTED PHOTOS
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Leadership Award, given by the National Youth Leadership Council. For her, the recognition was remarkable because it came from her peers and mentors. She hopes to use the recognition she received “to elevate civic engagement in our schools and in our communities,” Edlund said.
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New ideas and innovations in the classroom are music to Edlund’s ears. Her students know one of her favorite phrases is “I have an idea,” she said with a laugh. She is always open to what is going on in the community and tries to bring that into the classroom so students can “step out into the world,” she said.
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She is also a finalist for the Minnesota Department of Education Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for 2022. According to Edlund, the honor allows the opportunity to network with others to bring initiatives forward and to grow projects. Another benefit is the recognition of the many community partners she works with.
“It would not be fair or right to suggest that the recognition is for me alone, or that I earned it as a solo pilot, because it’s just not true,” Edlund said.
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 o Ett SUBMITTED PHOTO Educator Anna Edlund believes that children are incredibly wise and makes it a point to take time to listen to her students, engage with them and follow their lead. NEXT UP IN THE CLASSROOM
One of the ways she has done that is by working with Project Impact!, which is associated with the Chanhassen-based nonprofit A Better Society. They have worked together to develop a guide for civic engagement and use the United Nations Global Goals as a framework for students to do their work. “Civic engagement is really a cornerstone of what I do,” Edlund said.
FUNKY MINDS Edlund is the founder of Funky Minds, a nonprofit focused on community based service learning. The model of the nonprofit is to gather the gifts of community and answer the call to serve, she said. It is rewarding for her when she sees children recognize their purpose and that they have value, she added. Education is often deficit-based, Edlund said, focusing on what needs to be fixed or how things can be improved. However, education can be seen as asset-based. Whether it’s working with students or in the community, the perspective can be changed to look at what their gifts are and how they can be Edlundrecognized.saidpart of her role is “helping kids understand what they have within themselves to offer to the world.” Students aren’t the only ones learning new things in the classroom. On a daily basis, Edlund learns from her students. She believes that children are incredibly wise and makes it a point to take time to listen, engage with them and follow their lead. “Much of our time in education is trying to fill the child with ideas, where I think that listening to them really reveals the remarkable beings that they are,” Edlund said.
16 NEXT! | SUMMER 2022 | swnewsmedia.com NEXT FESTIVAL TO ATTEND
BY LYDIA CHRISTIANSON ne of the quintessential events in Chanhassen is its Fourth of July celebration. The festival takes place every year on July 2, 3 and 4. This year will be the city’s 39th annual celebration. The three-day festival encompasses events and activities that can be enjoyed by everyone, from children to adults to seniors, said Priya Tandon, Chanhassen recreation coordinator. There’s something for everyone, she added. Most of the celebration centers around City Center Park in downtown Chanhassen. Saturday, July 2, the family friendly
On
Three-day festival is fun for the whole family The placecelebrationFourthChanhassenofJulytakeseveryyearonJuly2,3and4. SUBMITTED PHOTO SUBMITTED PHOTO The city’s Fourth of July Celebration is fun for all ages. Fantastic Fourth of July in Chanhassen O www.MandinecGroup.com Residential&Commercial Design&Maintenance RetainingWalls Patios&Pools OutdoorKitchens FirePits&Pergolas UniqueDesigns.CreativeSolutions. AffordableLandscapes. Scheduleyour Scheduleyour freeestimate freeestimate today! today! 952-226-1813 952-226-1813 www.MandinecGroup.com Yourlocalexperts!Proudlyservingthecommunityforover28years!
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carnival kicks off. There will be discounted carnival rides, concessions and games. The carnival will run through July 4. On Sunday, July 3, is a family activity day including games and contests. The city will also partner with the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce for a business expo, which will showcase local businesses.
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The classic car show is one of many fun activities to take part in during the three-day festival
for community members to see each other and get to know their neighbors, Tandon said, adding the event has a small town community feel to it.
There will be a variety of live music performances and the Rotary Club of Chanhassen will put on the Taste of Chanhassen, which runs through July 4. Attendees can purchase food, beer and seltzer. On Sunday night there will also be a street dance that thousands of people show up for, Tandon said. Monday, July 4 is the last day of the festival. The Rotary Club of Chanhassen will put on a classic car show and there will be activities going on at Lake Ann Park, such as a medallion hunt, sand sculpture contest and a fishing contest. A large Fourth of July parade will take place on the last day of the festival. In the parade, presented by the Rotary Club of Chanhassen, are typically between 70 and 90 floats. Starting about three days in advance, it isn’t unusual to see towels and chairs set out to save seats for the parade, Tandon said. A fireworks display at Lake Ann Park will close out the Fourth of July celebration. The fireworks begin at 10 p.m. The Fourth of July celebration is a festival that the community really rallies around, Tandon said. She estimates that over the three days, around 70,000 people participate in the event. Many of the attendees are from the area and have made it their tradition to come every year, she said, adding it also draws people from the entire Twin Cities area. For anyone interested in partaking in the festivities, Tandon recommends they check out the city’s website for the full schedule of events, locations and cost. There is so much going on so people won’t want to miss out on something they were looking forward to, she said. To get information on the festival, visit ci.chanhassen. mn.us/272/4th-of-July-Celebration.Thelivelycelebrationisagreatway
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“It’s a great place just to connect with the community,” Tandon said. TO
The Taste of Chanhassen and the midway draw in crowds during the Fourth of July celebration.
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ver the last few years in Chanhassen, there has been a strong desire for businesses to open in the area of West 79th Street and in other areas near, or with access to, Highway 5, said Community Development Director KateChangesAanenson.inthe
SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
There has been a strong desire for businesses to open in the area of West 79th Street, according to Chanhassen’s Community Development Director Kate Aanenson.
PHOTO BY LYDIA CHRISTIANSON
Businesses continues to grow Tequila Butcher, at 590 W. 79th Chanhassen.St.,
Trends emerge due to Tdddipandemic
BY LYDIA CHRISTIANSON
West 79th Street area roughly began when Tequila Butcher opened up shop at 590 W. 79th St. Since then, more businesses have come to the area, such as Crisp & Green located at 530 W. 79th St., which opened in September. Another food option new to the city is Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks, located at 190 Lake Drive.
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“Chanhassen is a great place to live, work, and play.”
Darren Noble SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce executive director
Aanenson has noticed a trend in food-based businesses opening, typically fast casual establishments. Besides dine-in, many businesses also offer a food pickup model. Customers have also enjoyed outdoor seating options at certain restaurants. The West 79th Street area is kind of like the city’s food court, Aanenson said. Businesses are changing over, and there is still strong interest for them to open in the downtown core area, Aanenson said. In the future, she anticipates that interest will continue to grow.
CHAMBER PERSPECTIVE
FILE PHOTO BY MARK W. OLSON
Darren Noble also spoke to business trends he’s seen in Chanhassen over the past year.
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As the local Chamber of Commerce, the organization will host the July 3 Business Expo at the beginning of the Fourth of July celebration in Chanhassen. Businesses interested in participating in the event can visit business.swmetrochamber.com/events/ calendar, call 952-474-3233, or email info@swmetrochamber.com, for more information.
The Chanhassen business community has a variety of industries, including entertainment, healthcare, tourism, retail, restaurants and financial, among others, Noble said. He noted that remote work continues to be a business trend in the area. Businesses have also had to adjust their hours due to staffing shortages and hire for open positions, particularly in the manufacturing and retail and food industries, he said.
Another trend over the past year is the increase in Chamber business members who are in the health and wellness industry, such as spa, chiropractic, life coaching, fitness, and senior community living related businesses, Noble said adding that more than half of the chamber’s member growth during this time has come from those types of businesses. Looking toward the future, Chanhassen businesses, like most businesses, will continue to navigate increased cost, supply chain distribution issues, wages, and staffing shortages, Noble said. In order for businesses to sustain and grow, they will need to be even more customer-focused and leverage networking and referrals, he “Chanhassenadded.
The SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce represents businesses in Chanhassen, Chaska, Carver and Victoria. Its mission is to serve and strengthen its member businesses and stimulate regional prosperity.
PHOTO BY CHRISTIANSONLYDIA
is a great place to live, work, and play,” Noble said.
FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK RUPNOW
here’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.
Pickleball is now available, through the city of Chaska, on top of the East Creek Transit Station.
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Enthusiasts say the sport is popular for its fun, social and friendly nature. Plus the fact that it’s good exercise doesn’t hurt either.
Southern metro embraces sport
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.
“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 wonderful.”been Rick Gray Owner of Mega Pickle & Pong
T NEXT UP IN PICKLEBALL Pickleball
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“Itbusiness.wasreally a passion project. My business partner and I were Hours: Mondays:10:00To6:00 Tues.ThroughSat.:10:00To8:00 ClosedSundays (952)974-8084 521West78thStreet, Chanhassen,MN55317 www.seedlingsgiftsandbooks.com
BY JACQUELINE DEVINE
Over the years, the sport spread like 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.
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Rick Gray, owner of Mega Pickle & Pong, said the surrounding communities have been extremely supportive of the new business. “They’ve 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.”
Pickleball 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 summertime activities — are credited for creating thePickleballgame. has evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the U.S. and Canada. The game is growing internationally as well, with many European and Asian countries adding courts.
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According to previous reports, the idea to create 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.ZacJohnson, recreation supervisor for the city of Chaska, said if the courts become popular, there is a possibility for pickleball programs in the future.
PICKLEBALL AND RIDE In Chaska, residents can play pickleball in a unique setting at the top of a SouthWest Transit parking ramp. The courts are located at East Creek Transit Station, on the southwest corner of highways 41 and 212. The courts evolved as part of an agreement between the city and SouthWest Transit.
“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 theThecourts.”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.
swnewsmedia.com | SUMMER 2022 | NEXT! 21 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.
NEXT UP IN PICKLEBALL SUBMITTED PHOTO Mega Pickle & Pong, an indoor pickleball and ping pong club opened its doors on March 1. xtream.com|1670LakeDriveWest,Chanhassen 1-844-XTREAM3 • Downloadspeedsfrom 100Mbpsupto1GIG* • 100%gigabit technologynetwork • 99.99%networkreliabilityˆ • Powerfulwhole-homeWiFi *Do yv esma egist orde
NEXT BALLPARK TO VISIT A
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. FILE PHOTO
JOE SCHLEPER STADIUM
POPPITZ FIELD “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 competitor fields.” Beckman likes how standing down the lines in right and left field puts you near the“It’saction.agreat way to view a game at Poppitz,” he said.
ATHLETIC PARK
“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 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.”
“The RVL is fortunate to have so many beautiful local ballparks that are all worth seeing a game at during the summer,” BeckmanJordansaid.has the Mini Met, while Prior Lake is home to Veterans Field at Memorial Park and Shakopee plays at Joe Schleper Stadium. Chaska has historic 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. Beckman said all six of these parks are unique in their own way. Here’s his take on each of them:
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“Theygrandstand.haveagiant press box has been home to some great announcing over the years by legendary announcer Dick Jonckowski and Bill Schleper,” Beckman said.
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.
STORM/RED BIRD STADIUM Beckman believes the grandstand at Storm/Red Bird Stadium in Chanhassen is one of the more impressive viewing areas around.“The 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.”
VETERANS FIELD
The finished concrete areas surround Veterans Field in Prior Lake. There’s quality seating down the right field line where spectators can watch the game from lawn chairs.“They typically have one of the more enthusiastic announcers at their games as well,” Beckman said.
BY TOM SCHARDIN s 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. The Minnesota Baseball Association has 265 teams from Class A, B and C, so business seems to be booming, while the ballparks are bustling.
22 NEXT! | SUMMER 2022 | swnewsmedia.com
MINI MET
“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 Athletic Park in Chaska consistently draws large crowns and it’s easy to see why. “They 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.”
Plenty of pristine, historic local ballparks River Valley League is home to some of the best venues
Saint Michael Catholic School 16280 Duluth Ave. SE, Prior Lake (952) www.saintmpl.org447-2124 Shakopee Public Schools 917 Dakota St. S., Shakopee (952) www.shakopee.k12.mn.us496-5862
SCHOOLS / EDUCATION
Lakeview Clinic / Chaska 110105 Pioneer Tr., Chaska (952) www.lakeviewclinic.com556-0120
Edina Realty / Chad & Sara Huebener 14198 Commerce Ave. NE, Prior Lake (952) huebener-realtorwww.edinarealty.com/chad-and-sara-212-3597
HOME IMPROVEMENT/SERVICES
INSURANCE / FINANCIAL
American Legion / Chanhassen 290 Lake Dr. E., Chanhassen (952) www.alpost580-chanhassenmn.org934-6677
PERSONAL SERVICES CBeauty Salon 16154 Main Ave. SE, Prior Lake (952) www.cbeautyalon.com440-1010
RETAIL Cal’s Market & Garden Center 6403 Egan Dr., Savage (952) www.calsmarket.com447-5215
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
14093 Commerce Ave. NE, Prior Lake (952) www.haugensolutions.com440-8200
FOOD & DRINK
Haugen Insurance & Financial Solutions
Chaska Parks & Recreation 1661 Park Ridge Dr., Chaska (952) www.chaskamn.com448-5633
Canterbury Park 1100 Canterbury Rd., Shakopee (952) www.canterburypark.com445-7223
Morgan Family Dental 16670 Franklin Trail SE, Prior Lake (952) www.mypriorlakedentist.com447-4611
Mediacom Communications 1670 Lake Dr. W., Chanhassen (855) www.mediacomcable.com633-4226
Premiere Dance Academy 4616 Colorado St. SE, Prior Lake (952) www.premieredanceacademy.com447-5788
Insurance Brokers / Jordan 223 First St. E., #100, Jordan (952) www.ibjordan.com492-2300
Michael King Orthodontics 2687 W. 78th St., Chanhassen (952) www.michaelkingortho.com470-2627
Friendship Church 12800 Marystown Road, Shakopee (952) www.friendshipmn.org447-8282
Parish Of Saints Joachim And Anne 2700 17th Ave. E., Shakopee (952) www.ssjacs.org445-1319
Lunds & Byerlys / Prior Lake 16731 State Hwy. 13, Prior Lake (952) www.lundsandbyerlys.com440-3900
Anchor Iron Company 12358 Boone Ave., Savage (952) www.anchoriron.com445-3030
WORSHIP Friendship Church 17741 Fairlawn Ave., Prior Lake (952) www.friendshipmn.org447-8282
Saint Michael Catholic Church 16400 Duluth Ave. SE, Prior Lake (952) www.stmichael-pl.org447-2491
Edina Realty / Shakopee 4121 Dean Lake Blvd., Shakopee (952) www.edinarealty.com/office/shakopee445-6400
REAL ESTATE Edina Realty / Chanhassen 2655 W. 78th St., Chanhassen (952) www.edinarealty.com/office/chanhassen934-5000
ENTERTAINMENT
MEDICAL / DENTAL
Haferman Water 12142 12th Ave. S., Burnsville (952) www.hafermanwater.com894-4040
Edina Realty/Prior Lake - Savage 14198 Commerce Ave. NE, Prior Lake (952) www.edinarealty.com/office/prior-lakesavage447-4700
D Fongs Chinese Cuisine 4321 Egan Dr., Savage (952) www.dfongs.com894-0800
Mandinec Group Landscaping, Inc Prior Lake (952) www.mandinecgroup.com226-1813
24 NEXT! | SUMMER 2022 | swnewsmedia.com 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
