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Rotary Club Uses Funds from WaukeePalooza to Give Back

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WaukeePalooza has encountered some challenges over the years. The event was rained out in only its second year, and like many other events, it was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. But this year, with restrictions easing and many activities resuming, WaukeePalooza is back and better than ever.

Formerly known as the Bar-B-Kee Bash—a barbeque competition, followed by a concert in the evening—the event has undergone a rebrand, according to Devin Boyer, Director of Fund Development for the Waukee Rotary Club and WaukeePalooza Chair. “We rebranded to be more connected with Waukee,” he explained. “We wanted to keep it simple and find a family-friendly event that could bring people together.” 

WaukeePalooza is the major annual fundraiser for Waukee’s Rotary Club, and all proceeds from the event “go right back into the Waukee community,” said Boyer. However, WaukeePalooza is far from the only way the organization is involved in the Waukee community. The club is part of Rotary International, a non-profit worldwide organization that focuses on service to others and promoting goodwill and peace through its fellowship of business and community leaders. Members join together to learn, grow and make their communities better places to live.

Since its founding in 1998, the Waukee Rotary Club has raised and invested over $400,000, both locally and internationally. The club provides scholarships for students in the Waukee School District each year, said PR Chair Keegan Wilkening, in addition to an annual coat drive for disadvantaged students. It also supports local nonprofits, such as the Waukee Area Christian Services Food Pantry, and community projects, such as a planned butterfly garden for residents to enjoy. Whether it’s packing meals with Meals From the Heartland, hosting a bags tournament for derecho relief, purchasing 1,000 face masks for medical workers in Africa, or coordinating a sock drive for the Dallas County Community Closet, Waukee’s Rotarians find ways to give back, even during challenging times. 

WaukeePalooza will help the Rotary Club continue those efforts. With a focus on fun for the entire family, the fundraising event will feature food trucks on site, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. There will also be activities for kids.

Originally, the plan for WaukeePalooza was to spotlight youth bands and showcase young, amateur talent. “It was our original plan to have youth acts perform from noon to 6 p.m., with Big Time Grain Company [this year’s headlining act] coming on at 7 p.m.,” said Boyer. However, according to Wilkening, over the last year, music programs and music teachers haven’t had the opportunity to get together. So organizers pivoted. “We’re looking at more of a musical festival feel, starting around 4 p.m.,” said Boyer. Details are still being confirmed, but organizers are “very close” to announcing the opening act for WaukeePalooza, said Boyer, with the possibility of one or two amateur performers hitting the stage first to kick things off.

Attendees will then be in for a treat when Big Time Grain Company, one of the fastest-rising country bands in the Midwest, takes the stage as the headliner. The band has opened for artists like Travis Tritt, Dan & Shay, Big & Rich, and Luke Combs, and they were the only act to perform in front of 800,000 people at the Kansas City Royals World Series Celebration Rally. “They’re going to provide a great show,” said Boyer. “Given that country music is very popular here, we thought they’d be a good fit.” 

Boyer notes that in a recent interview with WHO Radio, the band commented that Iowa has always been a part of their success. “Over half their shows will be in Iowa this year,” he said. “They’ve found a connection here.” The band itself echoed the sentiment: “Iowa is Big Time, and we always feel like we are with family in Iowa. We are absolutely excited for WaukeePalooza!”

You can catch Big Time Grain Company at WaukeePalooza on Saturday, August 28, in Waukee’s Centennial Park. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. and will run until 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 apiece and can be ordered through the event website at waukeepalooza.com. Tickets will also be available on the day of the event for an additional $5 apiece, said Wilkening. Make sure to check out the WaukeePalooza event page on Facebook for more information.

“It’s going to be a fun event,” said Boyer. “It’ll bring together the community at a time when people want to get together.”

If you’re interested in joining the Waukee Rotary Club, Boyer says to reach out to board members through the club’s website at waukeerotary.org. You’ll be invited to attend a weekly meeting—held every Thursday morning at Des Moines Golf and Country Club—as a guest. “You can come a few times to see if you want to join,” he said. You can also find a new member application on the club’s website if you’d like to formally apply. “We’re always open to new members,” said Boyer. “Come and see what we’re all about!” 

Waukee Trails: Connecting Neighborhoods and Providing Recreation

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Summertime is prime time for Waukee’s 23 miles of trails (and growing). That’s nearly one mile of paved trail for every 1,000 Waukee residents! City officials invest in trails and greenways in an effort to make it easier for residents to travel by foot or bike in their own neighborhoods and beyond, fostering a greater sense of community. 

“Our trail system grows as the community grows,” said Waukee Parks & Recreation Director Matt Jermier. “As the City Council invests in widening and improving major Waukee corridors, they also invest in trails that run adjacent to these main streets. Developers are also responsible for adding neighborhood trails.”

Sugar Creek Trail

In terms of new City trails, the Kettlestone Greenway Improvements Phase 2 project is currently under construction. Caliber Concrete, LLC is actively building the approximately one-mile-long trail, which will connect the Kettlestone Commons Ponds/Holmes Murphy area through the Grand Prairie Parkway pedestrian underpass to the Kettleview Development. The trail will also connect these areas through the Westown Parkway pedestrian underpass to the Grant Park neighborhoods. Expanding the trails will help keep up with the high demand for outdoor recreation.

“The number of cyclists and runners on the trails is mind-blowing some days,” said runner Bruce Huckfeldt. He would know, as he’s a regular on Waukee’s trails.

Heart of Warrior Trail

“I’ve been a runner for around 10 years now. There’s nothing better than getting outside and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature,” said Huckfeldt. “I think the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) is the best around. It’s always well maintained, and the quality of the pavement is top notch. I’m currently training for Ironman Des Moines, so I’ve logged a good majority of my running and biking miles on the RRVT this year.”

Huckfeldt brings his American flag along while running. He’s known to some people as “the flag runner,” and he said he appreciates the honks and waves from passersby. He often runs to raise money for charities such as the Wounded Warrior Project, the Dallas County Community Closet and others. He said he’s grateful to be able to give back and also for the convenience of Waukee’s trails.

“Between working two jobs, balancing family and chauffeuring my children to their activities, I have to squeeze in time for my training and charity initiatives whenever I can,” said Huckfeldt. “People in other communities may have to drive 20, 30 minutes, or even an hour to find a good trail, but Waukee’s trails are only a few minutes away, so excuses aren’t even an option for me.”

Whether training for an Ironman, or just getting outdoors with the family, Waukee has several trail options, including the Heart of the Warrior Trail, the Raccoon River Valley Trail, the Sugar Creek Trail and the Kettlestone Trails.

Waukee Park Board Member and avid cyclist Ethan Owens said he hits the trails with his family or friends a few times a week to get in his physical activity and also for the social aspect. 

“As our daughters get older, we use the trails more and more. We even rode up to Dallas Center and back for ice cream,” said Owens. “It’s one way our family chooses to spend quality time together.”

Trails connect neighborhoods and even provide business opportunities. Owens said he frequents many trailside or trail-adjacent destinations, including Mickey’s Irish Pub (a hot spot for cyclists), the new Kinship Brewing Company along the RRVT, and others.

In 2022, Owens and his family will have one more stop to add to their itinerary.

“The addition of the Triumph Park trails will continue to make Waukee a great place to live,” said Owens. When it opens in 2022, three miles of trails will connect cyclists in the 66-acre Triumph Park, with underpasses installed for easier accessibility. 

The national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy states that trails and greenways create healthy recreation and transportation opportunities by providing people of all ages with attractive, safe, accessible places to bike, walk, hike, jog, skate or ski. In doing so, they make it easier for people to engage in physical activity.

Invite your friends, your kids, your dog or whomever you want to join you on one of Waukee’s trails today! For a trails map and more information, visit Waukee.org/trails.

Everything Spring

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This winter has been brutal. At the time of writing, the temperature was below zero, with no immediate relief in sight. But spring will be here soon, believe it or not, and with it will come warmer temps, sunnier days and the chance to be outside once again. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your outdoor space or in the market for outdoor recreation, there’s plenty to look forward to this spring!

Home Improvement
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house—it should extend to your landscaping, as well. If fall and winter were challenging for your lawn, it might be time to think about installing sod. Spring is the busiest season for sod installation, says Abby Stensland of Stensland Sod in Granger. “It’s a great time to lay sod, since the temperatures aren’t that hot and there’s more rain, which means less watering for the homeowner or builder,” she explained. 

Sod is often installed for new construction, but it can also be a great option for established lawns that are in need of a little TLC. Stensland says some homeowners have particular trouble spots in their yards that can benefit from being replaced, such as areas damaged by pets or snow plows. You can even replace your entire lawn if needed. “We’ve torn out yards that have been killed for various reasons and replaced them completely,” said Stensland.

Another way to jazz up your outdoor space is to plant a garden, and you’d be in good company if you did. Tara Dudley, owner of Plant Life Designs in Van Meter, says 2020 brought a big increase in the number of first-time gardeners. “We discovered this past year gave people more time to explore the beauty and benefits of gardening,” said Dudley. “The pandemic seemed to push our clients to move forward with projects they had been thinking about in the past and had always wanted to do.” 

Looking to make some basic updates to your outdoor space? Dudley recommends starting with a deep-clean of any existing flower beds and some rejuvenation pruning of woodier shrubs if necessary. (This involves cutting back the shrub by two-thirds). Once you’ve cleaned up your beds, adding in plant material, such as groundcovers, grasses or perennials, will help with weed suppression and provide color. “We also recommend expanding your bedlines to create some depth and to accentuate your house a bit more,” said Dudley. “This usually just requires a bit of sweat equity!”

Container gardens can also be a great way to add color to patio spaces and garden beds, says Dudley. “A fresh coat of mulch can also do wonders in the spring when you’ve cleaned everything up,” she added. Plus, a little planning can set you up for even greater success next spring. “Planting bulbs in the fall can ensure early spring color,” explained Dudley.

Recreation
Once you’ve put in the work on your lawn and garden, it’s time to unwind, and one way to do that is on your bike!  If you dusted off your old Schwinn last summer, you’re not alone, says Dave Hammer, manager at Kyle’s Bikes in Waukee.

“We’re seeing our first bike boom of this century,” said Hammer. The store had its best spring on record in 2020. However, since most bicycles, parts and accessories are produced in Asian countries, the industry as a whole has faced shortages for months, which continues to affect inventory. Hammer cautions that the bike industry is looking at an 18-month recovery period before there will be normalcy in terms of production and availability.

If you’re thinking about doing some biking, you’ll need more than just your bike, of course. “We ask every customer that purchases a bike from us to have a quality bike helmet, and that it not be any older than five years old,” said Hammer. Other things to consider purchasing, according to Hammer, are a water bottle and cage—essential during Iowa’s hot, humid summers—and a repair kit. If you’ll be doing any night riding, you’ll want to think about lights for your bike, too. New riders should also consider bike-specific clothing. “A padded cycling short will increase your joy of biking immensely,” advised Hammer. He also recommends cycling-specific shoes for better performance.

A professional bike fitting ensures the rider’s optimum comfort and alignment in three touchpoints: the seat, the feet and the hands. Hammer even recommends a fitting for purely recreational riders. “We’re using physiology to fit people to their bikes, and sizing principles and fitting principles to make sure they’re comfortable on the bike,” he explained. 

Once you’re comfortable on your bike, says Hammer, the world is yours to explore!  “Cycling is one of the top three exercises that anybody can do at any age,” he explained. Biking is a great way to increase your heart health and conditioning, even for people with limited mobility. Above all, “there’s a sense of freedom a bike gives you that nothing else will. You cover so much more ground and see so much more scenery than you can walking or running,” said Hammer. “It makes you feel like a kid again!”

Whether you’re on your bike or on foot, Waukee’s community parks provide a great place to get some fresh air. This spring, residents will be able to take advantage of two additional parks: Alice Nizzi Park, located on Dellwood Drive, and Glynn Village Park and the Glynn Village Trail Amenity in the Glynn Village neighborhood. Starting this spring, both parks will be open for use, according to Matt Jermier, Waukee Parks & Recreation Director. “People are excited about it, especially after this winter,” he explained. “Two new parks will be a great thing for our community.”

This year will include the construction of Triumph Park, which will be located north of Hickman Road and east of North 10th Street. Scheduled to open in June of 2022, the 66-acre park will feature a sports complex with numerous fields and practice areas, as well as a 15,000-square-foot, EPIC Inclusive Playground, according to the Parks & Rec website. Triumph Park “will serve the community’s needs, most importantly,” says Jermier, “but it will also serve as a regional destination.”

Triumph Park

Jermier also commented that the department’s numbers on its trails and the use of its parks indicate that both are being used safely by residents even more than in the past. “We know how important those [the parks and trails] are, not only to physical health but to mental health,” said Jermier. “We’ll have the parks and trails ready.”

Waukee Parks & Rec is currently finalizing its programming for spring/summer 2021. Registration for the majority of summer camps opens March 1, and online registration is available at waukee.org/registration. Check out some of the offerings below!

Mini Sluggers T-Ball
Mini Sluggers T-ball, sponsored by Farmers State Bank, will run for five weeks with separate leagues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Mini Sluggers gives kids the opportunity to participate in a summer T-ball league while teaching them basic fundamentals through practice and games. Foam bats and balls must be used in this league and will be provided for each team. Teams will be formed at random. Children must be 4 years old by July 1, 2021. Volunteer coaches are needed!
Dates: June 1-29 & June 3-July 1
Times 5:45 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Fee $42 (includes a t-shirt)
Ages 4-5 years old

Pickleball League
Pickleball is played on Monday evenings at the Fox Creek Park Pickleball Courts. The league has space for 16, two-person teams. Registrants must sign up as a team; individuals will not be taken. Teams may be split into competitive and recreational divisions depending on numbers.
Dates: May 3–June 14: $48.15

Introduction to Soccer
Introduction to Soccer is designed to teach kids the basics of soccer while having fun. Game play will be 4 vs. 4 with four quarters of eight minutes continuous clock with no goalie. Teams will consist of seven or eight players with plenty of playing time for each player. Children must be 4 years old by Oct. 1, 2021. Registration is open June 1-Aug. 1.
Dates: Aug. 24-Sept. 21
Time 5:45 p.m.
Fee $42 (includes a t-shirt)
Ages 4-5 years old

Home Alone Awareness
Thinking of leaving your child at home alone this summer? Make sure they are safe! This class is taught by members of the Waukee Police and Fire Departments. They will provide educational tools and safety tips to help keep your child safe and aware of dangers in and around your house. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Date: Saturday, April 24
Time: 8:30-11 a.m.
Fee $10
Grades K-5th

Kids Yoga
Move! Breathe! Stretch! Grow! Students will practice breathing, stretching and moving their bodies in mindful and playful ways as they learn basic yoga poses from a certified kids’ yoga instructor and former elementary school teacher. This class is fun for students who are new to yoga and those with experience. Students should bring a yoga mat or beach towel and a water bottle. Parents/guardians are encouraged to accompany kids ages 3-5.
Dates: Tuesdays, March 2-30; Wednesdays, March 3-31; Tuesdays, May 4-25; Wednesdays, May 5-26
Times: 10-10:45 a.m. & 4:15-5 p.m.
Fee $40
Ages: 3-10 years old

Kiddy Keys
Enroll in this virtual, four-week class to play, sing and learn! Kiddy Keys is a modern and engaging approach to teaching piano skills and music concepts. Registered participants will receive an email each week with a private, 30-minute virtual class, allowing families to participate according to their own schedules. Each class will consist of music and movement, piano play and improvisation, music theory, keyboard geography and exploration, composition and music history, color and shape recognition, life skills and character development. A keyboard/piano is not required in the program.
Dates: March 1-22, April 5-26, May 3-24
Fee $44
Ages 3-5 years old

Easter Coloring Contest
Help spread some Easter cheer to Waukee Downtown Businesses! To participate in the Easter Coloring Contest, please print a coloring sheet and entry form from Waukee.org/eastercoloringcontest or pick them up at the Parks & Recreation office. The contest will start March 1, and the last day to submit finished entries is March 26. Winners will receive an egg’cellent Easter basket filled with goodies, including a sweet treat from Nothing Bundt Cakes! Coloring pages will be displayed in Downtown Triangle Businesses.

National Kids to Parks Day
National Kids to Parks Day is Saturday, May 15! Join Waukee Parks & Rec and Waukee APEX associates on a community-wide scavenger hunt. Look for clues, and then hunt your way through Waukee. Email dedwards@Waukee.org prior to May 10 for more information.

Mixed Couples Events
Spend Friday night at Sugar Creek Municipal Golf Course. This nine-hole, two-person scramble event includes greens fees, cart, range balls, appetizers, dinner and prizes.
Dates: May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20
Tee-off Time: 5:30 p.m.
Fee $70 per couple

WAUKEE PARK AMENITIES EXPAND IN 2020

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As the Waukee population keeps booming, so does the addition of new park amenities in the community. Three new local option sales tax-funded park projects took shape in 2020!

WESTOWN MEADOWS PARK officially opened to the public on June 1, 2020. This new neighborhood park is located at 2445 SE Willowbrook Drive in the Kettlestone Development.

“Like with any neighborhood park, families were eager for Westown Meadows Park to open. The June 1 opening day is also significant, as it was the day that all Waukee playgrounds reopened after extended closures caused by COVID-19,” said Waukee Parks & Recreation Director Matt Jermier. “Since then, we have seen consistent use of the park. We’ve heard a lot of great feedback, especially regarding the rubberized surfacing under the play structures.”

Westown Meadows features a playground, paved walking paths, landscaping, open greenspaces, a shaded picnic table area, parking and a restroom. It also includes a small spray pad, which will cool off kids in future summers. The cost of building this destination was $650,000.

Westown Meadows Playground

ALICE NIZZI PARK construction just wrapped up in October. Alice Nizzi was a Waukee community fixture who ran the famous Alice’s SpaghettiLand restaurant from 1947-1990. The design of this park is a nod to Nizzi’s legacy and the rich history of Waukee’s coal mining camps. 

“We took a very literal approach to this park—incorporating a spaghetti and meatballs theme to honor Alice Nizzi,” said Jermier. “It’s really fun to be able to tell the story of Alice’s SpaghettiLand and Waukee’s mining community through not only historic markers, but also the playground equipment itself. I would venture to say you’ve never seen another park quite like this one.”

The 3.17-acre neighborhood park, located at 715 NE Dellwood Drive, features a spaghetti and meatballs-themed playground, rubberized surfacing, sidewalks, a first-of-its-kind “Hyperloop” shade structure and historical elements. The approximate cost to build this park was $625,000. 

Alice Nizzi Park

GLYNN VILLAGE PARK consists of two components—Glynn Village Park South and the Glynn Village Trailside Amenity. The South project features a new neighborhood park at 2265 Warrior Lane with a playground, rubber surfacing, landscaping and a drinking fountain. While there is a private playground on the north side of Glynn Village, this new amenity will now serve the southern part of the development.

The Glynn Village Trail Amenity, located near the intersection of Brodie Street and Dunham Drive, was designed as a resting spot for families as they use the trails system. It includes play equipment, seating, trees and engineered mulch. 

“We envisioned families using the trail and stopping to climb on the rocks, crawl through the tunnels or take a walk on the balance beam,” said Jermier. “You’ll notice there are no restrooms at the Trail Amenity location as it is not designed for people to stay a long time. It is simply a quick play area for passersby.” 

Construction was completed on the Glynn Village Park amenities in October at an approximate cost of $535,000.

Glynn Village Park

With three park projects wrapped up in 2020, the focus shifts now to Triumph Park located in western Waukee, adjacent to the future Northwest High School. The 66-acre destination will feature a sports complex with 12 softball/baseball fields, practice areas, concessions, accessible restrooms, 800+ parking spaces, an 11-acre pond, greenspaces, trails and inclusive amenities.

The Waukee Betterment Foundation continues to raise funds for the 15,000-square-foot EPIC Inclusive Playground which will be situated near the Greater Iowa Credit Union Miracle League® Field and an accessible fishing pier. 

“We are thrilled to get the ball rolling at Triumph Park, pun intended,” said Jermier. “If 2020 taught us nothing else, it’s that access to stress outlets and engaging activities are key to wellbeing. Things such as playing in parks, taking a stroll on a trail, golfing or playing pickleball proved more important than ever. Waukee is lucky to be able to expand on those opportunities.”

Triumph Park

Triumph Park is expected to open in the spring of 2022.

Visit waukee.org/parks for more details about Waukee City parks.

City To Transform 66 Acres Into Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park

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Waukee Betterment Foundation Assisting With All-Inclusive Amenities

As the Waukee Community School District begins construction in October on its second high school, the City of Waukee has plans to turn the adjacent 66-acre property into the Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park. But, don’t let the word “youth” fool you: the new amenity will benefit community members and visitors of all ages and abilities.

Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park

Construction on Phase I of the Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park will begin in the spring of 2021. Phase I will include eight softball/baseball fields and two practice quads with batting cages. These fields will accommodate youth softball players ages 18 and under, as well as youth baseball players ages 10 and under. In Phase 2, four larger baseball fields will be added to accommodate players up to age 14. The need for a complex of this sort has been growing in recent years.

“The impact of this project will be huge,” said Waukee Recreation Supervisor Josh VandeKamp. “Right now, the City has three large fields at Centennial Park and four small fields at Warrior Park. We have 125 teams vying for field space and 40-plus Parks & Rec softball teams to accommodate annually. The construction of this new facility should alleviate Waukee’s shortage of field availability.”

VandeKamp said the investment in an amenity of this magnitude will not only benefit local athletes, but it should also catch the eye of regional tournament planners.

“We envision hosting tournaments on the weekends, which will attract teams from across Iowa, as well as teams from bordering states,” said VandeKamp. “If the weather cooperates, the City’s new complex should be busy from April through October. That could also help boost the local economy as visitors will need places to sleep, eat, shop and be entertained.”

In addition to ball fields, the City plans to construct playgrounds, a lake, trails and parking. The Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park is expected to open in 2022.

Nearly half of the project will be funded through a Public Improvement Fund set up by Apple; the remainder will be financed by revenues from the Dallas County Local Option Sales & Services Tax. These new funding sources make it possible for the City to complete this project without the use of property tax revenues.

An Eye on All-Inclusive Amenities

In partnership with the City, the Waukee Betterment Foundation recently launched a fundraising campaign for the Waukee Miracle League® Ball Field and Play Area, as well as an all-inclusive fishing pier, all to be included at the Complex. The goal is to raise $2.5 million to put toward these specialized amenities.

“The Waukee Betterment Foundation is devoted to making Waukee better,” said Foundation President Jim Miller. “This project will actually extend its reach beyond Waukee into the neighboring communities to provide a source of recreation for a surprisingly large population. Each Miracle League field can accommodate roughly 220 children in leagues. Since we know there are about 700 children in the area with disabilities, there is a real need. The adult leagues will also have a very strong demand.”

The Miracle League field will serve those with disabilities by way of its custom-designed, rubberized turf field which helps prevent injuries and provides easy access for wheelchairs and assistive devices. An all-inclusive play area with the same material and specialized equipment will also be installed near the field. It can be enjoyed by all visitors.

In addition to sports and play, new fishing opportunities will also be available. The City is constructing a 12-acre lake at the park, and the Foundation is working to ensure its fishing pier suits everyone.

“We are hearing from senior living facilities and veterans’ groups that an all-inclusive fishing pier will be a huge draw,” said Miller. “Currently, there is no place in the area to fish easily if you have mobility issues. This pier will have ample parking and restrooms nearby, as well as paved low-slope walks to the pier. Its design will allow people in wheelchairs to fish from a safe and protected area.”

The Waukee Betterment Foundation’s goal is to have the all-inclusive projects within the complex completed by 2022. To learn more about supporting this initiative, visit WaukeeBetterment.org or call Jim Miller at 515-224-5516.

To follow the progress of the Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park, as well as other park projects occurring within Waukee, visit Waukee.org/parksandrec.

 

 

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Waukee’s Central Standard Burgers

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By Kellyn Pappas

You don’t have to look far in the Des Moines metro area to find a good burger. From the classics at B-Bop’s to the slightly less conventional choices at Zombie Burger, there’s something to suit every taste. And now customers have an intriguing new option in Waukee: Central Standard Burgers.

Central Standard, located at 1222 SE University Avenue, is the second location of a restaurant that got its start in Bettendorf, Iowa, about five years ago. According to general manager Andy Crounse, the restaurant was developed as an alternative to more traditional “cookie-cutter” burger joints.

Central Standard proved enormously popular. As the restaurant, along with other eateries owned by the same group, continued to be successful, the ownership group determined the time was right to expand. Crounse said Waukee was selected for the new restaurant because Waukee is “all about family and the community—it’s the key to good living!”

According to Crounse, the menu at the Waukee location will look very similar to the one in Bettendorf, with a few differences on the features menu and in the cocktail offerings. For example, a “Warrior Lemonade” mocktail will appear as a Waukee-specific item.

Perhaps unique among burger restaurants, Central Standard bakes all of its own bread, pretzels and buns for their burgers. And these burgers are not slabs of boring beef with nothing but ketchup. Among the dozen or so burger options are the “Oh No,” with cheese curds and fried pickles, and the “Heck No,” with jalapeño poppers and ghost pepper cheese. The menu also includes other sandwiches like the PB & J (that’s pork belly and jalapeño, not the childhood favorite peanut butter and jelly), and various jazzed-up mac and cheese selections (if, like the writer, your taste preferences occasionally lean in the direction of the kids’ menu).

The restaurant takes pride in its craft beer offerings, with 24 beers on tap at any given time. These are locally sourced as much as possible. Current options include beers from Exile Brewing Company and Iowa Brewing Company. “They’re all Iowa beers at the moment,” said Crounse.

Central Standard is also well-known for its massive, creative shakes—think tall glasses rimmed with candy sprinkles and topped with baked goods. For example, the Cookie Dough shake features an actual cookie sandwich, and the s’more shake— well, you get the idea. All menu shakes can be upgraded to loaded shakes for those over 21. The restaurant also features “Will’s Feature Shake of the Month.” A portion of the proceeds from this specialty shake go to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, a partnership which has been going strong for about four years, according to Crounse, and one of which they are especially proud.

Central Standard had a soft open for family and friends the week of July 23 and officially opened for business on July 30. The restaurant currently has about 65 people on staff, and Crounse says they expect to eventually have around 100 employees total. With plenty of indoor space, plus a patio, the restaurant seats around 280 people. Customers can find their menu and hours of operation online at centralstandardburgers.com.

Crounse and his colleagues at Central Standard are excited to bring their unique take on burgers and fries to Waukee. Outside-the-box offerings are their specialty. “We don’t want to be the same old, same old,” said Crounse.

With creative burgers on homemade buns, local craft beers and shakes that provide a lot more than just a cherry on top, Central Standard stands to be an exciting new option for hungry Waukee residents.

 

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Go Biking Waukee

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It’s that time of year. The grass has started to green, neighborhoods have emerged from hibernation and the area’s evolving trail system is ready for use.

As residents dust off their bikes, strollers and tennis shoes, let’s walk through the winding trails of Waukee and beyond.

Overview

Waukee has three main trails—Heart of the Warrior, Sugar Creek and Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT).

The Heart of the Warrior Trail is three miles long and runs east to west through many of Waukee’s residential neighborhoods. Parking is available on the east side of the trail at Lion’s Park. Heart of the Warrior connects to Clive’s Greenbelt Trail, which leads to an extensive trail system. Centennial Park also sits along the trail, just across Ashworth Road, and provides a nice place for picnicking and playing outdoor games.

The Sugar Creek trailhead is at the intersection of Warrior Lane and University Avenue and curves through the city’s southern neighborhood of Glynn Village. This trail also runs through Centennial Park by way of a pedestrian bridge connected to the Spyglass neighborhood. Scenic views of the Sugar Creek Golf Course are an added treat.

Racoon River Valley Trail is the area’s largest system, spanning across 89 miles of trail and connecting to 13 additional communities outside Waukee. The trailhead is on the corner of Hickman Road and North 10th Street, where restroom facilities also can be found. Visit raccoonrivervalleytrail.org/the-trail for a
description of attractions and amenities in each community.

What’s New

In March, Waukee unveiled a new $1.1 million-dollar public art installation on the RRVT gateway trailhead. “Waukee Railroad Pergola: In the Shadow of the Rails” was designed by nationally recognized artist David Dahlquist and RDG Planning and Design of Des Moines. Dahlquist is also the mastermind of the High Trestle Trail bridge lighted superstructure that runs across the Des Moines River between Madrid and Woodward.

Similar to the High Trestle Trail bridge, the Waukee Railroad Pergola will be illuminated from dusk until dawn. At least six additional locations along the RRVT loop will adopt aspects of the main trailhead structure, making it the longest linear public art installation in the country.

In November, a pedestrian underpass that runs across the west side of Alice’s Road was completed along with a sidewalk to the east. “The new tunnel is really cool,” said Andy Walsh, who owns Mickey’s Irish Pub with his wife, Amy—both of whom are major supporters and participants in all things biking. “It’s not a straight shot. It’s a winding tunnel that goes back and forth. It’s neat.”

Grand Prairie Parkway also consists of two pedestrian underpasses. Waukee Parks and Recreation Director Matt Jermier said the underpasses were necessary for safety reasons. “We were getting a lot of comments about how busy that road is, and how dangerous it is to get across. As you’re trying to develop your trail system, the last thing you want is residents interacting with a six-lane road,” he said.

What’s Ahead

What’s next for the Waukee trail system? Jermier said their top priorities are safe
commutes and connectivity. “As we continue to put in more parks and develop new neighborhoods, we’re looking at ways for parents to not have to get in their car and drive to an elementary school,” said Jermier. “A good example of this plan working is the trails in Fox Creek Park that connect to Grant Ragan Elementary. There are many residents who can see the school from where they live and walk from the trail system.”

Safer routes also mean creating more underpasses. “The crossings on Hickman are just way too crazy,” said Walsh. He has been involved with numerous fundraising efforts for the trail system and says a connector from RRVT to the High Trestle Trail is another project on the list once more funds become available.

“It would be amazing. If bicyclists want to ride High Trestle Trail right now, it involves loading up the back of a truck and unloading in Woodward. With a connector, we could get on our bikes from here, ride to Woodward, curve around the north side of Des Moines and back down. That would be great.”

Raccoon River Valley Trail Events

Jermier said there has been an uptick in charity events and 5k runs since completing the north loop on RRVT. “We get usage numbers from Dallas Country Conservation, and those continue to increase year after year,” said Jermier.

One of Waukee’s largest and best-known trail events will take place on Saturday, June 16. The annual BACooN ride covers 71 miles of on the Racoon River Valley Trail and will be presented by the Blue-Ribbon Bacon Festival, RAGBRAI and the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. Numerous stops along the way will provide tasty bacon treats.

Mickey’s Irish Pub in Waukee is the official post-party location for the ride, featuring three bands and food and drink specials for riders. Additional RRVT events include the Market to Market Relay for runners on May 12 and live
music on Fridays and Saturdays from 7-10 p.m. at Perry’s historic Hotel Pattee.

Side Bars

If you’re looking for a pit stop where you can grab a drink and pump some more air in your tires, consider the following Waukee establishments: Mickey’s Irish Pub, Saints Pub and Patio, and Hy-Vee Market Grille (where the tire pump is located at Hy-Vee Gas).

Additional places with food and/or drink near the Waukee trails include 1908 Draught House, Rookie’s Sports Bar and Grill, Kenny’s Garage, Sidetrack Pub, and Broheim’s Indoor Golf and Pub.

Walsh, who has owned Mickey’s for 11 years, says bicyclists generally prefer to stop at bars that are known to be ‘bike-friendly.’ “That means the place might be
owned and populated by bikers,” he explained. “‘Bike-friendly’ bars put out a station for filling water bottles, provide extra bike racks and create specials for bicyclists—things like that.”

We Have It Good

Walsh thinks some Iowans tend to take for granted how good of a trail network we have. “We’ll have people driving across the country who stop here and jump on
the RRVT,” he said. “We’ll show them our network, and they’re blown away by all the paved trails. It’s not a priority for most places, like it is here.”

For more information on Waukee’s trails, visit waukee.org.

Disc Golf Is Alive At Waukee Centennial Park

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The spring is in full effect and it’s almost summer! That means the weather is getting warm with sunny, hot vibrant energy! The Waukee Centennial Park in the great City of Waukee has so much to offer and surely is a place you don’t want to miss. Make sure to grab your friends, bring your discs and stop by for some disc golf. In this featured video above, you will see Thomas Wiggins and his friend TJ Hendricks doing what they love to do and discin’ it up! The park contains its city’s popular 9 hole course located on the east side. Tee boxes are the round markings and the baskets are indicated by the arrows. The Waukee Centennial Park is located on the corner of Ashworth Dr. & SE Universite Ave across from the Waukee High School. This is a great opportunity for anyone to get out into the fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors! The park has an amazing atmosphere where you may enjoy picnics, kids playgrounds, sandboxes, music festivals, family events, baseball, other sports and so much more. Don’t waste your time sitting at home and wishing you could be out doing awesome things. Get out with your friends and family to Waukee Centennial Park for some outdoor fun!

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Little Warriors Came Out Full Force During 2018 Waukee Easter Egg Hunt

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On Saturday, March 31, 2018, many families gathered at the Waukee Centennial Park for this year’s ultimate Easter Egg Hunt. It was one of those chilly spring mornings that most of us who were there, will remember forever. Those that didn’t dress in full winter outfits really felt the icy breeze that day. And all I remember thinking was, “but isn’t it spring already?” The mystery behind the seasons baffles me to this day. With the uncontrollable winds hitting us from all directions, we couldn’t feel our cheeks. Some of us couldn’t feel our hands. The children on the other hand were on a mission and the weather could not get to them. It’s like if they were surrounded by their own energy and filled with adrenaline from pure excitement.  Even though it was a freezing morning, it did not stop these little warriors from seeing the Easter Bunny at Centennial Park for the 2018 Waukee Easter Egg Hunt. Watch (In the video above) those little smiles fill with happiness as they make their adventures into their young lives!

MyWaukee Magazine had a great time visiting the 2018 Waukee Easter Egg Hunt at the Waukee Centennial Park in the great City of Waukee!

Watch the video above to see some of the best moments we captured. We had the pleasure of taking some pictures as well that we are happy to share with you.

The parents battled through the cold to make sure their kids got to see the Easter Bunny.

With arms wide open, the Easter Bunny was very kind and every child absolutely loved their time spent seeing him.

Another photo of parents with their kids on a hunt to find the Easter Eggs.

Hugs from the Easter Bunny.

 

Parents and children patiently waiting in line to see the Easter Bunny.

A true basket of happiness for kids of all ages.

“Don’t mind us, we are here to see the Easter Bunny.”

Everybody loves our Waukee Fire Engines and Fire Trucks.

The Waukee Fire Fighters showing their full appreciation and support during the 2018 Waukee Easter Hunt.

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Waukee Railroad Pergola in the Shadow of the Rails

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We created this video as a quick visual tour of the brand new Waukee Railroad Pergola in the Shadow of the Rails located on the Raccoon River Valley Trail’s southeast gateway trailhead in Waukee! It was completed and open to the public on Tuesday evening, March 27, 2018. Take a look and share the good news with your friends! For best quality, watch in 1080p HD! Enjoy!

MyWaukee Magazine visited the brand new Waukee Railroad Pergola in the Shadow of the Rails today on the Raccoon River Valley Trail’s southeast gateway trailhead in Waukee! What a sight! It’s a thing of beauty and it will be an amazing spot for everyone to hang out at as the weather gets warmer, especially during the spring and summer time! It’s a great gathering place for the entire family with picnic tables and so much more. The Waukee Railroad Pergola is located on the Waukee Trailhead on the corner of Hickman Rd. & 10th St., Waukee, Iowa. What a great accomplishment for the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association and the entire City of Waukee!! Make sure to go pay a visit, you won’t be disappointed!
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About Waukee Railroad Pergola
 
“WAUKEE, Iowa, March 28, 2018 —  It’s completed and now open! Officials on Tuesday evening, March 27, cut a ceremonial ribbon and turned on the solar-powered LED lighting at the “Waukee Railroad Pergola — in the shadow of the rails.”
It’s the $1.1-million, 340-foot-long, 15-foot-high colorful gateway to the Raccoon River Valley Trail on the west side of Waukee.  It was designed by nationally-known sculptor and “transportation artist” David Dahlquist, of Des Moines and Lake Panorama, and his colleagues at RDG Planning & Design’s Dahlquist Art Studio in the capital city.
Components of this art installation will soon be going up at six other trailheads on the 89-mile trail system in west central Iowa.  The development of the art project persuaded state officials to recognize the whole trail as an “Iowa Great Place,” making some state funding available, and then individuals, businesses, corporations and foundations stepped up with donations.
You can read complete coverage of the development of the art installation right here.
Several hundred people turned out on a chilly evening Tuesday for the ceremony, but as it went on, the sun peeked through the clouds that had lingered for days.
“This blazes a new trail of cooperation on the Raccoon River Valley Trail and the other communities,” Waukee Mayor Bill Peard told the crowd. “This artwork, which is going to be a truly interactive experience for everybody, is going to be a catalyst for a new identity for this whole region.”
Jim Miller, of rural Waukee, an MVP in the planning, development and fundraising of the project, said two key words “kept coming up, again and again, when a small group of us were talking about what we wanted to do with art here on the trail. Those two words were ‘iconic’ and ‘regional’.”
Dahlquist, the artist, called the completion of the Pergola “a Herculean effort” and “one of the most collaborative projects we’ve been able to be a part of.”  He added that “an art project like this is a leap of faith, and thank you for keeping the faith.”
He glanced up and around at the artwork and said to his RDG colleagues and the rest of the crowd, “This is made with real love and affection. I hope you keep bringing people out here to see and enjoy it. And the next time I see  you out here, I hope it’s a lot warmer and you are on  your bikes!””
– Raccoon River Valley Trail
(Original source:)
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