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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.

For more great stories, videos, and local entertainment:

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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:)

Slices On The Ranch

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Have you been to the Pizza Ranch in Waukee​? If your answer is no, then where have you been!? Stop by for some slices on the ranch! This is just one of the slices of heaven our great City of Waukee​ has to offer!
Located on 448 SE University Ave, Waukee, Iowa​ 50263
Hours:
Sunday 11AM–9PM
Monday 11AM–9PM
Tuesday 11AM–9PM
Wednesday 11AM–9PM
Thursday 11AM–9PM
Friday 11AM–9PM
Saturday 11AM–9PM
Menu: pizzaranch.com
Order: pizzaranchorder.com

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Keepin’ It Real With Baseball In Waukee

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This weather ain’t gonna stop these brave warriors from taking the field. Baseball is very real for all kids and all adults at the Waukee Centennial Park​ located off Ashworth Dr. & SE University Ave next the Waukee Stadium​ and across from the Waukee High School. It’s definitely one of the best places in our great City of Waukee​. Stop by for a visit and/or contact the Waukee Community School District​ to see if that is something your kids may be interested in. You can never start them too young!

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Amazing Tribute Painted On A Rock To The Fallen Heroes

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In the great City of Waukee, there’s a beautiful rock painting memorial on the corner of SE LA Grant Pkwy & Booth Dr. It’s a nice piece of art around both of the sides. It’s quite the scenery. Come visit this unforgettable tribute to our fallen heroes and always remember the ones above the clouds.

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Another Disc Golf Season At Waukee Centennial Park

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Hole 6 Basket (Pictured above)

As the weather is getting nicer and warmer, like Thomas Wiggins and TJ Hendricks, make sure to stop by the Centennial Park in Waukee for some disc golf. 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’s 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 throw some discs!

Thomas Wiggins (Pictured below)

TJ Hendricks (Pictured below)

Hole 4 Overview (Pictured below)

Hole 4 Basket (Pictured below)

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Spring Activities For The Whole Family In Des Moines

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FINALLY! After enduring a long Iowa-winter, signs of Spring are in the air! As March rolls in, that means Spring is quickly approaching, which is the perfect time to get out and explore a few of these Des Moines-based activities fit for everyone in the family!

Science Center of Iowa

More than just your run-of-the-mill science museum, The Science Center of Iowa brings learning to life through hands-on learning and exploration! There is also an IMAX theater for a truly one-of-a-kind moving going experience!

  • Monday: CLOSED
  • Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Explore tropical gardens and breathtaking flowers in the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens. Explore the world of plants, learn a few gardening skills and take in the beauty.

  • Daily 10:00am — 5:00pm
  • Trellis Cafe 11:00am — 2:00pm (Tue-Sun)

Brown’s Woods Forest Preserve

Perfect for the nature lovers out there, Brown’s Woods Forest Preserve Brown’s Woods, Iowa’s largest urban forest preserve, offers more than four miles of trails to explore. This 486-acre forest provides a canopy of oak and hickory trees that stretch from Brown’s Woods Drive to the Raccoon River.

  • Monday – Sunday, Sunrise to Sunset

Blank Park Zoo

The perfect place to enjoy the warm-ish weather is walking among the animals! Enjoy the wonderful park atmosphere as you and your family view over 800 furry, finned and feathered exotic creatures. Experience the wonders of nature found in the Wilds of Africa and the Australian Outback. The indoor Discovery Center will amaze you with its mountainous and tropical habitats filled with exotic plants, birds, fish and animals.

  • Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Admission: $14 Adult | $8 Child

Des Moines Art Center

Get artsy and take a visit to The Des Moines Art Center. With FREE admission you can’t go wrong taking in contemporary art!

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 11 am – 4 pm
  • Wednesday: 11 am – 4 pm
  • Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm
  • Friday: 11 am – 4 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
  • Sunday: Noon – 4 pm

Des Moines Farmers Markets

Featuring nearly 300 vendors from 50 Iowa counties, the Downtown Farmers’ Market in Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) offers scores of tasty treats each Saturdays starting May 3rd from 8 a.m. – Noon until October 27th.

Monkey Joes

Get the sillies out with giant inflatables, obstacle courses and bounces houses galore! Guaranteed for hours of entertainment for toddlers up to 12 years old!

  • Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 8 pm
  • Sunday: 11 a to 6 pm

Sky Zone

If you’ve got bigger kids looking to burn off energy, then SkyZone is where it’s at! This indoor trampoline park will keep them moving and having a blast!

  • Check website to reserve a jump time!

Skate West

Get your roller skating on! Skate West offers public open skate throughout the week and is a great indoor family activity.

  • Wednesday: 6-8:00 pm ($1 admission fee per guest)
  • Friday: 6-9:00pm ($7 admission fee per guest)
  • Saturday: 1-4:00pm ($6 admission fee per guest)
    7-9:00pm ($5 admission fee per guest)
  • Sunday: 1-4:00pm ($6 admission fee per guest)

Warrior Lanes

The perfect activity for the family! From bumper bowling to extreme glow bowling, everyone will have a great time!

  • Monday-Thursday: Noon – 10 pm
  • Friday: Noon – Midnight
  • Saturday: Noon – Midnight
  • Sunday: Noon – 10 pm

What are your Spring Break plans?

Faces of Waukee: Nate Kempers

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Are you from this area originally?

I’m originally from Sioux Center (in Northwest Iowa), and my wife Shanna is from Newton, but we’ve lived in the metro area for about 14 years now.

Tell us about your family.

Shanna and I have been married for 12 years and we have two kids.  Aiden is 10 and Ellie is 7.  They attend Grant Ragan Elementary.  Shanna works full-time as the office manager at Eternity Church in Clive.

We hear you have a passion for coffee.  How has that love developed over the years?

I’ve wanted to open a coffee shop for about 20 years.  When I met Shanna, we discovered that we had that same dream in common.  We’ve spent the past 13 years going to every coffee shop we could find and learning everything we could about the various ways coffee can be crafted.

You recently opened The Coffeesmith on Alice’s Road.  What sets it apart from other coffee shops?

Although we have the obvious goal of making the best possible espresso drinks, we really strive to ensure every guest has a warm sense of belonging and significance.  We really love people and we’ve found fantastic baristas who share our vision of building community and making sure every guest feels at home at The Coffeesmith.

What made you choose Waukee for your business?

We love Waukee!  We moved here six years ago and felt welcomed right away.  It was an easy decision to open The Coffeesmith in Waukee.  This community has given so much to us, so we wanted to give back by creating a space for people to gather, work and create.

Faces Of Waukee: Patrice & Brent Curvey

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Tell us about your family.

We have four beautiful kiddos.  Jeremiah is 17, Mariah is 12, Malachi is 11 and the kolache kid Brice is 4.  I’m from Texas and my wife was born and raised right here in Des Moines.

Some readers might recognize Brent.  Why might that be?

I played college football at ISU, pro football for the Carolina Panthers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and lastly, I played for the Iowa Barnstormers.

How did you both end up in Waukee?

Patrice and I rented a house in Waukee in 2012 and fell in love with the neighborhood.  We eventually bought our own home in 2016, three blocks from the house we once rented.

Tell us about your business, Coaches Kolaches.

Coaches Kolaches specializes in savory kolaches—homemade sweet dough with savory fillings such as meat, cheese and eggs.  Savory kolaches are popular in Texas, and they were a huge part of my childhood.  Our shop is located in Clive, and we’d be thrilled to share our passion with our Waukee neighbors.

Though these kolaches are Texas-style, we hear you’ve added bacon by popular (Iowa) demand.  Can we expect more Texas/Iowa-inspired options anytime soon?

As we grow, we will expand our menu or feature different flavors. We intend to work with some local farmers and add some sweet flavors, too!  

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