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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:)

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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City of Waukee :: Lessons in Law Enforcement

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Waukee Police Department’s Citizens Academy Graduates Its Fourth Class

Every year, the Waukee Police Department puts on its popular Citizens Academy, a 10-week intensive class during which civilians learn about local law enforcement straight from the source. The sessions are designed to provide hands-on opportunities whenever practical. Instructors are certified police officers, supervisors or other law enforcement experts.

“This was the fourth year for the Academy, and each year we see a lot of interest from community members,” said Waukee Police Sergeant Jeremy Long. “We teach them what it’s like to be a police officer, but really the program is about community outreach and developing positive relationships with people.”

The 2017-2018 class consisted of 16 Waukee residents and business owners. It started in November with presentations about the history of the Waukee Police Department, standards and ethics and patrol tactics. Throughout the winter, the citizen cadets learned about criminal investigations, traffic stops, defensive tactics, OWI enforcement, firearms usage and safety, community policing, homicide investigations and more. The group even got to tour the Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Laboratory in Ankeny.

“What surprised me most about my time in the Academy was when we went to the DCI Lab in Ankeny and saw all the ways they have of preserving evidence,” said participant Jacob Boekhoff. “They can match handwriting even when it’s covered in various substances.”

Boekhoff was interning with the Waukee Police Department at the same time. He was quick to name his most memorable sessions from the experience. “Getting to fire a Glock 22 as part of the firearms class was exciting, and it was important to see this part of how officers train,” he said. “I also enjoyed the F.A.T.S. [Firearms Training Simulator] machine because it takes you through different virtual scenarios, and you have to try and de-escalate them and respond accordingly.”

Kristin Hawks, another 2017-2018 Academy participant, has lived in Waukee for nearly five years. Her friend recommend she apply for the Waukee Police Citizens Academy. The Navy veteran who once worked at the Polk County Jail enjoyed the firearms simulator as well.
“It gave us an idea of the type of tense situations in which officers find themselves needing to make quick decisions,” she said.

Hawks said the most surprising thing about the Waukee Police Department is the number of community outreach programs it runs. Citizens learned all about community policing initiatives such as Safety City, Public Safety Day, Shop With A Cop and Waukee Area Seniors and Police (WASP).

“The Waukee PD is full of amazing and caring people,” said Hawks. “Everyone I met really wants to make a difference in the community and help the Waukee citizens. I feel very fortunate to live in Waukee and be protected by some of the best officers around!”

Sgt. Long said he often hears that reaction from Academy participants. “People often have negative beliefs about law enforcement agencies or officers,” he said. “It’s a real privilege to be able to dispel those beliefs by helping community members understand the depths of our jobs and our commitment to public safety.”

The Class of 2018 held its graduation ceremony on Jan. 25 at the Waukee Public Safety Building. This class also wraps up Sgt. Long’s time as the program’s coordinator. Sgt. Mackenzie Sposeto will take the reins for the 2018-2019 session. Registration for the next session will open in October. Check Waukee.org/citizensacademy for details.

Photo captions

Graduation group:
The group photo from Citizens Academy graduation – Back row (L-R): Chief John Quinn, Justin Trevillyan, Intern Jacob Boekhoff, Bryant Welles, Gary Lewis, Todd Wheeler, Ahmad Ludin, Shade Patterson and Matt Hackett; Front row (L-R): Sgt. Jeremy Long, Lesa Quinn, Michelle Rogers-Johnson, Toni Coughlin, Kristin Hawk, Geoffrey Jones and Sgt. Mackenzie Sposeto.

Defensive tactics – Kristin:
Participants, including Kristin Hawks on the far right, learned defensive tactics in Week 4.

Jacob intern:
Jacob Boekhoff accepted his Citizens Academy certificate from Sgt. Jeremy Long and Chief John Quinn. Boekhoff, a senior at Dallas Center-Grimes High School, also interned with the Waukee PD.

FATS 2:
Sgt. Jeremy Long showed Geoffrey Jones how to use the Firearms Training Simulator.

OWI Testing:
Lt. Cunningham taught the group about field sobriety tests during the OWI unit.

Meet the Waukee Mayor and City Council

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The City of Waukee uses the Mayor-Council form of government, which includes a mayor and an at-large city council comprised of five members, all with overlapping four-year terms of office. The Waukee City Council is responsible for the legislative function and overall vision of the City, which includes reviewing and approving the annual budget and City tax levy, ordering the construction of capital improvements, authorizing contracts, approving rezoning requests and more. The Waukee Mayor is the chief executive officer of the City, presiding over council meetings and signing or vetoing any action taken by the council. The mayor also represents the City as a member of many regional boards or at special events.

Learn more about the City of Waukee’s elected officials!

Mayor William F. “Bill” Peard

Mayor Bill Peard served two terms as a Waukee City Councilmember prior to becoming mayor in 2006; he is currently serving his fourth term in that role. He and his wife Lin
da have lived in Waukee for nearly 25 years, and he says they have enjoyed raising their two sons in such an amazing community. Mayor Peard holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and is the Executive Vice President of the Iowa Cable and Telecommunications Association. He presently serves on the boards of the Waukee Leadership Institute (which he co-founded), the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) policy committee, the Metropolitan Advisory Council (MAC), the Iowa Public Information Board and Bravo Greater Des Moines. He can be found at nearly all City of Waukee functions—be sure to wave as he rides through the Fourth of July parade, lights the WinterFest tree, and more!

Councilmember Anna Bergman

Anna Bergman is a Waukee native and graduate. Her immediate family members still live in Waukee, and she resides in “Original Waukee” with her three dogs. Anna graduated from Drake University with a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration. She is an attorney and Director of Legal and Policy Services at the Iowa Association of School Boards. She owns a local horseback riding business as well – Bergman Riding Academy. Anna serves on the board for the Rotary Club of Waukee, the Waukee Area Historical Society and as board liaison to the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce. She also served on the inaugural board for Drew’s Crew, a non-profit that serves at-risk youth. She was a member of the Waukee Leadership Institute Class of 2017 and earned the President’s Award for leading the class on the Waukee Veterans Memorial project. Anna is a youth mentor with Community Youth Concepts and a volunteer with the Iowa Mock Trial Association & American Mock Trial Association.

Councilmember Charlie Bottenberg

Charlie Bottenberg has resided in Waukee with his wife and three children for more than a decade. He was appointed to the City Council in January 2017 and was elected to a new term in November’s election. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology from Drake University, an MBA from Iowa State University and a law degree from Drake University Law School. He operates a law firm in Waukee. Charlie served as Board Chair of the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce and on several other non-profit boards in the Waukee area. He says he enjoys working with his fellow Councilmembers to ensure Waukee maintains its hometown feel while also attracting new jobs and adding new amenities to the City.

Councilmember Courtney Clarke

Courtney Clarke was elected to her first term on the Waukee City Council during the November 2017 election. She, her husband and their four children moved to Waukee in 2009 because they were looking for a true “community” in which to raise their family. Courtney has earned bachelor’s degrees in business management, international business and French from Iowa State University. She is a member of the management team at an institutional investment firm where she oversees all business development and strategic planning efforts. Courtney is a governor-appointed board member of the Iowa Child Advocacy Board and a team leader for Love Lunches, a non-profit group that provides lunches to children and families over the summers. She looks forward to helping guide the City of Waukee toward solidifying a unique identity in the Des Moines Metro.

Councilmember Shelly Hughes

Shelly Hughes has served on the Waukee City Council since 2012. She has lived in Waukee for eight years with her husband Brian and their two sons. The couple chose to move to Waukee from out of state because they knew they wanted to raise their children in Iowa, and they found the best schools and best hometown potential in Waukee. Shelly studied communications and broadcast journalism in college. She operates 123, Eyes On Me Photography and also serves on the Metro Advisory Council, the Dallas County Housing Trust Board and as a key planner for BACooN Sizzles Waukee. Shelly volunteers at her sons’ schools, at her church and with various other charitable organizations. Her dreams for the community are to grow in a responsible way to broaden the commercial tax base, job options and amenities for citizens.

Councilmember Larry Lyon

Larry Lyon served a Waukee City Council term from 1998-2000 and is back in action for his second term. Between the two terms, he served for 11 years on the Waukee Community School District Board of Education. A resident of Waukee for more than 20 years, he and his wife Lori enjoyed raising their three sons here. Larry graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in business and communications. He started his businesses, Remodelworks! and Mr. Fix-It, in Waukee more than 20 years ago, and they are still going strong. Larry was the co-founder of the Waukee Leadership Institute, and he has been involved with the Dallas County Compensation Board and the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce. His hope for the City of Waukee is to provide staff with the tools needed to deliver excellent service and to foster innovation within the community.

Regular city council meetings are held the first and third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Waukee City Hall. Work sessions are often held on off-weeks so that elected officials and City staff can discuss current projects and issues in detail. Elected officials also hold annual goal-setting workshops to set legislative and administrative priorities for the City over the next year.

Have a question for the elected officials?
Email CouncilMembers@Waukee.org to reach all of them at once. A full directory of contact information can be found at www.Waukee.org.

Under Construction: Waukee Marketplace and The Shoppes at Prairie Crossing

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By Kellyn Pappas

It would be the understatement of the year to say there’s construction going on in Waukee.  You can’t drive a city block, it seems, without encountering a new development taking shape.  One of these, currently under construction north of Hickman Road and west of the Waukee Hy-Vee, will eventually be known as The Shoppes at Prairie Crossing.

Construction began on the 7,150-square-foot retail and restaurant space this past fall.  Divided into five bays, with a drive-through available at one end, the center is scheduled to be finished in the spring of 2018.  The popular Tex-Mex eatery Panchero’s is among the businesses who have signed leases for the space, according to Aimee Staudt, Vice President and Director of Development at Knapp Properties, who is the developer and listing broker for the Shoppes.

“We anticipate a mix of franchise and small, independent businesses,” said Staudt.

Just over 50 percent of the center is currently leased or in lease negotiations at the time of writing, so interested businesses may still have time to snag a spot for themselves.

To help manage the traffic flow, there are plans for the eventual creation of a signalized intersection along Hickman Road, directly to the south of The Shoppes.  There will also be plenty of parking space to support the center, with 64 parking stalls planned for the development.

Across the street, on the southwest corner of Hickman Road and Alice’s Road, progress is being made on another large development.  The Waukee Marketplace sits on approximately 12 acres and will encompass 55,000 square feet across eight buildings, with room for nine to 12 businesses.  According to Richie Hurd, Vice President at Hurd Real Estate Services, who is developing the site, automotive retailer AutoZone and ever-popular coffee chain Starbucks are both set to move into the development.  Site plans for the buildings that will house those two businesses have been approved by the City of Waukee, and both buildings are currently under construction, according to Brad Deets, Development Services Director for the City.  Construction on those is set to finish in the spring of 2018.

There is still space available at Waukee Marketplace for lease or build-to-suit.  The dates for finished construction on the rest of the center will vary.  The majority of the remaining square footage will be spread across six free-standing buildings.  There’s also space available in a proposed multi-tenant building and a 2,300-square-foot end cap that is available next to Starbucks.

Hurd commented that, like The Shoppes, Waukee Marketplace will consist mostly of nationally branded businesses, but a handful of local businesses will be featured as well.  There are 475 parking stalls planned across the site to accommodate what will surely be a busy area.

Given the prime location and the high traffic volume near both of these developments, the remaining spaces at both sites will likely be snapped up quite quickly.

City of Waukee Update {November / December 2017}

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City Provides Great Indoor and Outdoor Activities

Iowa winters can be harsh, but when Mother Nature is playing nice, there are great ways to get out of the house and keep busy in Waukee. City of Waukee departments provide programs, events and amenities to warm up residents of all ages and interests.

The Great Outdoors

Iowa Wild/Wells Fargo Ice Rink
It was announced in May that the Iowa Wild American Hockey League Team and Wells Fargo would donate an ice rink to the City for public use. The rink measures 80 x 40 feet and will be located at Sugar Creek Golf Course at 1505 6th Street. Crews will set it up in late November and will fill it when temperatures drop low enough for a solid freeze. Bring your skates and take part in this new, free activity!

Warrior Park Sledding Hill
Waukee’s terrain is mostly flat, but that doesn’t stop residents from enjoying some downhill fun. The Warrior Park Sledding Hill opened in 2004 and is customized and engineered specifically for sledding. Bundle up and head to the park located at 1050 4th Street.

Trail Exercise
Residents can hit the Waukee trails even when the snow falls. During non-treacherous snow events, Waukee Parks & Recreation crews aim to clear all trails. Snow on trails is removed once the storm has ended, so be ready to the hit the pavement for some winter exercise. Call 515-978-0007 with questions.

Let’s Just Stay Inside

Indoor Youth Sports
Softball and outdoor soccer seasons are over, but Waukee Parks & Recreation offers fantastic indoor sports options. The youth basketball league, TOT basketball handling and dribbling program, and Rounded Minds™ Spanish language immersion indoor soccer and Zumba are sure to help kiddos burn off some energy. Taekwondo and karate opportunities are also offered by Dickey’s Ryukyu Karate. Visit Waukee.org/Registration for details.

Tot Lot
For parents and caretakers home with toddlers on the weekdays, Tot Lot provides hours of play and socializing! This free program is held Mondays from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays from 8-10 a.m. through the end of March. Held at the Waukee Public Works Building at 805 University Avenue, the Parks & Recreation staff provides blocks, tunnels, mats and more. Parents/guardians just provide the supervision!

Adult Programs
Winter fun isn’t just for the kiddos. You can also take in free films at the Waukee Public Library. The December 14 showing will feature A Christmas Story, and the January 11 showing will feature La La Land. All movies start at 10 a.m. Popcorn and lemonade are provided. And, Waukee Parks & Recreation is planning a day trip with InboundIowa to Greenfield on Tuesday, Dec. 5 for some great sight-seeing! Visit Waukee.org/Registration or call 515-978-0007 to learn more.

Community Gatherings

WinterFest
Get a dose of holiday cheer at the annual WinterFest celebration on Friday, Dec. 1. Hundreds pack the Downtown Triangle for business open houses and the beloved tree lighting at 6 p.m. sharp! Kids can visit with Santa, watch an ice sculptor at work, depart on an old-fashioned trolley for the holiday light tour and more. Plus, Parks & Recreation staff will be accepting non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys to be distributed by Waukee Area Christian Services.

FamilyFest
Stay warm at the annual FamilyFest event scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon. This free, family-friendly event is held at Lutheran Church of Hope at 305 NE Dartmoor Drive. Check out Waukee area businesses, enjoy games and prizes, and jump on inflatables.

Stories with Santa
Families are invited to attend a special storytime with Santa on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m.! Enjoy a sing-a-long, listen to stories, and make a fun craft. Kids are welcome to come in pajamas. Registration is required for this event. Register at WaukeeLibrary.EventBrite.com.

Don’t hibernate this winter—get out and enjoy all that Waukee has to offer! For more information, visit Waukee.org.

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