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You are here: Home / Archives for My City / Sports

Everything Spring

March 1, 2021 by Darby Brincks

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

Filed Under: Activities, City of Waukee, Family, Features, Lifestyles, My City, Outdoors, PinPoints of Interest, Sports, Waukee

Waukee School District

November 24, 2020 by Darby Brincks

Students Find New Ways to Help Others During the Pandemic
In the midst of a global pandemic, the start of the school year has seen its fair amount of challenges, but still, students and faculty continue to overcome it by pivoting with each new obstacle. At Waukee Community School District, we understand that success is not always about numbers and rankings. Somedays, it’s just about getting through the day safe and sound. 

Students like sixth-grader Clive Voynov and seventh-grader Kiera Shadd recognized the difficulty of our current climate, and both have demonstrated that sometimes success is just about making a little extra effort in practicing kindness. 

Clive Voynov loves to help others. That’s why he decided to start “Waukee Tech,” a Youtube channel designed to help other online learners with some of their FAQ’s. Clive has created more than 50 videos tackling different issues. ]

For Kiera Shadd, cooking became a way to interact with her fellow online learners. Shadd is now holding a cooking show online during the lunch hour a couple times each week. Kiera says she loves the chance to interact with her peers. Sometimes the meals and snacks don’t come out as planned, but that really isn’t an issue for Kiera. She’s just happy to have this special time to make others feel connected and less alone. 

Woodland Hills Counselor Shares Mental Health Tips
As students, teachers and families navigate a new normal in 2020, the importance of mental health has become more and more apparent. Jes Young, Woodland Hills Elementary school counselor, has started sharing tips and tricks on how to remain energized as the community continues to push through the pandemic and adjust to the new normal. 

“There’s a quote I like: ‘Life is ten percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it.’ I still believe and agree with it to a certain extent, but I have shifted my thinking on it,” she explained. “I feel like we had a lot of life change in the last several months, and I don’t want to minimize that 10 percent. I think that life is 100 percent what happens to you and 100 percent how you respond to it. That’s how I’ve shifted my thinking.”

Her “Mental Health Tips Monday” is posted weekly on Waukee Community School District’s social media, and it includes plenty of points on how we can respond to life during these difficult times. 

Radiant Elementary Receives Energy Efficient Design Award
The Waukee Community School District is proud to announce that Radiant Elementary School has received a 2020 Excellence in Energy Efficient Design Award for achieving 49 percent kBTU energy savings when compared to the Commercial New Construction (CNC) program baseline.

The Excellence in Energy Efficient Design Award recognizes outstanding efforts in reducing energy use. Award candidates are selected from projects whose designers participated in the Commercial New Construction program offered by Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy Company. Projects received a CNC program final verification report between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. The top projects with the highest kBTU savings percentage in Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy’s service territory are selected for an award.

Some of the key energy efficiency features at Radiant Elementary include:

  • High-efficiency boiler and water-cooled chiller
  • Demand Control Ventilation
  • Improved wall and roof insulation, low U-value glazing
  • LED lighting with daylighting and vacancy sensors

The district was presented with their award during a virtual ceremony on October 1.

Boys Golf Team Wins State
The Waukee Boys Golf Team did it again! The Warriors captured their third straight state team title with a dominating performance at the Class 4A State Tournament played at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club.

The Warriors captured the crown by 16 shots with a two-day score of 605.

Senior Jack Starr won the individual state title at +3 and his teammate Junior Brock Seiser finished second at +4.

As we prepare for the beginning of 2021, we continue to come together as a community to support one another and find the joys in both the big and small things. There is no better way to weather the storm than to stand side-by-side with our neighbors to continue to make Waukee Community School District the best for our students and families. 

Filed Under: Lifestyles, My City, School District, Sports, Waukee

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

September 11, 2018 by Elyssa_ Appleton

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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Filed Under: Activities, Guide To Waukee, Iowa, My City, Outdoors, PinPoints of Interest, Sports, Under Construction, Waukee Tagged With: Ball Field and Play Area, entertainment, events, family activities, iowa, local attractions, local events for adults, local events for kids, myWaukee, outdoor activities, Outdoors, Parks, Sports Complex, summer activities, Under Construction, Waukee Iowa, Waukee Miracle League

Disc Golf Is Alive At Waukee Centennial Park

April 25, 2018 by admin

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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Filed Under: Activities, Art & Scenery, City of Waukee, Family, Guide To Waukee, Iowa, Lifestyles, My City, Outdoors, PinPoints of Interest, School District, Sports, Waukee, Waukee Area Chamber Of Commerce, Waukee Chamber, Waukee History Tagged With: 2018, 2018 Activities, 2018 Centennial Park, 2018 Golf, 2018 myWaukee videos, 2018 myWaukee YouTube, 2018 Waukee Disc Golf, Best of Disc Golf, city of waukee, City of Waukee 2018, Disc Golf, entertainment, events, faces of waukee, Family, Great City of Waukee, indoor activities, iowa, local attractions, local events for adults, local events for kids, myWaukee, myWaukee Magazine, Outdoors, summer in waukee, Waukee Area Chamber Of Commerce, Waukee Chamber, waukee city council, Waukee Iowa, Waukee Sports

Keepin’ It Real With Baseball In Waukee

March 19, 2018 by admin

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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Filed Under: Activities, City of Waukee, Family, Iowa, Lifestyles, My City, Outdoors, Sports, Waukee Tagged With: 2018 Baseball, Activities, Baseball, Centennial Park, iowa, Outdoors, waukee, Waukee Baseball, Waukee Centennial Park

Another Disc Golf Season At Waukee Centennial Park

March 17, 2018 by admin


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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Filed Under: Activities, Lifestyles, My City, Outdoors, Sports Tagged With: 2018 Disc Golf, 2018 Outdoor Activities, Contennial Park, Disc Golf, Discs, entertainment, Family, Friends, golf, Hobbies, outdoor activities, Outdoors, Parks, Season, Sports, waukee, Weather

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