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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

Brews for You & Your Kin Kinship Brewing Company

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One might think a global pandemic would be just about the last time during which anyone would want to open a brewery. With restaurants and bars still operating at reduced capacity, plus masks and social distancing, an owner could be forgiven for thinking twice. But while the pandemic may have altered schedules slightly for Kinship Brewing Company—which will be open north of Hickman in Waukee by the time you read this—it hasn’t altered what owner Zach Dobeck and his team envision for their space: a place where residents can enjoy a great beer, let their dog off the leash, and build a community everyone can enjoy.

Dobeck, born and raised 45 minutes outside Atlanta, Georgia, had an interest in branding from a young age. “I grew up in a family of storytellers,” he said. “When it comes to branding, that’s what you’re doing.”

After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in political science, he initially considered going to law school. Instead, he ended up at a design agency, where he received valuable experience in advertising, marketing and branding. His path eventually led to a job as a project manager in software development. By this time, he’d met his future wife, Ann, who hails from Waukee and had moved to Georgia for school, and the two had immersed themselves in the Atlanta community.

But Dobeck, who’d been brewing beer at home with his brother as a hobby and creative outlet for years, couldn’t quite get the idea of opening his own brewery out of his head. “[The idea] was in my mind for probably 12 years,” he explained. Although the company where he worked was growing, Dobeck found himself questioning whether that was what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. “It wasn’t enough for me,” he said.

Finally, on July 27, 2017, after years of kicking the idea around, Dobeck made a bold declaration. “I said out loud to my wife, ‘I want to do this for real. I’m tired of talking about it.’” Ann’s response became the guiding philosophy behind building Kinship Brewing: “Do it right.”

“That has been the theme of this brewery—doing it right,” said Dobeck.

After transitioning out of his job in software development, Dobeck spent time working with several brewing industry mentors in the Atlanta area, supplementing his marketing and branding experience with business acumen. He wanted to gain as much knowledge as possible as he took his brewery—originally named Roots Brewing Company—from a hobby to a business. “You have to understand the business side of it,” he said, adding that he intentionally gave himself time to let a business plan evolve.

He had been impressed by how welcomed he felt on trips to Iowa to visit his wife’s family, and the couple eventually decided to relocate here and open the brewery in Iowa. After establishing contacts at several Iowa breweries, Dobeck set about finding a location.

He initially had his eye on downtown Des Moines, but “a small part of me was like, ‘Maybe you should consider Waukee,’” he said. Having heard about undeveloped land near the Raccoon River Valley trailhead in Waukee, Dobeck drove out to see it for himself, and said, “The location just felt right.”

At the time, the property didn’t have a road to it other than the bike trail. But Sunrise Drive was being built to the north of Hickman Road, and “that was my timeline,” said Dobeck. “Once that was completed, we bought it—we closed on the land.”  After that, construction was able to get underway. “Now,” said Dobeck, “if I stand where I stood that day, I can see my brewery.”

At 13,000 square feet, Kinship’s substantial building sits on just over six acres of land. Most of that space will be dedicated to production. In addition, Kinship’s spacious taproom will hold up to 250 people, and there will also be a private event space. Outside of the taproom, the outdoor beer garden will eventually have 12 tap lines of its own, in addition to the 24 inside, said Dobeck. Also outside will be a dog park where local canines can safely play while their owners imbibe nearby.

The brewery is striking not only in size, but visually. Kinship tapped a local artist to do an ancient Japanese siding technique on the building’s exterior called shou sugi ban that preserves wood by charring it with fire. This makes the wood water-resistant and gives it a distinct black color. Once inside the brewery, visitors will see a large, colorful mural on one wall, featuring an imposing black and white tiger, mouth agape. (Fun fact: The tiger’s name is Sheila.)  An Atlanta artist named Greg Mike agreed to do the mural after Dobeck, who’d admired Mike’s work while still in Georgia, reached out to him on Instagram. The artist’s message of “Live life loud” resonated with Dobeck, and the same message is featured on the Kinship mural.

According to Dobeck, the nature of the tiger’s expression—she could be yawning, roaring, singing or laughing—was purposely left up to the interpretation of the viewer. That creativity, he said, “is the epitome of what Kinship represents.”  Also inside the space is a paint-by-numbers mural on a large canvas on an easel. Dobeck hopes the striking visuals, inside and out, will intrigue and entice visitors. “Hopefully, you’re already sold by the time you get to the beer,” he said.

The beer, of course, is at the heart of Kinship Brewing. Each of Kinship’s beers is named for a particular person or concept. “It’s fun to play and tell a story through that,” said Dobeck. Oh Billy, an homage to one of Dobeck’s friends, is a lighter beer, at 4.2% alcohol by volume (ABV). Dear Annie—a beer that Dobeck describes as “a love letter to my wife”—is a hazy IPA brewed with mosaic hops that comes in at 6% ABV. Off the Leash, a 4% corn lager, is designed to appeal to a broad range of palates. And Kinship’s Russian Imperial Stout, Sheriff Dobeck, is a “big, bold beer” dedicated to Dobeck’s father. In addition to Kinship’s proprietary offerings, the brewery will also offer wine, spirits and cider options from local cideries.

While the brewery’s primary emphasis is on beverages, Kinship’s food concept will lean toward smoked meats and pizza, courtesy of Des Moines’ 515 Pi and Up in Smoke food trucks, which will serve customers in the parking lot through the month of January. Kinship’s kitchen will be open after that. “We want to be able to feed the masses,” said Dobeck.

Kinship will have a series of soft openings during the week of December 26 and is aiming to open its doors to the public for the first time on January 1, 2021. Dobeck said there’s a certain symbolism to this: “It represents something about having a clean slate, a redemption year.”

He said his experience thus far with Kinship Brewing has reinforced for him that he made the right decision. “This is something I was meant to do,” he said. “I love the name Kinship. I love what it represents. It’s built on community. Kinship has already proven to me that people want to come drink beer here.”

That emphasis on community, said Dobeck, is what sets Kinship apart. “We want to be something different and change your expectation of a brewery,” he said. “We want people to walk away thinking, ‘Wow, this is something worth paying for.’ And, of course, we want you to come back!”

Apart Together

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​Often, once the festive cheer from the holiday season has died down, January and February can feel a little bleak.  This could be particularly true this year, as we’re all still spending more time at home in the midst of the pandemic.  But staying home during this unusual winter doesn’t have to mean boredom.  There are plenty of games and activities to keep even the most difficult-to-entertain family busy this season.  Here are some options!

Waukee Public Library

​Although the Waukee Public Library (WPL), like other metro libraries, is currently closed to the public, they are offering curbside pickup for library materials.  Patrons can place holds on items online or by calling the library at 515-978-7944.  When your items are ready, you’ll be notified via email, text, or phone, and you can schedule an appointment to pick up your materials.

In addition to books, the WPL is offering numerous craft and online activities for kids, teens, and adults alike.  One popular activity for kids and teens, according to WPL Creative Services Librarian Leah White, is the library’s activity packs for Pre-K, Elementary, and Teen Makers.  Register each month to pick up a bag of supplies to use to make various crafts and activities, designed for your child’s grade level.  Kids and teens can complete the activities on their own using the provided instruction sheet, or they can save the supplies to do along with online videos featuring library staff twice each month.  Recent activities have included making a straw pan flute and exploring the science of sound (elementary level) and making your own winter scene luminary in a mason jar (teen level).  Patrons can pick up maker bags curbside as well!

The WPL also has various online and phone story resources through their Storytime Online and Dial-A-Story programs.  Each Wednesday, the library shares a new online storytime for kids and families to enjoy, which includes a book reading, songs, and an activity to do at home.  Patrons also now have the option of simply calling the Dial-A-Story phone line at 515-981-7800 at any time to hear a selection of books read aloud by library staff.  New selections will be recorded each month, designed for infants through elementary-age students. Listen for as long or as little as you want!  White notes that the Dial-A-Story theme for January will be winter, and February will be about feelings.

And for adults, the WPL features three different book clubs, all currently “meeting” online.  Virtual Books on Tap, the Online Afternoon Book Club, and the Introvert Book Club all have Facebook groups for updates and discussion opportunities for each selection.

Smash Park Online Game Nights

​COVID-19 has put a damper on most of our large social gatherings, and even just our nights out with friends.  If you’re missing your weekly group trivia night, all is not lost!  West Des Moines’ Smash Park offers virtual, 60-minute, private game nights, emceed by Event Manager Ashley Castellano.  There are multiple game options, including Can You Draw This? (think virtual Pictionary), Jeopardy!, Trivia (with numerous theme options available, such as 90’s movies or Disney animated films), and Name That Tune!  

Participants can divide into teams or play each other individually, using the Smash Park app on their phones or the web app on their computers.  Castellano notes that Can You Draw This?, in particular, is a great option for folks who may not be very tech-savvy, as it requires only a Zoom link, a pencil, and paper.  Participants still get all the great benefits of in-person game nights — friendly competition, laughs, and of course, heckling — with zero contact.  

​At only $9 per participant per session, Smash Park’s online game nights are a cost-effective option, too.  Plus, all sessions come with a free, recorded copy of your event — always good for laughs later!  Castellano says she’s hosted everything from corporate game nights, to Friendsgiving celebrations, to neighborhood block parties, to a moms’ night in.  The top three individuals or teams take home Smash Park gift cards.  Smash Park also offers 15% off a curbside carry-out food and beverage order with your session.  So if you’re looking for a fun way to bring family or friends together virtually, this could be it!

Online Games

Another great way to bring family and friends together, even if you live far apart, is through online board games.  Jackbox Games is a great place to start, according to Waukee resident and online game enthusiast Joe Ross, as the site offers a variety of word and trivia games.  “One person needs to buy the game,” notes Ross, “but then can share their screen to others, who can play on their phones to answer the questions.”  

Among Us is a popular game, designed for 3-10 people, which can be played online or through your phone.  Players attempt to repair a spaceship, but be careful, warns Ross, as “some of your friends are not on your side and are trying to eliminate the good crewmates.”  If you can catch them, however, you can vote them out — if you can convince the rest of the crew!

​Ross notes that Code Names and Welcome To are great options that require little setup to play online.  In Code Names, two teams (4-12+ people) compete in a word game that makes participants come up with ways of linking different words together.  “There are a lot of different versions of this game, and many of them are great for kids or adults,” says Ross.  In Welcome To, one of Ross’ personal favorites, “each of you tries to build a 50’s style neighborhood, complete with fences and pools.”  

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One game that many people have heard of already is Dungeons and Dragons, a roleplaying game which has become very popular over the last couple of years, due in part to shows like Stranger Things.  Three to six players is the recommended group size, but Ross notes that any number of people can play.  All you really need to run a game, says Ross, is a set of dice or a dice-rolling app.  “Roll20.com is one free option that can help make playing a game of Dungeons and Dragons much easier,” he says.

​Ross also notes that the Tabletop Simulator can be a great option to incorporate, as it essentially creates a virtual game board, including game components, for “just about any board game or card game there is.”  Each participant does need to have their own computer, which isn’t always possible.  But if it is, it can come in handy for virtually any online game night.

So if you and your family have been staring down the barrel of the next few months with nothing to do, don’t worry!  With numerous library programs and offerings, plus more online board game (and game night) options than ever before, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained this winter!

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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Second High School Coming To Waukee

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Waukee area students in graduating classes 2022-25 could be the first to attend the area’s second high school, which is set to open in 2021.

The fast-growing Waukee Community School District was ready to burst at the seams with Waukee High School nearing capacity. Total districtwide enrollment increased from 2,198 students in September 1999 to more than 10,000 this year with a projection of nearly 13,000 in five years.

Meanwhile, the city of Waukee had grown from 5,180 in 2000 to 20,649 last year. Its recent one-year increase of 9 percent was the highest of any city in the Des Moines area.

The Waukee City Council and the Waukee school district took action in May 2016 to deal with the influx. They approved the joint use of 160 acres of green space for a new high school and a city-owned sports complex. The yet-to-be-named 395,000-square-foot, 1,800-student capacity high school will reside just north of Hickman Road near the Waukee Family YMCA.

Most of the land will be used for the school and its amenities with the remaining space slated for 12 softball/baseball fields and a parking lot.

Voters had to approve a referendum for $117 million in general obligation bonds for the new high school in February to make the project a reality. It required 60 percent for passage. It got 90.27 percent.

Meeting Short-Term Needs

The Waukee Innovation and Learning Center—a facility for innovative partnerships between local businesses, the community and high school students—may be used to house additional Waukee High School programs until the second high school opens. Details are still being worked out.

Ten Elementary Schools by 2022

The district is also adding two elementary schools to accommodate growth. Radiant Elementary, at 5050 170th St. in Urbandale, is under construction and expected to open in the fall of 2019.

Land has been purchased for a tenth elementary school off Ashworth Road, west of Ute Avenue and Highway R22. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2020 and it’s expected to open in 2022. A name for the elementary school has not been determined.

In the meantime, Nicole Lawrence, Communications Coordinator with Waukee Community School District, said the district is closely monitoring enrollment and bringing on new teachers to ensure classrooms stay at an appropriate size.

News about the district’s progress on the elementary and high school fronts has sparked questions about the middle schools as well. The district’s website dedicated to providing information about the second high school addressed the issue by stating it will monitor updated enrollment data and then make plans for how to accommodate students at the middle level.

The New High School’s Design

The concept for the new high school was developed through a six-month immersive design process between FRK Architects & Engineers, district administration and a visioning committee comprised of parents, students, staff and community members.

“In a series of three visioning sessions, the committee learned about current standards and trends in high schools around the country, reviewed multiple layouts from newer high schools and then created building layouts to reflect district values,” said Lawrence.

Feedback from the committee was used to create the building’s three-story layout, which includes a rooftop terrace, a media center with a second-floor mezzanine, an auditorium with a second-floor balcony and orchestra pit, a commons area for students and several individual and group learning areas for students and staff.

There will also be a single, secure entrance for staff, students and visitors during school hours.

“Open, light-filled spaces that promote collaboration and student development were high priorities for the committee, with student safety being a top priority,” said David Briden, Senior Project Architect and Principal with FRK Architects & Engineers.

Incorporating a pond on to the campus was also an important and notable feature when designing the school’s layout.

“A natural drainage channel through the center of the site allowed a pond to be placed as a focal point around which the city and school district facilities could be developed,” said Briden. “Placing the building adjacent to the pond allows it to take advantage of views over the pond to the north. The natural slope of the terrain creates a structure that tucks into the hillside, helping to marry the large scale of the building with the site.”

As instructional methods and learning styles continue to evolve, Briden said each classroom space would be adaptable and future-ready for students.

The school parking lot will be ready for newly licensed drivers, too, with enough room for 1,360 stalls.

Athletic Facilities

Lawrence said that while the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union (IGHSAU) ultimately determine sports classifications, the district anticipates each high school to compete at the 4A – IHSAA and 5A – IGHSAU level.

“Both high schools will offer similar programming and opportunities to students,” she added.

The second high school’s outdoor athletic facilities will feature a football stadium with a field and track, four practice fields, 12 tennis courts, and baseball and softball competition and practice fields. Additional amenities such as concession stands and team rooms are also included in plans.

The stadium will be built in a bowl-type setting into the ground. Inside, the school will have a gymnasium seating 2,500, an auxiliary gymnasium, and a three-lane track.

Parents Embrace the Second High School

Abby Jones, a Waukee parent whose fifth-grade son could be attending the second high school said the addition was a definite need for the community.

“It’s amazing to think how this area has grown in such a short period,” said Jones. “When I attended the University of Iowa, I remember some of my classmates from the Chicago suburbs said they graduated with a class of 1,000. That seemed huge, but we’re not far behind those numbers anymore.”

“I really think so much of our growth can be attributed to the school district’s commitment to offering students a truly high-quality education,” she added.

During the 2015-2016 school year, 855 kindergarten students enrolled in the district—a sign of even larger classes to come.

 

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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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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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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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