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Boundless Optimism

November 19, 2019 by Elyssa_ Appleton

A new group of do-gooders has come to town with a glass-half-full kind of name to match. The Waukee Optimist Club launched early this September.

The group is focused on supporting youth throughout the area, with an emphasis on academic, athletic and health and wellness opportunities. 

Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization with nearly 2,500 clubs and 65,000 members that serve more than six million children each year worldwide. 

Rebecca Butler Mona, a former Optimist International President and member of the Noon Optimist Club of Western Des Moines (one of two local Optimist Clubs partnering to sponsor the new Waukee club), said the organization is always looking for ways to expand its outreach into new communities. 

“Waukee is a vibrant, fast-growing community where there’s interest and the ability to make an impact,” said Mona. 

The current Waukee Optimist roster consists of an eight-person board of directors and eight additional charter members:

President: Billie Reed

Secretary:Kathy Mock

Treasurer: Mary Secress

Vice Presidents: Janelle Martens, Jim Adams

Directors: Evelyn Graff, Michelle Scranton, Katie Ritzman

Charter members: Brenda Jackson, Randy Lovell, Cal Oral, Cassie Meylor Lourens, Gareth Lourens, Kathy Ford, Sonja Coobs, Chase Erickson

Billie Reed, Waukee Optimist President, was drawn to the group not only because of its mission to serve youth in her community, but because she strives to be an “optimist” in her daily life as well. 

“I attempt to begin every day of my life with a positive attitude and purposely

share that with whomever I come in contact with that day,” said Reed. “Being

given an opportunity to brighten the day, and ultimately the life, of youth is

a beautiful thing I’m excited to be a part of.” 

Reed said the group will “encourage youth to be hopeful and expect good outcomes in their lives.”

“Their choices make them who they are,” she said. “Every child can use encouragement to explore and excel in the areas they’re gifted in. We attempt to make those opportunities available. We also encourage youth to be good citizens and give back to their community.”

In addition to charters for adult members, 500 Junior Optimist Clubs have nearly 15,000 members. The Waukee Chapter intends to offer its own Junior Optimist club for youth (high school-aged and younger) this fall. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to give high school-aged kids the chance to learn about doing their own community service projects and have different leadership opportunities,” said Mona. “They have the chance to be part of something bigger as well, because we have an Iowa Junior Optimist District where they can serve in roles across the state.”

On Nov. 12, the Optimist clubs are holding a youth appreciation event that recognizes students across the Des Moines metro. Mona said it’s something the group has been doing for about 35 years.

“We reach out to the schools across the Des Moines metro and invite them to nominate two students from every middle school and high school who they view as exemplary community leaders making an impact in their school and their broader community,” she explained.  “We fully expect to have Waukee students recognized at that event this year. So, we’re looking forward to that.”

While the Waukee Optimist group is in the early stages of planning volunteering activities, Mona said they have a few projects in mind. “One of them involves working with an elementary school to establish a reading program for kids. Our members would come in and read to the children.”

Mona said the idea is similar to a successful model they’ve deployed at Hillside Elementary in West Des Moines, which has a diverse student population and a higher level of financial need. 

“We’ve also talked about providing the class with a small stuffed animal they could adopt, and we would encourage the kids to read to the stuffed animal,” said Mona.

Additionally, Mona said the group wants to offer various health and wellness services throughout Waukee, such as partnering with a local organization to provide backpacks filled with food for children who may go hungry on the weekend. “We had the idea of doing a community garden, too, because even when you provide food in a backpack, it tends to be non-perishable items that don’t have the same nutrients as fresh produce,” she explained.

Many Optimist clubs also work to provide recreational opportunities, such as playing soccer, for children after school or in the summer.  “We want to give kids a chance to be part of a team,” said Mona.

While the executive positions at the Waukee Optimist Club are currently filled, it is welcoming new members. “In an Optimist Club, there’s a place for everyone to use their gifts and talents to encourage and uplift the youth of our community and find their niche,” said Reed.

The club has members ranging from young professionals to parents with school-aged children to those enjoying retirement. Mona said the time commitment is manageable as the group meets monthly and will plan for most projects on more

of a virtual, flexible cadence between meetings.

“We often find it to be true that ‘the busiest people get the most done.’ Those who have a heart for volunteering and making a difference generally find a way to make time and to prioritize that because they find it fulfilling and also enjoy working with others who share those values,” said Mona.

If you’re looking for different ways to get involved during the holiday season and beyond, the Waukee Optimist Club meets the third Monday evening of each month at 7 p.m. at Thomas Place, the senior living facility on SE Brick Drive. 

You can also visit facebook.com/WaukeeOptimist/ for more info on club activities or to send them a Facebook message. Additional information on Optimist International can be found at optimist.org. 

Filed Under: Community Spotlight, Features, Uncategorized

Waukee Community School District: Then, Now, & Beyond

September 27, 2019 by Elyssa_ Appleton

It’s hard to imagine a time, more than 100 years ago when the Waukee Community School District (WCSD) was a consolidation of four small, rural towns that transported neighborhood kids to school by horse and buggy.

Fast forward to 2019, and Waukee is the fastest-growing school district in the state, with a ninth elementary school welcoming students this fall, one more K-5 school on deck and construction underway for a second high school.

The district’s transformation since its formation in 1916 has been nothing short of monumental. We sat down with Amy Varcoe, WCSD’s Director of Communications, to discuss the evolution of the district—including where it started, how things look now and what the future holds.

Waukee in the Beginning: Small and Rural 

Waukee Community School District was formerly known as Waukee Consolidated District after a petition was signed on July 29, 1916 to merge the Walnut Center, Pleasant View, Floral Valley and Waukee Independent School Districts into the Waukee Consolidated School District. Areas of Boone and Van Meter were also included in the merger. The district was eventually named as we know it today but didn’t experience any significant growth until the late 1990’s, when the Des Moines metro began to expand further west.

The area’s growth from 1992-98 reflected a booming U.S. economy, which increased by an average of four percent with nearly 1.7 million new jobs created, an unemployment rate of four percent, and median household income up by 10 percent.

As a suburb of a growing city, Waukee had an influx of families. During the 1994-95 schoolyear, the WCSD had just three kindergarten teachers for 123 kindergarten students. In total, there were 29 elementary teachers for grades K-5, and 68 seniors graduated that year.

“In 1997, Waukee was still one of the smallest schools in the state,” said Varcoe.

But by the end of the decade, student enrollment numbers started to increase by 450 students annually—a trend that’s continued, and then some, 24 years later—catapulting Waukee to the seventh biggest school district in Iowa.

“My husband and I moved to Waukee in 2006,” said Varcoe.  “LA Grant Parkway was a gravel road back then. There were no other buildings, but we purposefully chose to live here because of the area’s reputation for good schools. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d be up to 500-600 new students a year.”

The District Today

Against that backdrop, nearly 11,500 kids will be enrolled in Waukee schools this fall. Radiant Elementary on the west side of 170th Street in Urbandale near Meredith Drive is open for its first year, and construction is in progress for Northwest High School, scheduled to open in 2021.

Despite the extensive changes in the district, Varcoe has been impressed by the consistency in maintaining academic excellence.  “I think what I’m impressed by most is how they’ve kept up with the academic success. My kids will have experiences beyond anything I ever grew up with—work-based, project-based and real-world interactions using technology, etcetera. My kids are doing PowerPoint presentations and coding in elementary schools. These are the types of skills that will land them a job anywhere they go.”

Introducing New Leadership

The new leadership team includes Superintendent Brad Buck, Chief Operations Officer Kirk Johnson, Associate Superintendent Brady Fleming and Chief Financial Officer Sarah Kautz.

Buck is returning to Waukee after serving as the superintendent in the Cedar Rapids School District. He was associate superintendent as well as assistant superintendent for school improvement for the Waukee Community School District from 2006-11. Buck also was the director of the Iowa Department of Education and superintendent of the Saydel Community School District.

Varcoe said administrators participated in an all-staff back-to-school event in mid-August that was centered on connectedness, a theme echoed by Buck in recent media statements.

“Our focus was connecting with each other and staff, students and our community. As we grow, that’ll be so important, ensuring we have a pulse on what our students’ needs are, what staff needs are and what the community’s needs are.”

Diversifying

The number of new families setting down roots in the area also has increased the cultural diversity among students. Over the last 10 years, 90 percent of students enrolled were white or Caucasian. Varcoe said new data shows that number has dropped to 76 percent.

“Because our city is growing so much, we’re seeing more diversity among our student population as well. It’s amazing to have students from all backgrounds together. The district is starting to look like a closer representation of the many different cultures and ethnicities in America’s larger cities.”  

Real World Opportunities

Currently, the high graduation rate in the school district is 99 percent—number one in the state. Iowa’s average is 91 percent. Varcoe attributes the top scores to the teachers’ commitment to setting up students for success at an early age.

“Starting in elementary, our teachers do a great job of giving students one-on-one attention and delivering on academic indicators. Students are prepared when they walk through the high school’s doors on the first day. And once they’re there, there’s so much that’s available to them.”

Varcoe said through the high school’s advanced placement courses, some students are going to college with at least one year of credits, while others are coming in at a sophomore- or junior-year level.

She said employment and workforce shifts help dictate curriculum for the students, too. Unique to Waukee are programs like APEX, a collaboration between business partners and students that provides real-world experience for high schoolers—another reason why students are excelling.

“We have more than 500 business partners involved in the APEX program from industries like healthcare, business, architecture, accounting and more. Trade businesses also come to us that are willing to pay for students’ continued education to bolster their workforce. For a lot of kids, that’s very appealing. They won’t end up with $100,000 in debt from a four-year college and no job.”

What’s Ahead for WCSD

The most notable changes happening in the district in the coming years include the opening of a 10th elementary school located off Ute Avenue and Ashworth Road. The yet-to-be-named school will be comprised of students from Maple Grove, Waukee Elementary and Woodland Hills.  

Varcoe said the district also will need to add an 11th elementary school, along with another middle school within the next five years. “There’s still a lot to figure out. Do we need to reconfigure our current schools in the meantime, or just purchase the land and get going? The Waukee Middle School bubble is growing, and we need to be ready before it bursts,” she said.

Waukee school district’s enrollment team meets weekly to ensure they are ready.

“We work with a local company to keep an eye on what farmland is being sold, and what type of developments are going there. If it’s commercial, that gives us some time to wait to build,” she said.

Over the next 10 years, Varcoe said there’s potential for Waukee to be one of the three largest districts in Iowa, behind Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. “When you have 40 percent of your land undeveloped, that can be an indicator of growth and the sheer potential that’s possible.”

Preschool Programming

Varcoe said Waukee is now in the statewide four-year-old preschool program, but hasn’t had the capacity to expand the program in any of their buildings. However, the intent over the next three years is to do just that.

“Right now parents take their kids to an elementary school for preschool, but we need to get some of those preschool students their own facility,” explained Varcoe.  “We know we need it. We know it’s in high demand.”

Because preschools require special infrastructure, like tiny desks, chairs, toilets, etc., four-year-olds in the program are able to use kindergarten facilities. “Currently, there’s very limited space where we can put them, but many of our preschool classes will take place at Radiant next year,” said Varcoe.

Northwest High School

This fall, Northwest High School’s mascot and colors will be determined. WCSD administrators sent out a survey to area business leaders and families and will conduct focus groups with parents, community and staff members.

“That will help us narrow down the design options and color pallets, and since current sophomore, freshman and eighth-grade students will be the first class to go to school at the high school, they’ll be the first group we get feedback from, too,” explained Varcoe.

She also said administrators are doing everything they can to ensure an easy transition for students, especially the seniors leaving Waukee High School for Northwest for their final year. “In 2020, we’ll make a huge, fun year out of their last year together,” she said. “Homecoming is going to be awesome as the last of one high school.”

Varcoe said Cary Justmann, Waukee High School’s principal, is “very adamant he will keep everyone as together as possible.  He doesn’t want there to be an ‘us versus them’ division between the two high schools. He wants to ensure we’re getting everyone together as much as possible.”

Varcoe said there will be potential cross-sharing between high school classes and programs of interest for students, so they feel more connected. “To the best of our ability, we’ll better align our resources, so the schools don’t feel divided. Students at both schools will have the same opportunities and some of the sports teams will remain one, too, like our swim team.”

Varcoe said the district’s commitment for any growth moving forward is to ensure Waukee keeps a feeling of togetherness that extends to welcoming new families and opportunities. “Waukee is not big when it comes to the city. There’s a lot of land and a lot of students, but it still feels like a small community.”

Filed Under: Features, School District, Uncategorized, Waukee

Let’s Talk About Solar Energy

June 14, 2019 by Kellyn Pappas

In recent years, energy conservation and efficiency has become more and more of an emphasis for property owners—not just for business owners, but for eco-conscious residents looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. Until recently, however, greener energy options weren’t always accessible or economical for the average homeowner. An upcoming Waukee program is aiming to change that.

The Solarize Waukee Initiative, which began in April, is a collaborative effort by the City of Waukee, The Nature Conservancy in Iowa, the Waukee Aspiring Professional Experience (APEX) and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA). Solarize Waukee is a group purchase program that will allow residential and commercial property owners to invest in rooftop solar installations for their homes and businesses, with potential savings on installation costs. The program will be available to individuals and businesses located within the boundaries of the Waukee School District, meaning that residents of Clive, Urbandale, and West Des Moines are eligible to participate as well. The program is administered by MREA at no cost to the community.

How It Began

Solarize Waukee is the latest in a growing number of group purchasing programs for residential and commercial solar. Towns and jurisdictions such as Milwaukee and the Champaign-Urbana metro area in Illinois have seen success with the group buy model. According to Patrick Snell, External Affairs Coordinator for The Nature Conservancy, the first such program in Iowa took place in Cedar Rapids and Linn County in the fall of 2017. A “huge success,” according to Snell, that program saw 105 participants install 611 kilowatts (kW)—$1.5 million worth—of solar power.

The key to the success of a group purchasing program, of course, is the competitive pricing available through such an initiative. Like a buyers’ club or a co-op, the more participants in the group, the lower the costs for everyone involved. In addition, the price has the potential to come down even more if or when certain benchmarks are met. Once the program participants collectively reach 50 kW of power purchased, everyone receives an additional reduction on the price of their own. According to Snell, an average residential solar installation comes in at roughly 5.1 kW; therefore, it would take roughly ten homes to reach 50 kW. An additional price reduction occurs at 100 kW, 200 kW, and 300 kW.

One important difference between previous programs and the Solarize Waukee Initiative is that previous programs were able to focus on expanding the market for solar power in communities where such a market already existed. Solarize Waukee, by contrast, is seeking to create and build the market for solar power, according to Snell. There are relatively few buildings in Waukee that currently have solar installed. The Nature Conservancy approached the City of Waukee regarding the initiative, hoping that recent solar installations by prominent businesses, such as Peoples Bank and the recently-opened Palm Theatres & IMAX, would spur interest from other businesses and residents, as well.

Businesses Are Reaping the Benefits of Solar

Peoples Bank, in fact, has solar power at not just one, but eight of their bank locations: Adel, Clive, Grand Junction, Guthrie Center, Jefferson, Ogden, Rippey and Waukee. They have also installed solar car chargers at their Clive, Waukee, and Adel locations for those with electric cars.

“We converted our power source from traditional electricity to solar power out of a sense for our environment and good stewardship of our resources,” said John Rigler III, President and Chief Operating Officer at Peoples Bank. He added that the business has substantially reduced its energy bills since converting to solar power.

The brand-new Fridley Theatres location in Waukee has reaped similar benefits from installing solar power. According to Fridley Theatres’ Vice President, Russell Vannorsdel, the company had been “looking into solar options for a number of years.” The falling costs of equipment, as well as federal and state incentives, finally enabled the installation of solar power at the new Waukee location.

Most of the theater’s 66,000-square-foot roof is covered with solar panels. An additional solar structure was built to the south of the theater “for more production, but also for visibility,” said Vannorsdel. “We wanted the community to see our investment in renewable resources.”

The theater, like Peoples Bank, is already seeing good returns on their energy expenditure. In fact, says Vannorsdel, “on a sunny day, there are hours of over-production.”

How to Learn More

Interested in finding out whether you’d be a good candidate for solar power? Start by attending a Solar Power Hour, a dozen of which are scheduled between the beginning of April and the end of June. These free educational sessions are open to the public and designed to provide attendees with information on the basics of solar power, ways to tell if their site is suitable for solar and the potential financial ramifications for their properties.

Representatives from MREA will be on hand at each session to answer questions, and students who are participating in APEX will have the opportunity to help with promotion and deliver some of the presentations.

Residents and business owners will then be able to sign up to receive a free, no-obligation site assessment from 1 Source Solar, a solar energy contractor based in Ankeny that was selected as the installer for the initiative through a competitive request for proposals earlier this year. 1 Source Solar was also the installer for Peoples Bank, and “did a magnificent job,” according to Rigler.

Snell says that as “an education program that’s bringing people together,” the Solarize Waukee Initiative aims to demystify the financial and logistical challenges of installing solar power for homeowners and businesses and give them the information they need to “make an informed decision” about what’s right for their properties.  Interested area residents and business owners can visit solarizewaukee.com to fill out a sign-up form and elect to receive their free estimate, program updates and Solar Power Hour announcements.

The deadline to sign up to participate in Solarize Waukee is July 31, 2019.

If you’ve been interested in greener alternatives to electricity, but figured that solar wasn’t practical or realistic, swing by a Power Hour—you may be surprised!

Solar Power Hour Schedule

  • Saturday, 6/15/2019, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Waukee Library
  • Wednesday, 6/19/2019, 6:30  p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Waukee Innovation and Learning Center
  • Wednesday, 6/26/2019, 6:30  p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Waukee City Hall

Filed Under: Business, City of Waukee, Features, Lifestyles, Uncategorized

5 Waukee Businesses You Should Know About

June 12, 2018 by admin

One of the best things about living in Waukee is access to wide-selection of locally-owned and operated businesses.

There is quite literally something for everyone right here in the heart of Waukee. Below are a few of our picks – although it was hard to pick “just” 5!

MULCH MART

Looking to do some landscaping? Then you must check-out Mulch Mart right here in Waukee! They sell high-quality landscaping supplies for contractors and home owners.

125 N. 10th Street
Waukee, IA
515.978.6852

WAUKEE HARDWARE

Looking for a one-stop-shop for your hardware needs? Then Waukee Hardware is your answer. They’ve been in business for over 125 years, providing anything from lawn & garden supplies to paint and even power tools.

 

Learn more about Waukee Hardware >>

380 Sixth Street
Waukee, IA
(515) 987-4574

KUE’D SMOKEHOUSE

Kue’d Smokehouse is owned and operated by Shad Kirton, winner of TLC’s “BBQ Pitmasters” show, Season 2. Needless to say, the food is amazing! Be sure to get their early as they serve until they run out!
Read More About Shad Kirton >>

245 E. Hickman Road
Waukee, IA 50263
515-987-4972

THE COFFEESMITH

Offering not just any cup of joe, The Coffeesmith exists to provide handcrafted artisan beverages. Also, be sure to grab one of their delicious pastries and breakfast items! It will be sure to jumpstart your morning – or afternoon!

Learn More About The Coffeesmith >>

770 Alice’s Road
Waukee, IA 50263
515-447-5137

WAUKEE ICE CREAM SHOP

This family owned and operated ice cream shoppe features 35 soft serve and 15 hard pack ice cream flavors, along with specialty sundaes. Pretty much it will become your new got-to spot for all things ice cream!
530 Walnut Street
Waukee, IA
(515) 987-8504

In the comments below, share a few of your favorite local businesses!

Filed Under: Guide To Waukee, My City, Uncategorized, Waukee Tagged With: coffee shop, hardware shop, ice cream shoppe, landscaping, local businesses, waukee businesses

Waukee Chamber Update {November / December 2017}

November 1, 2017 by admin

New Office for the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce

Please join the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce for a Grand Opening in our new office on Tuesday, Dec. 12! The new office is located at 208 Hickman in Waukee. Our builder will complete the 1600 square-foot remodel this fall and we will officially operate in the new office beginning Dec. 1.

Coming Soon: The Coffeesmith

Opening soon at 770 Alice’s Road, The Coffeesmith is locally owned and operated by Iowa natives and Waukee residents Nate and Shanna Kempers. They strive not only to craft high-quality beverages and food, but also to create a welcoming environment to help build our community. Follow The Coffeesmith on Facebook to see the construction progress and official opening date.

UnityPoint Health Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Join the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce in welcoming UnityPoint Clinic’s second family medicine location to Waukee! A Grand Opening will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13 for its new location in the Waukee Kettlestone development on Grand Prairie Parkway. The ribbon-cutting will take place at 4:30 p.m. UnityPoint Clinic will offer a Holiday Hats n’ Mittens Open House with tours of the new space and an opportunity to meet the doctors and administration. There is a suggested donation of hats or mittens, which will be donated to those in need during the holiday season.

Other New Area Businesses

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce has welcomed 52 new members this year and celebrated local grand openings with dozens of those businesses. We look forward to celebrating many more ribbon-cutting ceremonies and business anniversaries over the next couple months. Please check our calendar at waukeechamber.com and join us to help our new business owners feel welcome in Waukee!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: coffee smith, unity point clinic, Waukee Chamber

Faces of Waukee: Shelly Hughes

September 11, 2017 by admin

Where did you grow up?

I grew up on a farm near New Hampton, Iowa. I loved every minute of it and most of my family is still there. I think the values and work ethic you gain when you grow up in a rural community become an integral and invaluable part of who you are.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband Brian and I have been married for 16 years and we have two boys—Ben is 13 and Asher is 9. We share our household with a cat, a Yorkie and a Mini Bernedoodle.

What do you do for a living?

Since we’ve had the boys, I’ve been a stay-at-home mom. Brian and I decided early on that we would adjust our lifestyle however necessary in order for me to be home with the boys. Two years ago, I started my own photography business. I really enjoy getting to know different people and families through 123, Eyes On Me Photography.

What made you want to volunteer your time and become part of the Waukee city council?

We specifically chose Waukee as the place we wanted to settle down and raise our boys. Once I realized the impact the city council had on our daily life, I knew I wanted to be a part of those decisions. I wanted to be part of the discussion, planning and process of how our city grows and operates. I want it to continue to be the premiere, quality, safe community we were seeking when we moved here.

For you personally, what makes Waukee so special?

The people! That includes the ones who have been here forever, the ones who just moved here—everyone. We all want our town to be a safe, beautiful place. I know the landscape has changed dramatically, but it really comes down to relationships, and those haven’t changed. I can still run into everyone I know at the grocery store, or a school function or the park. Those relationships are crucial to keeping a community special.

Filed Under: Faces of Waukee, Uncategorized Tagged With: faces of waukee, waukee city hall

Guide To Splash Pads, Spray Grounds and Fountains

June 29, 2017 by admin

Summer is officially here and the temps are rising! If you are looking for a fun way to cool-off or need a way for the kids to burn-off energy, check out one of the MANY local splash pads, spray grounds or fountains found right here in the Waukee / West Des Moines area!

Splash Pads

Urbandale Aquatic Playground
7201 Aurora Avenue
Open from May 30 to August 9th
Hours: Daily from 1 to 4 p.m.; Evenings Monday through Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Ashby Park Splash Pad
3200 38th Street
Open from May 27 to August 22
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Spray Grounds

West Des Moines

American Legion Park
301 Vine Street
Opens Memorial Day to Labor Day
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Raccoon River Park
2500 Grand Avenue
Open Memorial Day to Labor Day
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Des Moines

Good Park
1103 17th Street
Open May through September
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Greenwood Park
4500 Grand Avenue
Open May through September
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Woodlawn Park
3126 Twana Drive
Open May through September
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Fountains

Evelyn K. Davis Park
1400 Forest Avenue
Open May through September
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sargent Park 
3530 E Douglas Avenue
Open May through September
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Where is your favorite local spot to splash and cool-off?

Filed Under: Lifestyles, My City, Uncategorized Tagged With: local attractions, splash pads, summer in waukee, water fountains

Guide To Parks and Playgrounds In Waukee

May 25, 2017 by admin


If you are looking for a great way to enjoy the weather and get the kids out of the house to burn energy, then take advantage of the fantastic parks and playgrounds in the Waukee-community.

Centennial Park

1255 Warrior Lane
Waukee, Iowa 50263

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Daily

Amenities:

  • Basketball Court
  • Benches
  • Disc Golf Course
  • Enclosed Shelter
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Restrooms

Fox Creek Park

522 NE Westgate Drive
Waukee, Iowa 50263

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Daily

Amenities:

  • Tennis Court
  • Pickle-Ball Court
  • Basketball Court
  • Shelter
  • Splash Pad
  • Open Greenspaces
  • Play Pods
  • Little Free Library™

Grant Park

605 SE Driftwood Lane
Waukee, Iowa 50263

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Daily

Amenities:

  • Restrooms
  • Benches
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Soccer Field
  • Basketball Court

Ridge Pointe Park

655 SE Legacy Pointe Blvd.
Waukee, Iowa 50263

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Daily

Amenities: 

  • Benches
  • Charcoal Grill
  • Open Field
  • Pavillion (available to rent)
  • Picnic tables
  • Playground
  • Restrooms
  • Volleyball
  • Little Free Library™

Southfork Park

Southbranch Drive
Waukee, Iowa 50263

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Daily

Amenities:

  • Benches
  • Open Field
  • Open Shelter
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Water
  • Little Free Library™

Warrior Park

1050 4th St.
Waukee, Iowa 50263

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Daily

Amenities:

  • Baseball/Softball Fields
  • Benches
  • Open Field
  • Playground

Windfield Park

114 Windfield Parkway
Waukee, Iowa 50263

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Daily

Amenities:

  • Baseball/Softball Backstop
  • Benches
  • Full Basketball Court
  • Interconnected Trails
  • Open Field
  • Parking
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Shelter House
  • Enclosed Restroom
  • Water

Have you been to any of these parks? Which is your favorite?

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Faces Of Waukee: Matthew Klein

May 8, 2017 by admin

matthew-klein-central-bank-waukee-iowa

Tell us a little about your family.

Family is everything to me. My wife Angie is a dental hygienist, and we have two children. Our son Will is 13 years old and a 7th grader at South Middle school in Waukee, and our daughter Charlotte is 4 years old. They tolerate my quirkiness and they’re incredibly supportive!

Tell us about your career.

I graduated from the University of Iowa in 2001 and started out in the mortgage industry in Iowa City.  I had an opportunity in the banking industry to come to Des Moines in 2004 and took the chance. I’ve worked for a few community banks throughout the years and have been lucky to find exposure to different areas within the bank.  I’ve had successes and failures along the way, but have also discovered my passion, which is relationship development and helping people make smarter financial decisions.

You’ve worked in the banking industry for some time now.  What sets Central Bank apart from its peers?

Central Bank is a true community bank that cares about people and the communities it serves.  I think the quality and genuineness of our employees set us apart.  Our employees are committed to providing our customers with a better customer service experience.  It also helps that we offer competitive solutions and pricing for our customers.  I’ve been impressed with our common sense approach to banking and how quickly we can make decisions.

In this issue we talk about golf, and we’re told you have something of a passion for the game.  Tell us about that.

That is definitely true.  I grew up in an athletic, competitive family in the Quad Cities.  My brothers always pushed me to succeed and work harder.  I played golf in high school and worked as a bag boy in college.  Unlike team sports, golf is an individual game.  It’s a mental game and your score can often be determined by your mental toughness as opposed to skill.  It can be a frustrating game at times, but I’ve tried to adopt an “even keel” attitude, which I’ve also been able to use in business.  Golf is a great setting for getting to know a customer or prospect on a personal level.  I’m often asked if I let customers win, and my answer is, absolutely not!  I want to win every time!

Do you have a favorite course to play?

For a challenge, I enjoy playing The Harvester or Tournament Club of Iowa.  My son and I enjoy playing many of the municipal courses, along with Beaver Creek, Jester Park and Otter Creek.  As someone in the finance industry, I’m always looking for a “hot deal,” and sometimes where we play is dictated by that.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: banking, central bank, golf, iowa, waukee

Waukee Bars and Entertainment Guide

December 27, 2016 by admin

Whether you are looking for a low key night on the town or to hit the lanes, the Waukee / West Des Moines area has plenty to choose from!


Waukee / Des Moines Bars

Saints Pub + Patio
87 NE Carefree Ln, Waukee, IA 50263

Mickey’s
Warrior Plaza, 50 SE Laurel, Waukee, IA 50263

Rookies Sports Bar & Grill
2180 NW 156th St, Clive, IA 50325

1908 Draught House
1320 East Hickman Road, Waukee, IA 50325

The Kee
360 6th St, Waukee, IA 50263

Sidetrack Pub
306 Hickman Rd, Waukee, IA 50263

Waukee / Des Moines Entertainment

Warrior Lanes
190 Laurel St, Waukee, IA 50263

Cabaret Bar & Nightclub
560 S Prairie View Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant
5485 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Gas Lamp
1501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Wooly’s
504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Last Laugh Comedy Theater
1701 25th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Des Moines Funny Bone
560 S Prairie View Dr #100, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: bars, entertainment

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