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You are here: Home / Archives for local events for adults

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

Little Warriors Came Out Full Force During 2018 Waukee Easter Egg Hunt

April 15, 2018 by admin

On Saturday, March 31, 2018, many families gathered at the Waukee Centennial Park for this year’s ultimate Easter Egg Hunt. It was one of those chilly spring mornings that most of us who were there, will remember forever. Those that didn’t dress in full winter outfits really felt the icy breeze that day. And all I remember thinking was, “but isn’t it spring already?” The mystery behind the seasons baffles me to this day. With the uncontrollable winds hitting us from all directions, we couldn’t feel our cheeks. Some of us couldn’t feel our hands. The children on the other hand were on a mission and the weather could not get to them. It’s like if they were surrounded by their own energy and filled with adrenaline from pure excitement.  Even though it was a freezing morning, it did not stop these little warriors from seeing the Easter Bunny at Centennial Park for the 2018 Waukee Easter Egg Hunt. Watch (In the video above) those little smiles fill with happiness as they make their adventures into their young lives!

MyWaukee Magazine had a great time visiting the 2018 Waukee Easter Egg Hunt at the Waukee Centennial Park in the great City of Waukee!

Watch the video above to see some of the best moments we captured. We had the pleasure of taking some pictures as well that we are happy to share with you.

The parents battled through the cold to make sure their kids got to see the Easter Bunny.

With arms wide open, the Easter Bunny was very kind and every child absolutely loved their time spent seeing him.

Another photo of parents with their kids on a hunt to find the Easter Eggs.

Hugs from the Easter Bunny.

 

Parents and children patiently waiting in line to see the Easter Bunny.

A true basket of happiness for kids of all ages.

“Don’t mind us, we are here to see the Easter Bunny.”

Everybody loves our Waukee Fire Engines and Fire Trucks.

The Waukee Fire Fighters showing their full appreciation and support during the 2018 Waukee Easter Hunt.

For more great stories, videos, and local entertainment:

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Filed Under: City of Waukee, Faces of Waukee, Family, Guide To Waukee, Lifestyles, My City, Outdoors, Waukee, Waukee Chamber Tagged With: 2018, 2018 Centennial Park, 2018 Easter, 2018 Waukee Easter, 2018 Waukee Easter Egg Hunt, city of waukee, City of Waukee 2018, Easter, entertainment, events, faces of waukee, Family, Great City of Waukee, indoor activities, iowa, local attractions, local events for adults, local events for kids, Outdoors, summer in waukee, Waukee Chamber, waukee city council, Waukee Easter, Waukee Iowa

New Year, New Programs at Your Library

January 8, 2018 by admin

By Leah White

The Waukee Public Library is kicking off the new year by offering a variety of new and exciting programs and classes for all ages! Stop by the library or visit our website for a full list of upcoming events.

LOCAL HISTORY SERIES

Our popular year-long Local History Series is back for 2018! In partnership with the Waukee Area Historical Society, the Waukee Public Library will be offering nine unique history presentations. All programs will be at the Waukee Public Library.

One-Room Country Schools in Dallas County
Presented by Rod Stanley
Sunday, Feb. 4 – 1:00 p.m.
Iowa’s Misbehaving Women
Presented by Author Cheryl Mullenbach
Sunday, Mar. 25 – 1:00 p.m.
All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
Presented by Richard Chapman, President of AAGPBL
Sunday, Apr. 8 – 1:00 p.m.
Interurban Railroad – Perry to Des Moines
Presented by Rod Stanley
Sunday, May 6 – 1:00 p.m.
Nile Kinnick, Hal Manders & Bob Feller of Dallas County
Presented by Rod Stanley
Sunday, Aug. 5 – 1:00 p.m.
Jack Trice – ISU Football
Presented by Bradley Kuennen, Iowa State Archivist
Sunday, Sept. 9 – 1:00 p.m.
Shuler Coal Mine
Presented by Bruno Andreini
Sunday, Oct. 7 – 1:00 p.m.
Iowa Connection World War I
Presented by Fort Des Moines Education
Sunday, Nov. 11 – 1:00 p.m.

 

UPCOMING ADULT PROGRAMS

Helping Hands: Valentine’s Day Cards
Jan. 2 through Feb. 12

Drop by the library to make a Valentine’s Card for residents of an area senior living center. Help us make enough cards so that each resident receives a one-of-a-kind handmade card to show that their community loves them. All supplies will be provided.
Afternoon Book Club: “Alias Grace” by Margaret Atwood
Thursday, Jan. 4 – 2:30 p.m.

Meet at the library on the first Thursday of every month for a lively discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk.
Bird-Watching Basics
Sunday, Jan. 14 – 1:00 p.m.

Are you looking for a new and exciting way to connect with nature? Come learn the basics to identifying birds. Dallas County Board naturalist Mike Havlik will guide you through field marks, behavior and calls to help take the mystery out of backyard birds. We will also take a trip outdoors to look for live birds at the library.
Books on Tap: “The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend” by Katarina Bivald
Tuesday, Jan. 16 – 6:00 P.M.

Meet at Mickey’s Irish Pub (50 SE Laurel Street) on the third Tuesday of every month for food, drinks and a discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk or at Mickey’s during the meeting.
Yoga
Friday, JAN. 19 – 10:00 a.m.

Take time to breathe, move, stretch and relax in this beginners’ yoga class. This class is scheduled on the same day and time as our Snow Much Yoga Fun kids’ event with parents’ needs in mind! (However, any adult may attend.) Bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Crafternoon
Saturday, Jan. 27 – 2:00 p.m.

Adults need crafty time, too! Get together with your friends and neighbors to have some crafty fun creating one craft. All supplies will be provided by the library. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Afternoon Book Club: “Major Pettigrew’s Land Stand” by Helen Simonson
Thursday, Feb. 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Meet at the library on the first Thursday of every month for a lively discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk.
Won’t Chew Be My Valentine
Thursday, Feb. 1 – 6:00 p.m.

No matter what you’re planning for Valentine’s Day this year, nothing says “I love you” like delicious and decadent desserts. We’ve rounded up three sweet treats that will make your heart melt! Whether you’re single or taken, enjoy these easy-to-make desserts with your sweetheart or pals this Valentine’s Day. Samples will be served! Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Craft Workshop: Heart-Felt Needle Felting
Sunday, Feb. 11 – 1:30 p.m.

Discover the pure magic of needle-felting! In this beginner’s class, we will make a sweet little penguin holding a heart. You won’t believe how easy felting really is–no sewing or patterns involved! No prior experience required. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Books on Tap: “My Lady Jane” by Cynthia Hand
Tuesday, Feb. 20 – 6:00 P.M.

Meet at Mickey’s Irish Pub (50 SE Laurel Street) on the third Tuesday of every month for food, drinks and a discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk or at Mickey’s during the meeting.
A Beginner’s Guide to Wildlife Photography
Saturday, Feb. 24 – 2:00 p.m.

Come learn the ins and outs of wildlife photography! Dallas county resident and national magazine editor Marlen Kemmet has worked for years photographing Central Iowa and several national parks. Get tips and techniques aimed at making you a better wildlife photographer. Afterwards, attendees are encouraged to practice their new skills on library grounds and around the Waukee area for a chance to have their pictures featured on the library’s Facebook page! Submissions may be sent to: AskMe@waukee.org

 

UPCOMING KIDS’ PROGRAMS

Sensory Playtime
Friday, Jan. 5 from 10:00 -11:00 a.m.

Stay as little or as long as you wish to explore different interactive sensory stations each month with your child. Recommended for ages 3 years and up.
Jedi Training
Saturday, Jan. 6 – 10:00 a.m.

Young Padawans (K-5th grade) are challenged to attend a Jedi Training Session at the library. Construct your own droid, take down Storm Troopers, make Jabba slime, meet R2D2 and more! A light snack will be provided. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Dallas County Conservation
Friday, Jan. 12 -10:00 a.m.

Children of all ages are invited to Critter Cindy from Dallas County Conservation for stories and activities to learn more about the natural world around us. No registration required.
Brick Builders
Saturday, Jan. 13  from 10:00 -11:30 a.m.

Children of all ages are welcome to join teen volunteers to play with the library’s LEGOs and complete optional engineering challenges. No registration required.
Songs & Stories
Saturday, Jan. 13 – 9:30 a.m.

Families with children ages 0-5 are invited to enjoy 20-25 minutes of fun songs and stories with one of our youth services librarians. No registration required.
Snow Much Yoga Fun
Friday, Jan. 19 from 10:00 – 10:40 a.m.

Join best-selling local author Sara J. Weis of “Go Go Yoga for Kids: the Complete Guide of Using Yoga with Kids” for a fun and engaging yoga class for 3-6 year olds. We will have fun celebrating the winter season with yoga poses, games, stories and snowballs. Bring a beach towel or yoga mat. *There is an adult yoga class for adult caregivers paired at the same time as this event. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
S.T.E.M. Lit with Iowa State Extension – Super Sled
Thursday, Jan. 25 – 4:30 p.m.

Kids in grades K-5 are invited to hear a story about a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) topic followed by a related experiment. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Sensory Playtime
Friday, Feb. 2 from 10:00 -11:00 a.m.

Stay as little or as long as you wish to explore different interactive sensory stations each month with your child. Recommended for ages 3 years and up.
Decorate a Valentine Box
Saturday, Feb. 3 – 10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Students in K-5 are welcome to design their own boxes for upcoming Valentine’s Day parties. All boxes and decorating supplies are provided.  Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Dallas County Conservation
Friday, Feb. 9 -10:00 a.m.

Children of all ages are invited to Critter Cindy from Dallas County Conservation for stories and activities to learn more about the natural world around us. No registration required.
Brick Builders
Saturday, Feb. 10  from 10:00 -11:30 a.m.

Children of all ages are welcome to join teen volunteers to play with the library’s LEGOs and complete optional engineering challenges. No registration required.
Songs & Stories
Saturday, Feb. 10 – 9:30 a.m.

Families with children ages 0-5 are invited to enjoy 20-25 minutes of fun songs and stories with one of our youth services librarians. No registration required.
Dr. Mayank K. Kothari S.T.E.A.M. Expo
Saturday, Feb. 24 – 10:00 a.m.

Families with children in grades K+ are invited to a morning of exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) at the library. A generous donation has been made in memory of Dr. Mayank K. Kothari to increase the number of kits in our STEAM Library. Hear a presentation about the new STEAM kits followed by the opportunity to see each kit in action. Kits will be available for check-out the Monday after the event. No registration required.

To find out more about the Waukee Public Library, visit www.waukeepubliclibrary.org or contact the us at askme@waukee.org or (515) 978-7944.

Filed Under: My Library Tagged With: events, library, local events for adults, local events for kids

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