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Eden Prairie, MN September 2021

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S E P TE M B E R 2 02 1

FEATURING FLYING

CLOUD AIRPORT


LIFESTYLE LETTER

SEPTEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

John Lee | john.lee@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Aviation, Recreation, Culinary Creation, and Artistic Representation! HELLO EDEN PRAIRIE LIFESTYLE READERS,

David Scheller | david.scheller@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Pete Rose

Bundt cakes and B-17 Bomber rides, Pilates and portraits of Fido – if it’s not in this very special issue of Eden Prairie Lifestyle, you don’t need it! This month we’re honored to feature Eden Prairie’s very own Flying Cloud Airport. It is one of the busiest reliever airports in the country, which today provides everything from private jet service to pilot lessons. You’ll probably be surprised to learn just how much is going on behind the big fence! Read on to learn all about the Eden Prairie Community Center. Too many people drive by this complete recreation center without realizing the scope of its facilities: three fitness studios, three ice skating rinks, just as many swimming pools, two racquetball courts, a full gymnasium, and more than 220 fitness classes every single week. They truly take their mission of providing something to everyone to heart. We are delighted to feature the art of MarySue Krueger, whose portraits of cats

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

and dogs perfectly capture just how much personality pervades every pet’s hair

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

and whisker. And if you prefer cake over cats, no worries! I only wish Eden Prairie

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Lifestyle had scratch-and-sniff printing technology so we could do real justice to our

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

feature on Nothing Bundt Cakes.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

As always, I would like to thank all of Eden Prairie Lifestyle’s sponsors, without whose generous support we could not mail our magazine directly to our readers’ homes. I always welcome any feedback or interest you may have in appearing on our magazine’s pages! 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Best regards,

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN

John Lee, Publisher

MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT 4

Eden Prairie Lifestyle | September 2021

CityLifestyle.com/EdenPrairie

Proverbs 3:5-6 Eden Prairie Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Eden Prairie area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Eden Prairie Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.


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INSIDE THE ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2021

FEATURES 12 Nothing Bundt Cakes Nostalgia With a Wink

18 MarySue Krueger Fine Art Best Friend Watercolor Portraits

24 Flying Cloud Airport One of America’s Busiest Reliever Airports

30 24

30 Eden Prairie Community Center Our City’s Own Total Fitness Center

12

18 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

12

Culinary Creations

18

Artist’s Palette

24 City Scene 30 Our Town 34 Lifestyle Calendar


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7


GOOD TIMES

AirExpo 2021 After a long year’s hiatus, AirExpo finally returned to Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie last July! Hosted by Wings of the North, AirExpo 2021 featured more than 30 airplanes on the ramp and in the air, B-17 bomber plane rides, a giant hangar full of VIPs and exhibitors, and even pancake breakfasts – a requisite for true aviation fans!

Keeping the medical community soaring since 1993.

Flying Cloud Airport

Learn more about the Flying Cloud based charter firm that supports the life-saving business. metroairports.org | 10110 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 8

Eden Prairie Lifestyle | September 2021


Jet Linx at AirExpo 2021 Jet Linx welcomed all aviation fans to their hangar during the annual aeronautical extravaganza at Flying Cloud Airport. Your local, personal private jet company was proud to showcase a large collection of classic military aircraft, as well as host the daring airmen who flew them in combat.

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ARTICLE DAVID SCHELLER

CULINARY CREATIONS

NOTHING BU N D T C A K E S 12

Eden Prairie Lifestyle | September 2021


NOSTALGIA WITH A WINK

THERE ARE NO RECIPES TRADITIONALLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE BUNDT CAKE. Although it is styled after the European Gugelhupf cake, the Bundt has a single defining characteristic: its aesthetic ring-like shape. The word “Bundt” itself was developed by a certain well-known bakeware company in St. Louis Park during the 1950s, which they used to market their newest line of cast aluminum pans. The Bundt’s lack of identity made it the ideal subject for pioneering bakers of the past century. Many of them would only succeed at developing dry, unpleasant Bundt cakes which had to be snuck past families too full of meatloaf to notice. But two long-time friends named Dena and Debbie figured out the trick. One perfected the Bundt’s batter and baking; the other, its frosting. When they joined forces to bake Bundts, Dena and Debbie often received the compliment reserved for amateur bakers: “You should sell these!” The advice seemed solid to them, so in 1997 they opened a bakery – devoted solely to Bundt cakes. It was a bit of a gamble, which may be why they opened the inaugural Nothing Bundt Cakes in Las Vegas.

CONTINUED >

Jill Tullemans & Jessa Johnson CityLifestyle.com/EdenPrairie

13


CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

I hope that Dena and Debbie baked an extra special Bundt for the first person to recommend that they franchise. Within 24 years nearly 400 Nothing Bundt Cakes bakeries have risen in the United States, which is why I was able to try their cakes without having to justify my 3rd trip to Vegas this year. A party I recently attended served a great big box of Nothing Bundt Cakes’ personal-sized treats for everyone to peck at. Delightful things, these cakes. Soft and airy without a crumble to their name, a miracle to the taste buds, and adorned with my kind of frosting – sweet but not cloying, and ready to dissolve like a thief into the night the moment I began to chew. The last piece of cake at a party might as well be radioactive as far as polite Minnesotans are concerned. They would never dare to deprive someone else of it. Nothing Bundt Cakes somehow overcame this deeply ingrained courtesy, as two women present quarreled over who had rights to the remaining little red velvet Bundt until a willing King Solomon stepped forward. I called Jill Tullemans, who co-owns Nothing Bundt Cakes in Eden Prairie, for help understanding this magic. “It’s love,” said Jill. “Our amazing staff prepares and bakes all our Bundt cakes by hand and according to Dena and Debbie’s original recipe. Our ingredients are all-natural, and with the exception of our dry mix we source them locally as often as we’re able. Nothing Bundt Cakes doesn’t introduce a flavor until we’ve tested it to perfection. We still offer only one gluten-free option (which is chocolate chip cookie dough) because so far it’s the only recipe which meets our standards for moisture and consistency.

14

Eden Prairie Lifestyle | September 2021


“We have 11 different Bundt cakes available in

unique cake for every table, each filled with flowers

four different sizes. Eden Prairie’s favorite flavors are

to become beautiful centerpieces. Many guests

white chocolate raspberry and chocolate chocolate

wound up going table to table so they could try

chip, but during graduation season it changes to

more than one flavor!

red velvet. Combined with chocolate chocolate chip Bundtinis, red velvet takes on our school colors!

“I also love Nothing Bundt Cakes’ company philosophy: ‘Nostalgia with a Wink.’ From our

“I didn’t just open Nothing Bundt Cakes because

bakery’s decor to our customer service, every-

the cakes are exceptional. I also loved the idea of

thing here is a little old-fashioned – but still fun

baking for the community. People come in all the

and whimsical. People really appreciate that kind

time to tell us our Bundts have become their fami-

of atmosphere these days. We are also a one-stop

ly’s newest favorite. We also make social occasions

shop for all your party needs with greeting cards,

more memorable. A couple months ago we got a

balloons, serving platters, and a wide selection of

call from a bride-to-be explaining that her wedding

what I like to call ‘girlfriend gifts.’”

was only three days away … and still without a

Whether you’re throwing a big party or just tak-

baker. She was in an absolute panic. I could tell we

ing care of yourself, Jill would love to see you stop

were not the first bakery she had called that day.

in sometime. Visit 8435 Joiner Way, call (952) 512-

“We weren’t just able to save her wedding (or at least one of the most crucial parts of it). We baked a

2500, or go to nothingbundtcakes.com for the loveliest Bundts in Eden Prairie.

CityLifestyle.com/EdenPrairie

15


Artist rendering

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The Sign of Success.

Lyndon Moquist Managing Broker

EDEN PRAIRIE OFFICE 952-944-7107 | www.edenprairie.edinarealty.com

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16499 Manor Road $525,000 Well-maintained 2 story home with private backyard facing a wooded area. Enjoy the updated kitchen and main level deck which is ideal for entertaining. 4 bedrooms on upper level. Lower level has space for an office, family room and exercise area. Move-in ready.

John Sligh • 612-327-3123 • JohnSligh@edinarealty.com

Beautifully updated, sun drenched and light filled end-unit townhome in highly sought after Eden Prairie! This wonderfully welcoming home lives more like a single family home with it’s large deck and walkout lower level! The kitchen features newer cabinetry and granite countertops! The master bedroom has a large walk-in closet and adjoining bath with gorgeous tile shower. The lower level features a cozy family room with gas fireplace, another large bedroom and a 3/4 bath! Conveniently located just minutes to freeways, shopping, dining, parks/trails and schools!

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Cristy Willis • 952-356-7585 • CristyWillis@edinarealty.com

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Krissie Craig • 218-251-4923 • KrissieCraig@edinarealty.com

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LD

Beautifully updated 5BR, 5BA home on premier lot overlooking wooded park preserve in Settlers Ridge, situated by million dollar plus homes. Spacious, open floor plan with gorgeous cherry flooring throughout main floor, each room with stunning design and décor. The upper level features an amazing Master Bedroom suite with gorgeous remodeled bathroom. Generous sized kids rooms with Jack and Jill bath. The lower level attractions include beautiful stone fireplace, wine cellar and sauna. Enjoy the lifestyle of Settlers Ridge with miles of walking trails and neighborhood pool.

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Heidi & Brian Weissner 952-200-2229 • HeidiandBrianWeissner@edinarealty.com

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18248 Overland Trail $900,000

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LD

This south facing 5-bedroom, 6-bath premium quality home sits on the east-side shoreline of Bryant Lake, the most convenient fully recreational lake in the Metro area. Grandeur reigns throughout, including a gourmet kitchen that matches jaw-dropping views. The home’s quality and design are paramount, starting with a Fond du Lac stone exterior almost fully wrapping the house ----and continues at the first step inside with soaring spaces and dramatic windows framing the lake. And there’s no let-up from there. Architectural design meets engineering; every space, more than a pretty face where functionality was never overlooked in all 6000 plus sq ft of living area.

Judy Happe-Humes 612-308-4988 • JudithHappeHumes@edinarealty.com

The Barkley’s • 612-991-0977 • JackBarkley@edinarealty.com

9640 Hampshire Lane $254,900

7014 Willow Creek Road $2,149,000

$402,500 Charming 4/bed, 3/bath home on beautifully landscaped lot. Home boasts newer Anderson windows, newer HVAC, new roof, new driveway and many more updates. Large Master suite which is unusual for this genre home. Steps from Purgatory Creek and Starring Lake, this home has it all.

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Great Savage location. Tree covered lot. Open floor plan for entertaining. Large deck and large paver patio. Over sized 3 car garage with room to back in a boat or trailer. Unfinished lower level with room for another full bath, two more bedrooms, a large family room and storage. Approximately another 1600 sq ft. The lookout basement has windows all the way around the perimeter make it feel open and bright.

The Barkley’s • 612-991-0977 • JackBarkley@edinarealty.com

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9528 Creek Knoll Road

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9404 Maggie Lane $480,000

Spectacular four-year-old custom designed and built by Gonyea Homes! The best Minnesota River views in Eden Prairie! 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 4-car fully finished and heated garage. Amazing in-ground pool, indoor sports court, high level finishes, located in Eden Prairie’s Reeder Ridge. One of the finest custom-built homes available in Eden Prairie. Additional community pool available to buyer.

The Barkley’s • 612-991-0977 • JackBarkley@edinarealty.com

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10085 Azure Skies $2,275,000

Complete remodel in 2013. Stone and brick exterior. Large main floor office with built-ins, a fireplace and private access to the deck. Second office in the lower level. Huge master bedroom. 6 fireplaces. The lot over looks Purgatory Creek and the Lower Purgatory Creek Nature Trail. Large walk in wine cellar. Multiple entertaining areas. Large deck with built in hot tub. The deck overlooks the back yard with a new fire pit and patio, resurfaced sports court and putting green. Sunroom overlooking Purgatory Creek. High ceilings and vaults throughout the home. Great Eden Prairie location in a very private setting.

Ed

LD

11193 Bluestem Lane $1,075,000

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#1 IN MN SALES FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS!

732 Applewood Circle $675,000 From the moment you enter the home, you will immediately be drawn to the gorgeous picturesque views of woods & wetland. This beautiful custom-built home is nestled on a private lot in a very desirable smaller custom neighborhood. Wonderfully appointed with custom cabinetry, SS Appliances, Granite CT, 20x15 main fl office w/ glass french doors, Maple flooring, luxury owners suite w/ private views, spacious great room w/ a gas FP & built-ins, 9ft ceilings/transom windows, 4 bdrms up, upper level laundry room, Jack/Jill bath, mini bdrm suite, OVERSIZED 3 car garage, NEW Furnace & A/C (2 zones), Roof(2017), Radon system (2008), new deck/patio/landscaping, sprinkler system & so much more. This beautiful home offers all the right spaces for every day living & entertaining. DON’T WAIT!

Randy Kellogg • 612-240-2924 • RandyKellogg@edinarealty.com

For career opportunities Call Lyndon at 952-944-7107 or www.LyndonMoquist.com


ARTIST’S PALETTE

MarySue Krueger Fine Art BEST FRIEND WATERCOLOR PORTRAITS ARTICLE DAVID SCHELLER

18

Eden Prairie Lifestyle | September 2021


" Painting pets in my homet own of E den Prairie gives me t he ch ance t o actually meet my subjects and learn more about t hem in person. I t also lets me enjoy my f avorite part of wh at I do, which is seeing my client 's reaction when I reveal t heir painting!"

THE SOULS OF PETS ARE SO BRIGHT

dogs, watercolor is spontaneous. You have

THAT

CAN

to be very open to what the paint and the

MarySue

water might decide to do on their own. With

Krueger proves this. Her subjects, whether

other mediums you have extreme flexibility

they are bounding headlong into a crystal

fixing mistakes, but with watercolor you

blue lake, sticking their heads out of car win-

either have to make mistakes work or throw

dows so their ears flap straight back, or just

the whole painting away and start over. But

having a little snooze in the afternoon sun,

usually, things work out.

FAIRLY

ONLY

BRUSHSTROKES

CAPTURE

THEM.

all appear to radiate light. The Eden Prairie

“I have always loved dogs. They are the

watercolorist paints pets, and she is avail-

best people. Dogs are loyal, they’re fun to

able to immortalize your best friend whether

be around, and they’re warm to snuggle up

they bark, meow or chirp.

with. Dogs love paying attention to you, and

“I was born with the art bug,” said

they love getting it back just as much. I truly

MarySue. “I don’t remember a time when

believe that people can form closer connec-

I didn’t love drawing, and later on painting.

tions with dogs than with any other animal,

Some of my earliest drawings were copied

and I try to capture that whenever I paint a

from Lady and the Tramp.

dog with their master.

“I’ve never had any formal education in

“I am especially enamored with dogs’

art. Outside of attending regular workshops

eyebrows. If you look closely at any dog,

held by the Minnesota Watercolor Society,

and really study the ridges just above their

of which I’m a lifetime member, I’m pretty

eyes, you can tell exactly what they are

much self-taught. I only began sharing my

thinking. Calmness, apprehension, excite-

work 20 years ago when I painted my first

ment – the eyebrows convey every mood,

‘HollyDog’ – a portrait of my family’s dog,

which is why it’s so important for me to

which I put on our Christmas cards. The

paint them just right.

people on our Christmas card list told me

“Don’t take my love for dogs as a condem-

they were touched by my painting of Sunny,

nation of cats! They just have different spirits;

our yellow Lab. I’m afraid that many of them

whereas dogs have masters, cats have peo-

haven’t seen my family since!

ple. They’re not going to thank you as much

“I quickly discovered that watercolor is

for your presence, but that doesn’t mean

the perfect medium for painting dogs. Like

they’re standoffish. They’re … self-contained. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/EdenPrairie

19


ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED) And interestingly, from an artist’s perspective at least, softer. Even the softest-coated dog isn’t as soft as a smoothest-coated cat, which lets me play a lot more with the way light shines through cats’ fur. “I typically work from photographs. I always ask my client for the photo which best represents their pet, but I do ask for a number of shots so I can study their dog or cat in different lighting and poses. I also ask them to tell me more about their pet’s personality – whether they’re a couch potato or an athlete, happy-go-lucky or reserved. The more details I can learn about an animal’s personality, the more I can convey it in a painting. That’s how I’m able to capture an animal’s spirit better than photography ever could. “Painting pets in my hometown of Eden Prairie gives me the chance to actually meet my subjects and learn more about them in person. It also lets me enjoy my favorite part of what I do, which is seeing my client’s reaction when I reveal their painting!” To see more of MarySue’s work and learn how to commission a beautiful watercolor of your best friend, please call (612) 716-4829 or visit marysuekrueger.com.

20

Eden Prairie Lifestyle | September 2021


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CITY SCENE

airport

flying cloud

THREE RUNWAYS. 363 AIRCRAFT. $2.6 MILLION IN ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO MINNESOTA AND THE CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE. ARTICLE DAVID SCHELLER

THE SECOND WORLD WAR SENT AMERICANS TO THE

single- and multi-engine aircraft, corporate

BEACHES OF FRANCE, THE JUNGLES OF NEW GUINEA, THE

jets and helicopters, and also home to sev-

DESERTS OF EGYPT … AND THE PLEASANT GREEN FIELDS

eral businesses which offer everything from

OF EDEN PRAIRIE. The town had little else to offer back in the

aviation lessons to custom upholstery.

1940s, but open fields were precisely what the U.S. Navy wanted.

“We are especially proud to support

Paved runways and air traffic control towers are a scarce commodity

life-saving services. Organ, eye and tissue

during wartime, and capable pilots must know how to take off and

transplant deliveries, where time is of the

land without them.

essence, are often routed through Flying

“Eden Prairie was the perfect spot for the Navy’s airport pre-

Cloud. Our airport also plays a crucial role

cisely because there wasn’t already an airport here,” said Dana

in connecting medical teams with patients

Nelson, director of stakeholder management for the Metropolitan

who are in need of life-saving operations but

Airports Commission (MAC). “Flat and empty – some people use

separated by great distances.

those words to criticize our beautiful state, but sometimes flat and empty are just what you need.

“Relatively fewer people move through a reliever airport. But at one point in its

“The Navy had built up a sizable infrastructure here by the time the

history, Flying Cloud was on par with the

war ended. The MAC took control of day-to-day operations in 1948,

busiest airports in the central United States.

and thanks to the proximity of downtown Minneapolis and MSP we

In the 1960s Flying Cloud was second only

were able to quickly develop Flying Cloud into a reliever airport.

to O’Hare International Airport in terms of

“Reliever airports wouldn’t serve as hubs for an airline like Delta or

individual takeoffs and landings.

Sun Country. They do provide general aviation access to the greater

“We are still fantastically busy to this day.

community, and also help to relieve general aviation congestion at

In 2020 we became the busiest MAC reliever

commercial service airports.

airport with 124,382 total individual opera-

“As a reliever airport, Flying Cloud sees virtually every kind of

tions, and for a few days we became one of

flight activity. Private citizens who have always dreamt of earning

the busiest airports in the country. This was

their pilot licenses come here often. We are a hub for recreational

largely due to the dynamics of the pandemic. CONTINUED >

24

Eden Prairie Lifestyle | September 2021


+

a t a ke - of f e co n o my + Flying Cloud Airport generates $229 million in revenue annually – without costing one cent of your tax dollars. The airport currently supports 1,190 jobs, including 340 jobs tied directly to on-site businesses.

CityLifestyle.com/EdenPrairie

25


CITY SCENE (CONTINUED)

M ilitar y O rigins

26

B usie r Than JFK

A Community Hub

Flying Cloud Airport began in 1941

During the 1960s, Flying Cloud

Flying Cloud Airport’s annual

as a base for U.S. Navy pilot train-

Airport was second only to O’Hare

AirExpo gives the people a

ing. At its onset the airport had no

International Airport in number

chance to see classic planes

paved runways or air traffic con-

of annual takeoffs and landings.

up close and in flight. Girls in

troller tower – perfect for learning

Although fewer people passed

Aviation Day welcomes all chil-

how to land a PBY Catalinas under

through Eden Prairie than New

dren to observe a busy airport’s

suboptimal conditions.

York City, Flying Cloud’s popularity

inner workings, and the Wings of

for training exercises drew more

the North Museum houses over

actual air traffic.

one dozen rare aircraft.

Eden Prairie Lifestyle | September 2021


Many people in the Twin Cities metropolitan area

People came from all over the Midwest to see the C-130

had a lot more time on their hands than usual, which

Hercules, P-51 Mustang, B-17 Flying Fortress, and sev-

they took as an opportunity to learn how to fly. And,

eral other vintage military aircraft on display. It’s always

of course, much of the commercial activity at larger

inspiring when veterans come to the AirExpo and share

airports was suspended during last year.

their stories of piloting these planes. We also had lots of

“But even if you factor the pandemic out of the equa-

enthusiasts visit from across the five-state area to show

tion, we are currently seeing tremendous growth. Since

off their private aircraft, as well as F-16 flyovers courtesy

2017 we have attracted more than $16.4 million in private

of our Armed Forces.

investment in hangar construction and renovation at Flying Cloud Airport alone.

“Wings of the North isn’t affiliated with MAC, but their museum at Flying Cloud is a wonderful year-

“Flying Cloud’s success only poses a net gain to the

round attraction. They have antiques dating back to

local economy. In 2020 we generated $229 million in eco-

the advent of aviation including gliders, radial engine

nomic output – $2.6 million of which went straight back

aircraft, and military aircraft like the Vought F4U

to Eden Prairie and the state of Minnesota. Our revenue

Corsair and the TBM-3E Avenger. And if you’re just

is generated solely from hangar leases and activity based

looking for a scenic picnic spot, you’ll love our aircraft

fees for services such as landing and fuel. We receive zero

viewing area. It’s a great vantage point for the wide

funding from local sales or property taxes.

variety of aircraft that use our airport.

“We additionally contribute a great deal to the local

“Stars of the North, the Minneapolis area chapter

job market. Not only do 340 people work directly for the

of Women in Aviation International, is hosting Girls in

airport – an additional 850 work at the food wholesalers,

Aviation Day at Flying Cloud on the 25th of this month.

car services, and other nearby businesses which rely on

The special event (which welcomes girls and boys) is a

the revenue they receive from our operations.

great chance for kids to come and see what’s inside the

“Our community is probably most aware of Flying Cloud for our annual AirExpo, which Wings of the North hosted this year during the fourth weekend of July.

fence and get excited about careers in STEM.” Please visit metroairports.org to learn more about the MAC and everything Flying Cloud Airport has to offer.

382 TOTAL INDIVIDUAL OPERATIONS, AND FOR A FEW DAYS B ECAME ONE OF THE BUSIEST AIRPORTS IN THE COUNTRY.”

WE

124,

“IN

2020 WE BECAME THE BUSIEST MAC RELIEVER AIRPORT WITH

CityLifestyle.com/EdenPrairie

27


Make good health and fitness a part of your life. Enroll today to enjoy the perks of an Eden Prairie Community Center membership. FITNESS

AQUATICS

ICE ARENAS

edenprairie.org/CommunityCenter

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Regular Sizes • Big & Tall

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Eden Prairie Lifestyle | September 2021


Our local connection is extremely important when it comes to bringing you unique, exclusive, top-quality products, including the freshest produce in town. We work with both large local growers and small local farmers in our stores’ neighborhoods because local isn’t just good for our economy and the environment, local produce also retains more nutrients and just tastes better.


OUR TOWN

eden prairie community center ARTICLE DAVID SCHELLER

THE CITY’S OWN TOTAL FITNESS CENTER

30

“MANY PEOPLE DRIVE BY THE EDEN PRAIRIE

Valerie is an athletics expert in full, having studied sports

COMMUNITY CENTER ON THEIR WAY TO THE HIGH

management, exercise science and kinesiology at Concordia

SCHOOL OR DURING SOME OTHER ERRAND,” SAID

before earning her master’s in recreational management

VALERIE VERLEY, “BUT THEY ARE OFTEN SUR-

from the University of Wisconsin. She began working for the

PRISED TO LEARN JUST HOW MUCH WE OFFER

city of Eden Prairie as a recreation supervisor in 2011, and

UNDER ONE ROOF. Thanks to tournaments and meets

within four years had risen to community center manager.

that we host, as well as the space we rent for small,

Today Valerie and her team run the whole show: three

private events, we tend to get many people through our

fitness studios, three ice skating rinks, just as many swim-

door we otherwise wouldn’t have. The number one com-

ming pools, two racquetball courts, a full gymnasium, and

ment we get is this: ‘I had no idea this was all here!’

more than 220 fitness classes every single week.

Eden Prairie Lifestyle | September 2021


“We’re home to the Eden Prairie High School’s boys’ and girls’ hockey teams and swim and dive teams, the Eden Prairie Hockey Association, the Foxjets Swim Team and the Eden Prairie Figure

“Zumba is another one of our classes which draws a huge crowd.

Skating Club. But we really do serve everybody here: toddlers taking

It’s choreographed dancing – and is really more of a party than

their first swimming lessons, college kids with summer gym mem-

anything else, with fun lighting, great music, and even some ‘theme

berships, moms and dads who bring their kids to our supervised

classes’ throughout the year.

play area while they sneak off to the gym, and even people in their nineties (who I aspire to be like one day).

“As a community center, part of our mission is to truly accommodate everyone in the community. We offer aquatics classes for

“You can purchase a day or week pass if you would just like to

people with disabilities and chronic illnesses, Delay the Disease for

feel our facility out, but most people choose monthly memberships.

people living with Parkinson’s, Walk with Ease for those who are suf-

That’s the best way to try all of our classes, such as BodyPump,

fering from arthritis, and TREC for people battling cancer.

Zumba, Barre, Pilates, yoga, and aquatics. BodyPump is especially

“The important role we play in so many people’s lives made the

popular. It is essentially a form of choreographed weightlifting that is

pandemic especially difficult for us. That’s why we created our virtual

fun, accessible to novices, and extremely effective at strengthening

membership, which lets people stay connected with their favorite

and protecting your body.

fitness instructors during live-streaming and on-demand classes. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/EdenPrairie

31


OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

“It’s always amazing, to see Eden Prairians of all ages and backgrounds come together in one community space.” We’re continuing to offer virtual classes even as the world finally

Though it might sound cliché, we do create a genuine sense of

returns to normal. They’ve remained popular with people who have

community here. Not only for our guests, but also for our employ-

mobility issues, as well as those who have moved away and appre-

ees who range from 16-year-old lifeguards to retirees who only

ciate bringing one of their favorite parts of Eden Prairie with them.

work at our front desk because they love interacting with people.

“We have also changed the way we offer mind-body fitness

We believe that is something you won’t get at just any gym.”

classes. We used to charge extra for them, but in recognition of the

Please visit edenprairie.org to learn more about the Eden

toll that the pandemic has taken on our community’s mental and

Prairie Community Center, their classes, and their upcoming

physical health, we now include yoga, Pilates and meditation classes

Fall Into Fitness event on Saturday, October 9th. It’s the big wel-

with all standard memberships.

come back celebration, where new members can join with no

“Our membership rate is still recovering, but I am confident we’ll soon welcome more people to our facility than ever before.

32

Eden Prairie Lifestyle | September 2021

enrollment fee and sample the community center’s most popular fitness classes.


paint your garden beautiful WITH STUNNING PERENNIALS

Fall Flowers & Custom Planter Creations Succulents & Indoor Plants Upcoming Fall Events: Sept. 18th — Petting Zoo Oct. 16th — Fall Festival Nov. 5-6th — Ladies Fair

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|

952-445-6555


SEPTEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1

17

18

FITNESS IN THE PARKS: FAMILY YOGA

TODD MICHAEL JAMESON AT FAT PANTS BREWING CO.

THE MUSTARD SEED FAMILY FESTIVAL

8335 Crystal View Rd, Eden Prairie, 6pm

Chaska, 11am - 3pm

14800 Pioneer Trl, Eden Prairie,

What better place than over a pint

The Hasse Family Mobile Petting

Uttana

to listen to the acoustic genius

Zoo is coming to The Mustard Seed

shishosana. Bring your yoga mat to

of Todd Michael Jameson? The ver-

with their cute menagerie in tow!

the Staring Lake Park Amphitheatre

satile strummer may cover any band

Go to the total garden center to

and enjoy limbering up with the help

from AC/DC to Van Morrison, as well

pet miniature horses, goats, sheep,

of one of the Eden Prairie Community

as play his own entrancing originals.

bunnies and other gentle ambas-

9am - 9:30am

Tadasana.

Utkatasana.

Center's friendly instructors. The 30-minute class is perfect if your schedule isn't as flexible as you are!

sadors to the animal kingdom. The

17

11

EDEN PRAIRIE PLAYERS PRESENTS: WOMEN'S ONE ACTS

PRAIRIE BREWFEST

The Eden Prairie Players celebrates

14800 Pioneer Trl, Eden Prairie,

women's achievements in theater

3pm - 6pm

with a special selection of plays! Go

Supporting

34

10,000 Great Plains Blvd,

Sumo Egg Rolls food truck will also attend to offer an altogether different way to enjoy animals!

9096 Riley Lake Rd, Eden Prairie, 7:30pm

Prairie

to the Riley-Jacques Barn at Riley

Community Foundation by drinking

the

Eden

Lake Park to watch seven short plays

a sampling of craft beer at Purgatory

presented by our city’s own com-

Would you like to get in touch with

Creek Park? That is philanthropism

munity theater program. This is only

us? We would love to hear from you!

anyone can get behind! Visit epcom-

the first of seven nights – please visit

Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

munityfoundation.org to learn more

edenprairieplayers.com to see the

EdenPrairie using the Get In Touch

and purchase your advance tickets.

whole performance schedule.

link and let us know what you think.

Eden Prairie Lifestyle | September 2021


It’s the sticks and stones of everyday life that bring you to TRIA. Like the handstand that gave your wrist the twist. Whether you’re a professional athlete or living room gymnast, you’ll receive the same expert orthopedic care and attention you need to get back in the game. It’s why you’re treated and how you’re treated by TRIA. ORTHOPEDIC URGENT CARE Open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily Bloomington | Burnsville | Maple Grove | Woodbury

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