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
SOLD OUT!
But it’s not too late! We are now selling future communities in Prior Lake, Apple Valley and Lake Elmo.
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The Sign of Success.
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EDEN PRAIRIE OFFICE 952-944-7107 | www.edenprairie.edinarealty.com
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Pr
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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!
ria
Cristy Willis • 952-356-7585 • CristyWillis@edinarealty.com
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Ed Pr a en Ed
LD
Krissie Craig • 218-251-4923 • KrissieCraig@edinarealty.com
SO
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.
LD
Heidi & Brian Weissner 952-200-2229 • HeidiandBrianWeissner@edinarealty.com
SO
18248 Overland Trail $900,000
SO
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
SO
9528 Creek Knoll Road
en
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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Pr
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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!
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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
First Class Service
Regular Sizes • Big & Tall
138 Lewis Street South
Mon-Fri 10-6
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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
Rooted in Integrity, Founded on Faith in Christ
BV TheMustardSeedInc.com
|
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
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