HomeMy WebLinkAboutEdition Edina June 2022Town Hall Station Earns Heritage Award for
Historic Preservation
Longtime Gas Station Was Renovated into Restaurant and Brewpub in 2016
BY DAN REISIG
The corner of Valley View Road and
Wooddale Avenue has been a spot
for Edinans to fill up and mingle for
nearly 70 years.
But when Wally’s Service Station shut
off the gas pumps in 2014, a new
opportunity was created. The owners
of the Town Hall Brewery jumped on it,
and Town Hall Station restaurant was
born. For their work in meticulously
maintaining and preserving the
architecture, the owners were recognized
with the 2022 Edina Heritage Award.
“The Heritage Preservation Commission
is interested in a diverse representation of
preservation,” said Chair Annie Schilling.
“We look for restored resources from
different eras. In the past, we have
awarded projects from the Country Club
Neighborhood. We have awarded Mid-
Century homes, and we have awarded
churches. This year, we were excited to
have this commercial building nominated.
It is a return to the Mid-Century era, but
new in its commercial usage.”
Over a two-year period in partnership with
Shea Design and Pat Dorn Construction,
the owners transformed a 2,000-square-
foot space, adding a commercial kitchen
and 640-square-foot three-season porch
which is accessed through garage doors.
Additional historical touches include
the iconic sign showing the price of gas
at the time Wally’s closed, as well as a
refurbished bar salvaged from a small
town in central Illinois.
“The design really embraced the original
character of the building,” said Senior
Architect Breana Detzler. “We were able
to preserve the porcelain panels around
the perimeter at the top of the building
and align the new patio canopy with
the existing roof eyebrow. Adapting the
original sign on the corner rather than
having to tear it down really helped
maintain the essence of what the building
has always been. The biggest challenge
was fitting a restaurant program into such
a small space. We maximized all storage
opportunities, and actually added some
square footage on the back with a small
addition that was designed to feel like it
had always been part of the property.”
“This is an excellent example of restoration
for modern use. Creating a modern
gathering space while keeping a thumb
on Edina’s past is ideal,” added Schilling.
This property spent more than 60 years as a service station before being renovated into Town Hall
Station restaurant, winning the 2022 Edina Heritage Award. (Photo by Dan Reisig)
Town Hall Station is the 19th winner of
the Heritage Award, which was created
in 2003 to showcase local historic
preservation activity. Nominations are
usually accepted between mid-February
and the start of April each year.
Previous winners include the Suckow-
Ziemer Residence, Baker Home, Vayda
House, Savory’s Gardens, Southdale
Center, Convention Grill, St. Stephen’s
Episcopal Church, and the Edina
Cinema for its iconic sign.
To learn more about the
Edina Heritage Award, visit
EdinaMN.gov/heritageaward.
City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 1
Edition: Edina
JUNE 2022
Volume 9, Issue 6Strong FoundationCITY GOALS:Better TogetherReliable Service Livable City
BY BRITTANY BADER
No stranger to city operations, Residential
Redevelopment Coordinator Lindsay Evans
joins Edina after working for the City of
St. Cloud for 16 years. There, she was a
clerical technician for parking violations
and utility billing, and, most recently,
worked in the Health Department as
a Code Compliance Specialist.
Evans succeeds Addison Lewis, who
is now the City’s Community
Development Coordinator. Initially
established in 2013, the Residential
Redevelopment Coordinator position
inspects construction sites during the
demolition and new construction of
single-family homes, a job that at any
given time can consist of monitoring
approximately 100 to 150 open permits.
Primary responsibilities of this position
include inspecting sites to ensure
compliance with City Code, providing
education to builders and developers,
conducting neighborhood outreach
and responding to resident concerns.
“I am the City staff member residents can
reach out to if they don’t feel comfortable
talking directly to the builder or the
homeowner,” said Evans. “It’s important
for residents to continue their neighborly
relationships, so my role is to mediate
on a resident’s behalf by investigating
complaints and resolving them. We
want everyone to maintain their quality
of life in their neighborhood, even if it’s
temporarily disrupted by construction.”
Evans is certified as a Property
Maintenance and Housing Inspector
through the International Code Council
and has 16 years of experience enforcing
city codes.
“Lindsay brings her code enforcement
background and understands there
is an educational process to enforce
the City Code. She has many years of
city experience that will help her build
relationships with residents and builders,”
said Chief Building Official David Fisher.
Evans has a bachelor’s degree in paralegal
studies and a master’s degree in criminal
justice with an emphasis in criminal
behavior, which she says will aid her in the
communication and enforcement of the
City’s Construction Management Plan.
“When I work with builders and
developers, my educational background
will help in explaining what each of the
criteria means and how to interpret the
language. And even though this is not
law enforcement in the traditional sense,
it is code enforcement, and my role
ensures compliance with regulations
that protect things like our trees,
storm drains and roadways.”
Of her new role, Evans says, “I strive
to do everything with the highest level
of integrity and sincerity. I made the
choice to be a public servant, and I
hold that proudly.”
Evans serves as a Board Member of the
Minnesota Association of Housing and
Code Officials and is a member of the
International Code Council Emerging
Leaders Membership Council.
To learn more, visit
EdinaMN.gov/Residential-Redevelopment.
Evans can be reached at
LEvans@EdinaMN.gov or 952-833-9521.
New Residential Redevelopment Coordinator Begins Work
Evans Joined Building Inspections Staff in April
Watch City Council, Housing &
Redevelopment Authority and Planning
Commission meetings live:
• Edina TV (Comcast Channels 813 or 16)
• Facebook.com/EdinaMN
• “Watch a Meeting” web page at
EdinaMN.gov/LiveMeetings
UPCOMING EVENTS
Children’s Concert,
Centennial Lakes Park
11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays,
beginning June 7
Concert in the Park,
Centennial Lakes Park
7 p.m. Sundays, Mondays,
and Wednesdays, beginning June 5
Farmers Market,
Centennial Lakes Park
3-7 p.m. Thursdays starting June 9
Performance on the Plaza (P.O.P.),
Nolan Mains Plaza
4-7 p.m. Fridays
Thursday, June 2, 7:30 a.m.
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
meeting, Edina City Hall
Thursday, June 2, 8:30 a.m.
City Council meeting, Edina City Hall
Tuesday, June 7, 7 p.m.
Edina High School graduation,
3M Arena at Mariucci at the
University of Minnesota
Friday, June 10, 10 a.m.
Li’l Lagoon at the Edina Aquatic
Center opens for the season;
remainder of facility opens
at 11:30 a.m.
Friday, June 10, Sunset
Movie in the Park, “Willy Wonka
and the Chocolate Factory,”
Centennial Lakes Park
Sunday, June 12, 11 a.m.
Parade of Boats, Centennial Lakes Park
Saturday, June 18, 9 a.m.
Walk with the Mayor,
Centennial Lakes Park
Sunday, June 19, 11 a.m.
Juneteenth Celebration,
Centennial Lakes Park
Monday, June 20
Juneteenth observed;
City Offices closed
For a complete listing of meetings
and events, visit EdinaMN.gov.
Lindsay Evans joins the City of Edina staff as
Residential Redevelopment Coordinator after
working for the City of St. Cloud for 16 years.
(Photo by Brittany Bader)
2
City Selects Site for New Fire Station 2
Former Office Building on West 76th Street to be Demolished
BY DAN REISIG
The rapidly developing Pentagon Park
Neighborhood in Edina’s southeast
quadrant will be home to the new
Fire Station 2.
The City Council in May unanimously
approved a staff recommendation to
purchase 4401 W. 76th St. to construct
a new fire station.
Despite being located in the city’s most
densely populated area, the existing Fire
Station 2 at 7335 York Ave. S. cannot
sufficiently meet demand. Originally
built to accommodate two Paramedics
during daytime hours, growth in that
area has far exceeded the capability
of the station.
“The southeast quadrant of the city
has our largest demand for emergency
services,” said Fire Chief Andrew
Slama. “The current Station 2 cannot
accommodate the increased need.
With the construction of a new Station
2, we can position apparatus and staff
to better serve the current demand and
future growth of the quadrant and city
as a whole.”
A 2019 study by Five Bugles Design
recommended a two- to four-acre site
for building a new fire station, which
would be located in that area bounded
south of Minnesota Highway 62
and east of Minnesota Highway
100. Response time was a major
factor in site selection, as well as
Fire Department operations and
future growth and needs of the
department, including a home for
its Public Health Division.
While this process has been in the
works for five years, this spring
saw an extensive public comment
and engagement period with
a neighborhood meeting
near the two sites ultimately
recommended for the project.
The other site was the Rosland
Park parking lot at West 66th
Street and Valley View Road.
One of the advantages of the Pentagon
Park site is its size – at eight acres, it is
more than double the needed size for the
fire station. Future potential City uses and
development were discussed at the May 4
City Council meeting.
“In evaluating the site, I can see much
more flexibility into the future for
additional services and facilities there,”
said Council Member Ron Anderson.
“The 76th Street site is well positioned
to respond to current call volume and
future development within the southeast
quadrant,” Slama said. “The site will
allow for a well-thought-out design to
serve the residents.”
Next steps involve formal negotiations for
purchasing the site, as well as architectural
and land evaluation and planning and
financing. Before costs can be estimated,
a full design must be completed, but
construction of similar-sized facilities cost
$18 million-$20 million. City Manager
Scott Neal hopes the new Fire Station 2
will open for use in June 2025.
For more information on the
Fire Station 2 project, visit
BetterTogetherEdina.org/fire-station-2.
Edinborough Park Welcomes Everyone to Year-Round Fun
Indoor Parks Amenities Available to Those of All Ages
Indoors, open year-round and always kept
at 70 degrees, Edinborough is a park that
has something for everyone to enjoy.
Located at 7700 York Ave. S.,
Edinborough Park features a wide variety
of activities and amenities. For ages
1-12, the playpark features three areas:
Adventure Peak, Little Peak and the Great
Hall. Adventure Peak is a Northwoods
adventure for climbing; Little Peak includes
more activities for toddlers; and the Great
Hall is a large multipurpose space filled
with equipment for everyone to enjoy,
such as scooters, Hula-Hoops, bounce
house, balls and more.
Also included in the park’s amenities are
a six-lane, 25-yard indoor pool, a three-
lane running track in the fitness area and a
Greek-styled amphitheater where multiple
events are regularly held from September
through May. Whether with family or
looking for a good workout, Edinborough
is available for everyone to enjoy.
For more information, visit
EdinboroughPark.com.
(File Photo)
After the City purchases the site, the office building at
4401 W. 76th St. will be razed to construct the new Fire
Station 2 in the coming years. (Photo by Dan Reisig)
3City of Edina EdinaMN.gov
- COMPILED BY RICARDO ACOSTA
1 Alcohol vendor,
Edina Liquor
22
Returning vendors, including
the popular Untiedt’s Vegetable
Farm and Peter’s Pumpkins
Weeks of
the 2022
farmers market17
Hours of live entertainment
at each market; music can
be heard on the pavilion
from 4 to 6 p.m.2
BY DEBBIE TOWNSEND
The City of Edina invites everyone to
learn about and celebrate Juneteenth at
a special event 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday,
June 19, at Centennial Lakes Park, 7499
France Ave. S.
Juneteenth, which commemorates the
effective end of slavery in the United
States, became an official federal holiday
in 2021. Its name comes from June 19,
1865, when federal troops arrived in
Galveston, Texas, to notify enslaved
people that they had been freed. Despite
President Abraham Lincoln signing the
Emanicipation Proclamation two and
a half years earlier and a constitutional
amendment abolishing slavery working its
way toward ratification, holding enslaved
people was still commonplace in Texas.
Edina’s Juneteenth celebration runs
through the south side of Centennial
Lakes Park, all within easy walking
distance on wide paths. Starting outside
Hughes Pavilion, visitors can check out a
variety of BIPOC-owned food trucks. Try
Handsome Hog’s contemporary southern
dishes, Muddy Tiger Indian Street Food
or El Jefe Cocina’s street-style tacos and
nachos. Cobblers, cakes and other goodies
can be found at Lutunji’s Palate gourmet
desserts truck or tent.
From there, head down the walkway
where you’ll find watercolor artist Arianne
Zager painting a mural live during the
event, plus other entertainment, including
a story stroll for the kids.
A bit farther, grab a seat at Maetzold
Amphitheater for live performances
including:
•11 a.m. - Afro-R&B artist
Carolyne Naomi
•Noon - Indie-soul singer/songwriter
Tre. Charles
•2 p.m. - South African music group
29:11
Readings about the importance of
Juneteenth will be performed at the
top of every hour at the amphitheater
and every half-hour along the walkway.
The family-friendly event also includes
activities for children and book giveaways.
Admission and all activities are free except
the food trucks.
“I’m looking forward to seeing all Edina
communities coming together as one to
celebrate this historic event,” said Mark
Felton of the Human Rights & Relations
Commission (HRRC). He and other
HRRC members are helping organize the
event along with the City’s Racial Equity
Advancement Team.
Centennial Lake Park’s regular summer
activities, including the putting courses,
paddle boats and lawn games, will be
open during the celebration.
For more information about the
Juneteenth event, contact Community
Engagement Manager MJ Lamon at
952-826-0360 or MLamon@EdinaMN.gov.
For more about the venue, visit
CentennialLakesPark.com.
Celebrate Juneteenth at Centennial Lakes Park
Event Features Live Music, Artists, Food Vendors and Story Stroll
JUNETEEN T H CELEBR
A
TI
ONC
ITY OF E D IN A
Since 2010, the Centennial Lakes Farmers Market has
allowed people to purchase directly from farmers,
growers and producers. The market attracts upwards
of 1,000 people on a weekly basis. It is open from
3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays June 9 through Sept. 29.
For more information, visit
CentennialLakesPark.com.
BY THE NUMBERS
Farmers Market
8
New vendors
• Heide Family Farm
• Three Rivers Farm
• Num Nuts
• Finney and the
Fungi
• Sideshow Bloody
Mary Mix
• The Cajun House
• Clean Juice
• Good Morgan
Foods
4
SUMMER PARKS &
RECREATION ACTIVITIES
PLAYGROUND PROGRAM
Ages 6-10
Supervised outdoor activities aimed at keeping
kids physically active and creative. Weekly
visits from the Craft and Activity Specialist.
To be eligible, children must have completed
kindergarten. Sign up per week! Space is
limited and registration required.
Morning Sessions
8:30-11:30 a.m.
$30/June Session
$40/July & Aug Session
MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS JUNE 13-29
Todd Park
MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS JULY 11-AUG. 3
Todd Park
TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS JUNE 14-30
Pamela Park
TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS JULY 12-AUG. 4
Pamela Park
Afternoon Sessions
1-4 p.m.
$30/June Session
$40/July & Aug Session
MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS JUNE 13-29
Todd Park
Countryside Park
Normandale Park
Pamela Park
MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS JULY 11-AUG. 3
Todd Park
Countryside Park
Normandale Park
Pamela Park
Walnut Ridge Park
TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS JUNE 14-30
Cornelia School Park
Normandale Park
Todd Park
TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS JULY 12-AUG. 4
Cornelia School Park
Normandale Park
Todd Park
RECREATION PROGRAMS
Ages 6-12
Summer Art Camps
• Animal Doodles and Daydreams (June 13-16)
• Encanto! Camp (June 20-23)
• Flower Power (June 27-30)
• Art Around the World (July 11-14)
• Movement and Rhythm in Art (July 18-21)
• Light up Your Week (July 25-28)
• Deep Space Astro Camp (Aug. 1-4)
• The Art of Building (Aug. 8-11)
• Murals and Mandalas (Aug. 15-18)
Sessions run weekly 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. with
an optional supervised lunchtime
Monday-Thursday.
Fred Richards Clubhouse
Cost is $160 per week for a half-day or $320 per
week for a full-day camp.
Youth Art Classes
Join us and learn something fun!
• Paper Engineering
• Cartooning
• Anime
• Kid Create courses
• Poetry
• Teen Art Escape (Open Studio for ages 13-18)
Adult Art Classes
Come try something new or improve your skills
with Edina Art summer classes. All levels are
welcome in these small-group sessions!
• Printmaking
• Improv Class
• Poetry
• Pastels class
• Abstract Acrylics and more!
It’s not too late to sign up for summer programs, workshops and camps!
If you haven’t registered with us in a while, you might need to create a new account to register for Parks & Recreation programming. If you do not have access to a computer or an active email address, please call the Parks & Recreation Department, 952-826-0367.
Steps to create an account:
• Visit EdinaParks.com and select the
“Register for Activities” button
• Select the “Login/Create Your
Account” on the upper left, then click
the button to “Create Your Account”
• On mobile devices, select “Account”
in the upper right and click “Sign Up”
• Select “Individual” to create an
account for you and your family
• For the account information, please
use the adult who will be in charge
of the account
• Add family members (you’ll need
date of birth for each person)
• Make changes or updates any
time by logging in and click the
“Account” button in the upper left
5City of Edina EdinaMN.gov
6
Sunday Night Concerts
7 p.m.
June 5 Bluedog
June 12 First John Philip Sousa
Memorial Band
June 19 Tre. Charles
June 26 Mike Munson
July 10 The Medalist Concert Band
July 17 First John Philip Sousa
Memorial Band
July 24 Minneapolis Police Band
July 31 TBD
Aug. 7 The Two Sundays Big Band
Aug. 14 First John Philip Sousa
Memorial Band
Aug. 21 Medicine Show Music Company
Aug. 28 The Fattenin’ Frogs
Monday Night Concerts
7 p.m.
June 6 Brooklyn Community Band
June 13 The Teardowns
June 20 Chris Holm
June 27 River City Jazz Orchestra
July 11 Lonesome Dan Kase
July 18 The Dirty Shorts Brass Band
July 25 Sawyer’s Dream
Aug. 1 Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra
Aug. 8 SLOVCZECH
Aug. 15 Hillary Lor
Aug. 22 Miss Myra & The Goodtime Gals
Aug. 29 Capri Big Band
Wednesday Night
Concerts
7 p.m., unless otherwise noted
June 8 Lee Engele and Friends
June 15 Nate Case
June 22 Hunker’d Down Blues Band
June 29 Homeward Bound
July 6 Swing Beat Big Band
July 13 Travelin’ Moburys
July 20 Onórach Mulhern Geraghty (OMG)
School of Irish Dance
July 27 Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade,
6 p.m. (kids’ show)
Aug. 3 The Beau Baker Band
Aug. 10 Armenian Dance Ensemble
of Minnesota
Aug. 17 The Pan-handlers Steel Drum Band
Aug. 24 Rockin’ Woody
Aug. 31 Peter Ruddy
Movies in the Park
Sunset Fridays
June 10 “Willy Wonka and the
Chocolate Factory” (1971)
July 22 “Moana”
Aug. 26 “Remember the Titans”
Tuesday and Thursday
Children’s Concerts
11 a.m.
June 7 Teddy Bear Band
June 9 Wonderful World of Woody
June 14 Hooperina
June 16 John Kerns
June 21 Wendy’s Wiggle, Jiggle and Jam!
June 23 The Jolly Pops
June 28 Reptile and Amphibian
Discovery Zoo
June 30 AlphaBits
July 5 Kayla Malmgren – Juggles
the Juggler!
July 7 Magic with Brian Richards
July 12 Kidpower with Rachael
July 19 Carol McCormick Storyteller
July 21 “The Ants Who Wanted to
Fly” by Seth Eberle Puppets
July 26 Mary Hall Show for Pipsqueeks
July 27 Will Hale & The Tadpole Parade,
6 p.m.
July 28 The Bazillions
Aug. 2 Steve and Friends Puppet Show
Aug. 4 Teddy Bear Band
Aug. 9 The Jolly Pops
Aug. 11 Brodini Comedy Magic
Aug. 16 John Kerns
Aug. 18 AlphaBits
Aug. 23 Bob the Beachcomber
Aug. 25 The Big Fun Show!
Aug. 30 Will Hale & The Tadpole Parade
Centennial Lakes Park
ENTERTAINMENT2022SUMMER
Check Centennial Lakes Park’s website,
CentennialLakesPark.com, for updates.
Get text updates by texting CENTENNIAL
to 57838. Reach the Concert/Weather
Hotline at 952-833-9587.
Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. S., offers summer concerts and movies in the park. Concerts and
movies are held in the Maetzold Amphitheater. Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.
BY BRITTANY BADER
Grab your swimsuit, towel and
sunscreen, because swimmers will be
welcomed back to the Edina Aquatic
Center Friday, June 10.
It has been a favorite spot to beat the
heat in Edina for over 60 years with its
Olympic-sized lap pool, diving boards,
body and tube slides, zip line, Lil’ Lagoon,
dry playground and the state’s first
outdoor surf simulator.
Numerous behind-the-scenes upgrades
have been made to the facility to enhance
the 64th season ahead, including new
concessions equipment, air conditioning in
employee areas and the implementation
of a lightning detection system..
Guests will also see many new friendly
faces working this summer.
“Guest Services, which includes
Admissions, Concessions and Facility
Services, will have a majority of staff
who are new to their roles this year.
During the interview process, many of
them expressed their fond memories of
visiting the Aquatic Center when they
were younger and are very excited to
join the team,” said Assistant Manager
Dawn Beitel. “On the Lifeguard side, we
typically see about one-third of Lifeguards
return from year to year, which is a great
retention rate. That also means there are
many new Lifeguards who will go through
training and work at our facility for the
first time.”
After cruising down the slides or riding
a wave, guests may find themselves
heading for the concessions stand.
Upgrades behind the counter include
a new Pepsi fountain machine, larger
popcorn popper and a bigger ice cream
freezer with expanded storage capacity.
“Concessions last year was blockbuster.
We sold over 54,000 items out of the
concession stand,” said General
Manager Patty McGrath. “These
equipment upgrades will enhance the
level of service we provide, like faster
order times and the ability to expand
our selection of frozen treats.”
And when staff are serving up your
favorite snacks, new air conditioning
will keep everyone cool and safe.
“In 2021, we needed to close the
concessions stand for a few days during
a heatwave that created unsafe working
conditions. The installation of new air
conditioning will provide a safer and
more comfortable environment for
employees and help prevent closures
for guests,” said McGrath.
And while McGrath and Beitel hope
for as many sunny days as possible this
summer, they want guests to be made
aware of a new lightning detection
system that has been added.
“In the case of severe weather, this
system will automate how closures are
determined. When lightning is detected in
the area, a siren will sound, and the pool
deck will be cleared until the weather has
passed,” said McGrath.
Can’t wait for opening day? Plan ahead
by purchasing season passes online. If
you plan to visit eight or more times this
summer, then a season pass can provide
you with cost savings. In addition, it allows
for faster check-in at the entrance and
includes admission to the Lost Wave surf
simulator. A Connect Card can also be
used to purchase season passes.
“We are excited to welcome everybody
back for another great season. The Edina
Aquatic Center is a gathering spot for
good times, and we are proud to be a
What’s New for 2022 at the Edina Aquatic Center?
Mark Your Calendars For June 10 Opening Date
June 10-July 31 Hours
Hours and event availability
subject to change
MAIN POOL
Monday-Friday: 11:30 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Weekends: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
LIL’ LAGOON
Daily: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
LAP SWIM
Monday-Thursday: 6-8 p.m.
Weekends: 8-10 a.m.
The last day of the season is
scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 21.
For August hours, please
visit EdinaAquaticCenter.com.
General Reminders
Water temperature is kept
between 82 and 84°F
Coolers and outside food and
beverages are not allowed
Inflatable devices are not allowed
(Lifejackets are provided at no charge)
Swim attire is required; street
clothes are not permitted
Bring your own lock if you
plan to use the lockers
The Edina Aquatic Center is inside Rosland Park at 4300 W. 66th St. (File Photo)
place where guests feel safe, have fun
and create summer memories with their
families and friends.” said McGrath.
For more information, visit
EdinaAquaticCenter.com, follow
the Edina Aquatic Center on Facebook
or sign up for text notifications by
texting EAC to 57838.
7City of Edina EdinaMN.gov
952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.govCity of Edina EdinaMN.gov8
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Summer Concert Series Offers Acts for Many Tastes and Ages
Variety of Performers Expected to Draw
New Visitors to Centennial Lakes Park
BY DEBBIE TOWNSEND
Whether you’ve attended free
concerts at Centennial Lakes Park
before or never tried one out, this
summer is going to be exciting.
The Sunday, Monday and Wednesday
evening lineups will feature about 40
percent new acts to the series, joining fan
favorites. Several blues and jazz acts are
featured, along with a country band, a
fingerstyle guitarist, a flutist, New Orleans
brass band, folk artists, a ‘70s rock cover
band, an evening children’s act and even
a Caribbean pop band.
“We want to attract new people, people
who haven’t visited the park historically,”
said Centennial Lakes Park General
Manager Tiffany Bushland. “We want
them to come enjoy the concert, enjoy
the park, invite them to discover what’s
so amazing about Centennial Lakes.”
A committee made up of diverse ages,
backgrounds and musical tastes pored
through about 100 applications to select
the lineup. The June 5 series opener is
blues and rock band Bluedog. Three
band members are enrolled members
of the Dakota or Ponca tribes. Bluedog
is regularly recognized by the Native
American Music Awards for both
its music and its poignant lyrics.
“Native people have experienced
the blues, too,” lead singer Joni
Buffalohead says. “Our music
celebrates life, the good and bad.”
The band is familiar with and
eager to play Centennial Lakes,
as the drummer lives by 50th &
France and some other members
grew up in St. Louis Park. “We
really just love to do outdoor gigs,”
lead guitarist Eric Buffalohead said, noting
the summer weather and laid-back nature
make it an ideal environment.
Other committee favorites include cover
band The Teardowns (June 13) and Miss
Myra & the Goodtime Gals (Aug. 22).
Bayfront Blues Festival fans might have
seen Miss Myra’s debut there in 2018, and
she was so popular that the Duluth festival
brought her back twice since.
The free, family-friendly concerts begin
at 7 p.m. in Maetzold Amphitheater,
which has tiered seating and a grassy
area. People are allowed to bring a
blanket or lawn chairs and their own
picnic (no alcohol). Popcorn, ice cream
and beverages are available for sale. Free
parking is at the main park entrance, 7499
France Ave. S., with a short walk along
park pathways to the amphitheater, which
is off West 76th Street between France
Avenue and Edinborough Way. More
parking is in the Centennial Lakes Office
Park just across 76th.
Summer entertainment at the park also
includes children’s concerts at 11 a.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays and movie
nights, plus a Thursday afternoon Farmers
Market. Putting courses, paddle boats and
lawn games are open seven days a week.
See the entertainment schedule on
Page 6. Find more information at
CentennialLakesPark.com.
Native American blues and rock band Bluedog opens the free
Sunday Night Concert Series at 7 p.m. June 5. (Submitted Photo)
In November, Edina voters will consider a half-percent sales tax to provide at least
$39.3 million of improvements at Braemar Park and Arena and Fred Richards Park.
If approved, consumers would pay 5 cents more for a $10 taxable purchase in Edina
for no more than 19 years.
Visit EdinaAtPlay.org to learn more about the Nov. 8 referendum, including benefits
of the parks projects, tax impact and voting information.
***ECRWSS***POSTAL PATRONCAR-RT-WS
PRESORT STD
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TWIN CITIES MN
Permit No. 3932