In our recurring series known as Scene in Wayzata, we feature Klapprich Ice Rink Under the Glow of bright lights. Hockey players bring the ice to life on a crisp Wayzata night. ❄️🏒✨ The rink recently opened as colder temperatures set in, allowing the ice to solidify.
If you would like to share a photo of the Wayzata community, please send it to dan@wayzata.com!
The crisp winter air in Wayzata is now filled with the sound of skates gliding over fresh ice as the Klapprich Ice Rink and Warming House officially open for the season today, Friday, January 3, at 3:00 p.m.
Thanks to a recent stretch of cold weather, the City of Wayzata’s Public Works team has been able to prepare the rink for the community’s enjoyment. “The Public Works team utilized the recent cold weather to open the Klapprich Rink and Warming House! The rink will be open starting at 3:00 p.m. today,” the City of Wayzata announced in a statement.
The Klapprich Ice Rink, located in the heart of Wayzata, has long been a favorite spot for locals to enjoy ice skating, hockey, and family outings. Alongside the rink, the warming house offers a much-needed retreat from the cold, with hot drinks and a place to warm up between laps on the ice.
As the season kicks off, city officials are encouraging residents to take advantage of the outdoor rink and share in the joy of winter recreation. Additional rinks across Wayzata are expected to open in the coming weeks as conditions allow.
The warming house and skating rink will be open with an attendant on duty, weather-permitting, weekdays from 3 to 10 p.m., as well as 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and days when Wayzata public schools are not in session.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely skate or a fast-paced game of pick-up hockey, Klapprich Ice Rink offers the perfect winter escape for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to lace up your skates and make the most of this beautiful winter season!
The City of Wayzata’s Energy and Environment Committee delivered an update at the September 17, 2024, City Council meeting, outlining ongoing projects and future initiatives aimed at sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Committee Chair Lauren Lindelof highlighted a number of developments including the approval of a $50,000 local climate action planning grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which has been approved but is still being finalized.
The grant may be used for data analysis on various topics, including an electric vehicle study, utility infrastructure, emergency preparedness, water and waste data, conducting a vulnerability assessment, or creating a city operations implementation plan.
“It’s not been finalized yet, but we have been notified our grant application was approved. The draft agreement with the MPCA will come before the council, for your review, before any work is started,” stated Lindelof.
The committee is also exploring ways to advance its Dark Skies initiative. Dark Skies is an initiative aimed at reducing light pollution to preserve natural night environments, improve human health, protect wildlife, and enhance energy efficiency by promoting responsible outdoor lighting practices.
Lindlof explained that the committee’s Dark Skies objectives include developing a new lighting ordinance for future developments, creating educational materials for the public, and revising city-owned lighting, such as on Lake Street and at the beach, to ensure a comprehensive policy.
Wayzata RestaurantsIn addition, the public is invited to tour solar arrays at the Wayzata Bar & Grill, the restaurant owned by the City as part of the National and Minnesota Sustainability Tour on Sunday, October 6, from 3-5 p.m. The event will showcase the city’s commitment to renewable energy.
Efforts to enhance Wayzata’s natural environment were also discussed. Energy and Environment Committee member and Wayzata High School student Ava McNanley is helping maintain a bee-friendly garden at the high school, which complements the city’s native garden initiative. Additionally, native plantings have been installed at the Wayzata Library.
The committee continues to seek nominees for its annual Sustainability Award. The award recognizes organizations or businesses that have made strides in reducing waste, lowering energy use, utilizing renewable energy, adopting native landscaping, or conserving water.
Finally, Lindlof reported on the successful LED lighting retrofit projects at the Wayzata Fire Department and Klapprich Park, further showcasing the city’s ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency.
Exciting changes are coming to Klapprich Park!
The Wayzata City Council has officially approved a comprehensive plan to revamp one of the city’s most beloved parks.
The council’s decision in a 3-0 vote on July 23, 2024, paves the way for a series of upgrades designed to enhance the park’s facilities and overall visitor experience.
The approved improvements are extensive and aim to cater to a wide range of park-goers.
Here’s a breakdown of what residents can look forward to:
The total estimated cost for these improvements is around $2.79 million. This figure will be included in the updated Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) at the end of 2024.
The city plans to manage this budget by phasing out certain improvements, evaluating bid alternates, and seeking additional funding sources.
Residents have played a crucial role in shaping these plans.
The city engaged with the community through public meetings, surveys, and mailings, gathering valuable feedback that has been incorporated into the final designs.
More opportunities for community input will come as the construction plans develop.
With the council’s approval, the Parks and Trails Board, city staff, and consultants including WSB Architects and Hagen, Christensen, & Mcllwain Architects and will start creating detailed construction documents.
These will undergo further community and council review before finalization.
The aim is to open bids this winter and begin construction in spring or fall of 2025.
The upcoming improvements to Klapprich Park promise to significantly enhance its functionality and appeal.
Residents can look forward to a more accessible, better-equipped, and visually appealing park that will serve as a vibrant community hub for years to come.
The Klapprich Park Ice Rink in Wayzata has finally opened for the winter season.
An unseasonably warm winter with little snow had been preventing the flooding and freezing of the favorite community amenity.
A recent cold snap that brought temperatures plummeting below zero allowed the rink to be flooded and the ice created.
The rink opened to the public on January 16th, according to Kurt Klapprich who was found sitting inside the warming house supervising.
The warming house and skating rink will be open with an attendant present, contingent on weather conditions.
Operating hours on weekdays are from 3 to 10 p.m., and on weekends and non-school days from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
With single digit temperatures arriving, employees from the City of Wayzata‘s Public Works will attempt to flood Klapprich Rink this week.
However, it’s remains unclear at this time if the Wayzata community favorite will be able to open this winter.
The primary culprit?
Unfavorable weather conditions.
Despite an expected drop in temperatures this weekend, the forecast does not bode well for the rapid ice-making needed at this late stage in the year.
The frustration is palpable, shared not only by the organizers but also by the eager community anticipating winter fun.
“We’re as frustrated as you all are. This might not be the last winter facing such challenges, but we’re committed to finding creative solutions for the next one,” assures Bennett Myrhan with Wayzata Public Works.
The challenge is compounded by the fact that the days are getting longer, making the prospects of creating an ideal skating surface even more elusive.
The community remains hopeful for cooler temperatures in the coming days.
Stay tuned to Wayzata.com for more updates on Klapprich Park.
Driving down Wayzata Boulevard at 6 PM Friday night I noticed the Klapprich Park ice rink is open. Let’s go!
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The Wayzata Fire Department beat the Wayzata Police Department in the annual softball game held at Klapprich Park on Thursday, June 13, 2019.
The annual charity game is presented by the Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition and is sponsored by Old National Bank. The winning team receives $501, and 2nd place receives $499.
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| Wayzata Police and Fire Departments pose with the Old National Bank Cup, the trophy awarded to the winning team from the annual Police vs. Fire game. Image courtesy City of Wayzata. |
In a heartfelt tribute to the late Officer William Mathews, the Wayzata Police Department has received a generous donation of two electric bikes from Renewal by Andersen of the Twin Cities, facilitated by the Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition.
Officer Mathews, 47, lost his life in the line of duty in 2017 while responding to a 911 call about debris on Highway 12. Having served the Wayzata Police Department for nine years and various other communities prior, his memory continues to resonate within the community.
Renewal by Andersen, inspired by Officer Mathews’ legacy, reached out to his widow, Shawn Mathews, and subsequently approached the police department to inquire about their needs. In an effort to honor Officer Mathews, the company decided to contribute two electric bikes, valued at $5,800, to aid the department in patrol and community outreach initiatives.
The WPD accepted the bikes on Thursday, June 13, at Klapprich Park, at a gathering preceding the annual Wayzata Fire vs. Wayzata Police charity softball game. The bikes were officially presented to the Wayzata Police Department, with Wayzata Chief of Police Mike Risvold expressing gratitude for the donation.
“We are grateful for Renewal by Andersen’s donation to the Crime Prevention Coalition, which will help the department better serve our community – what a fine way to honor Officer Mathews’ memory,” Chief Risvold stated.
Tim Ruff, manager of Renewal by Andersen of the Twin Cities, emphasized the company’s commitment to making a positive impact in the community. “When we met Shawn, we were touched by her story, and we knew we wanted to take action to honor her late husband’s memory,” said Ruff. “It’s important to us to try to make a difference in our community.”
The electric bikes will play a vital role in enhancing the Wayzata Police Department’s ability to carry out their duties, ensuring a lasting tribute to Officer William Mathews’ dedicated service to the community.
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