WAYZATA — The lakeside season kicks off with a family-friendly celebration on Saturday, May 3, as the Wayzata Conservancy hosts Spring Splash, a free community event from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Panoway Plaza on Lake Street.
Set along the shores of Lake Minnetonka, the event will feature hands-on activities, previews of local summer camps, and treats from McCormick’s and Ben & Jerry’s. Highlights include a make-your-own tie-dye station, interactive booths from the YMCA, Three Rivers Park District, and Wayzata Community Ed, plus live performances from youth dance troupe Dance Esteem.
More than just a seasonal sendoff, Spring Splash offers a glimpse into Wayzata’s civic vision, highlighting plans to restore one of the city’s last surviving railroad-era landmarks: the Section Foreman House.
File photo.
Constructed around 1902, the house once served as living quarters for the railroad foreman who oversaw track maintenance along this historic stretch of the Great Northern line. It stands today as a quiet witness to the city’s working-class heritage—and as a symbol of what’s to come.
Currently in the fundraising stage, the Wayzata Conservancy plans to restore the building and repurpose it as the Sandvold Lakeshore Learning Center—a future destination for STEM education, environmental programming, and community events on the waterfront.
“Spring Splash is about coming together,” said Peter Hitch, executive director of the Wayzata Conservancy. “We’re inviting the community not only to enjoy a great day at the lake, but to help us shape the future of this shoreline—where learning, history, and lake life intersect.”
The Section Foreman House, located just west of the Depot, forms one end of the larger Panoway on Wayzata Bayproject. On the opposite end stands the historic Wayzata Depot, a preserved reminder of the town’s grand rail-era beginnings. These two structures—each with deep roots in the city’s railroading past—bookend the Panoway and tell the story of Wayzata’s growth from trackside village to lakeside destination.
With the new Lakewalk now connecting them, Panoway is more accessible than ever—offering residents and visitors alike a chance to stroll the shoreline and experience Wayzata’s evolving blend of legacy and public space.
Spring Splash is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
For more information or to support the Section Foreman House restoration, visit: WayzataConservancy.org
As the curtains draw to a close on 2023 and we embark on the journey that is 2024, it’s time to reflect on the events that shaped the Wayzata community, capturing the essence of a year marked by resilience, growth, and change.
In this comprehensive year in review, we will delve into the top stories that unfolded within our community, exploring the triumphs, setbacks, and notable moments that defined Wayzata’s journey throughout the past 12 months.
A $500,000 gift from the Carisch Family significantly boosted the Lakewalk construction and operations funding. Shortly thereafter Jennifer Zhi-Roth also pledged $500,000 to honor her late husband Gunther. Peter Hitch and the Wayzata Conservancy procured the major gifts to the City; and the City subsequently accepted the gifts with gratitude and thanks to the donors.
The Wayzata Gateway mixed use project, located at the corner of Wayzata Boulevard and Superior got underway after the Mithun Family initially received approval from the City of Wayzata for the development in 2022. Upon completion, the project will feature a modern and more compact Wells Fargo bank building, an office complex, along with 67 rental apartments, 9 townhomes, and a park.
After receiving multiple denials for the redevelopment of the former TCF Bank headquarters located at 200 East Lake Street, Lake West Development owner Curt Fretham initiated a lawsuit against the City of Wayzata seeking a neutral third party to weigh in on what can and should be allowed/built on the site.
In today’s economic landscape, coffee shops must adapt with a drive-through as part of their operations. Unfortunately, Caribou Coffee was denied a development application in 2022 for a new store on Wayzata Boulevard with such a drive through; sometime later the location on Lake Street in Wayzata shut its doors in January to the dismay of both Caribou Coffee and Wayzatans. Penny’s Coffee Shop also closed its doors citing trouble staffing the store.
Crew Car Wash opens
Ribbon cutting ceremony at Crew Car Wash. Image courtesy Wayzata Chamber.
Gerrish’s Car Wash underwent a complete transformation in 2023 after being sold and is now the revamped Crew Car Wash on Wayzata Boulevard. The Wayzata Chamber hosted a ribbon cutting in November.
Vegan burger joint Stalk and Spade closed its doors in November. Rumor has it serial entrepreneur and franchisor Steele Smiley will likely bring another restaurant concept to the building in the future.
Red Cow is a popular and upscale restaurant that serves gourmet burgers and wine among other things. It opened in October within the Promenade and near the Hotel Landing.
Anthropologie and the Promenade commenced litigation over rental rates and occupancy by other first class tenants within the commercial shopping development.
Wayzata Bait & Tackle closed in 2023 after 48 years in business, making way for a potential car dealership along the frontage road abutting Interstate 394 just into Minnetonka.
Wayzata Public Schools
Wayzata Public Schools announced $7 million budget shortfall in February
Superintendent Chace Anderson attributes budget challenges to the pandemic’s financial impact, decreased student enrollment, prolonged inadequate state funding for education, and inflationary pressures on operational functions like a 13% increase in the transportation budget.
Wayzata Public Schools are confronting financial challenges and seeking ways to trim the budget. One contemplated idea was to change the block schedule that has been in place since the 1990’s. This initial plan, intended to save $1.2 million through staff cuts, faced opposition from the community in the form of a petition bearing over 2,600 signatures as well as feedback from stakeholders delivered directly to Wayzata School Board members through emails, phone calls, and text messages.
Wayzata Public Schools acquired an office building for administration for $7.5 million
The Wayzata School District elected to purchase a 31,780 square foot office building for $7.75 million near Carlson Parkway and Xemium Lane to house its administration. The decision was made in February of 2023, and the transaction closed near the end of the year, according to an eCRV filed with the State of Minnesota. Officials indicate existing bond proceeds were utilized to pay for the building, so no funds came from the general fund.
CCX Media’s Kevin Miller reports on the purchase of the office building.
Three Wayzata School Board Members terms expired
Three Wayzata School Board members—Cheryl Polzin, Bonita Lucky, and Linda Cohen—conclude their combined 44 years of service at Wayzata Public Schools in December. Polzin, who had served most recently as Treasurer, has been chosen for the Minnesota School Board Association. Linda Cohen, the longest-serving member in the history of Wayzata Schools, finished her service as the Vice-Chair. The new Board members—Sheila Prior (re-elected), Paras Bhende, Dan Ginestra, and Valentina Eyres—will start their term on January 9, 2024.
Wayzata Trojans
Wayzata Boys Basketball won Class AAAA State Title in overtime
Third state title for Wayzata Boys Basketball after defeating Park Center at Target Center. Junior Jackson McAndrew scored 8 of Wayzata’s 9 points in the overtime to secured the 75-71 victory at Target Center.
4th consecutive State Title achieved for Wayzata Girls Volleyball
University of Minnesota recruit Olivia Swenson, a senior outside hitter, led a balanced attack with 14 kills and junior middle hitter Katie Kelzenberg added 10. Senior setter Stella Swenson, Olivia’s twin sister and fellow Gophers recruit, ran the show with 32 assists as Wayzata Girls Volleyball defeated New Prague in 3 straight sets to win the 4th consecutive State Title.
In the battle of last undefeated teams in the big-school field, Wayzata needed just 2 minutes and 12 seconds into the game to grab the lead it wouldn’t lose. Junior forward Aiden Judickas had the honors by scoring on a header off a corner kick by senior midfielder Charlie Piller. Those two combined again midway through the first half on a similar scoring play to double the Trojans’ advantage.
Wayzata Boys and Girls Cross Country won State
The Wayzata boys cross country team secured their unprecedented third consecutive Class AAA state title, marking a historic achievement for the program. Will Weber led the Trojans, finishing third with a time of 15:21, contributing to the team’s overall score of 63. Meanwhile, the Wayzata girls cross country team clinched their second consecutive state championship, guided by Jazleen Malherek-Osorio, who finished third overall in 18:00.
The Wayzata boys tennis team completed an outstanding season with a 5-2 win over Rochester Mayo in the state class AA championship match. The Trojans swept the singles matches on the way to the win. Wayzata finished undefeated against Minnesota teams this spring, with their only loss to a team from Illinois. It’s the fifth state title in program history for the Trojans. Courtesy CCX Media.
Wayzata History
Wayzata Historical Society merged into Lake Minnetonka Historical Society
Last but not least, you simply cannot forget about the Wayzata Chamber‘s annual events including James J. Hill Days, which includes big-time music shows known as the Wayzata Beach Bash–produced by Rick Born. This year the headliners were Brad Paisley & Cody Jinks, who put on awesome shows.
Other great Chamber events in 2023 included: the Wayzata Chilly Open, the Wayzata Art Experience, Wayzata Boo Blast, and more.
Hosted by the Wayzata Chamber, James J. Hill Days is an annual celebration in Wayzata, bringing the community together for a lively event filled with festivities, entertainment, and local charm. 2023 was an amazing celebration of everything that is Wayzata.
Lake Minnetonka is backdrop for Guiness Book of Records
330 people floated on individual pool noodles in Brown’s Bay on Lake Minnetonka in September to set a Guiness World Record. The event was hosted by Project Got Your Back, a Minnesota Foundation that helps to support veterans.
Conclusion
As we wrap up the Wayzata Year in Review for 2023, we invite you to join the conversation! Share your thoughts, agreements, disagreements, or any highlights we might have missed. Your input adds depth to our community narrative. Let’s continue celebrating Wayzata! Comment below and be a part of the discussion. Oh, and by the way – Happy New Year!
Total support to date this year expected to reach $1,052,500; momentum growing as donors step forward
Wayzata Conservancy Executive Director Peter Hitch announces a 2nd $500,000 is potentially available. City of Wayzata.
A yet to be identified former Wayzata resident who previously lived on Ferndale Road and in Harrington House has pledged to donate $500,000, subject to City approval.
Wayzata Conservancy Executive Director Peter Hitch made the announcement at the June 6th Wayzata City Council meeting.
Mr. Hitch also detailed a number of other pledges in recent weeks and days, and indicated that including the initial Carisch pledge of $500,000 the total for this fundraising year to date is expected to be at $1,052,500.
“I cannot tell you how excited I am to come before you tonight to talk to you about Panoway’s growing popularity.” stated Hitch. “Since your approval of the $500,000 lead gift from the Carisch Family on May 2nd, we have experienced a phenomenal resurgence of support for the Panoway project in it’s entirety. Specifically, and this is entirely new information for most people, over the last three weeks, and of course per our policy, pending [City] approval, we have agreed to an unrestricted pledge of another $500,000, coming from a former Wayzata resident…”
The pledge is expected to be before the City Council sometime in June or July for approval pending the usual process for receiving gifts for Panoway. The process includes attorney reviews, the signing of pledge documents and the like.
Hitch went on to describe a number of other smaller donations including a step down on the Lakewalk, two commitments to fund stone benches, and a donation for an additional Adirondack chair for Panoway Plaza.
City leaders expect additional donations will begin to flow in based upon these lead gifts, and additionally once the as construction of Phase 2A including the Lakewalk begins.
Stay tuned to Wayzata.com, your Panoway news leader.
The Wayzata Chamber of Commercecelebrated Jon Reyerson as the 2022 Person of the Year on October 13, 2022 at the Wayzata Country Club. Hundreds of Jon’s friends from the Wayzata Chamber and Wayzata Rotary were in attendance.
Anna Skemp, Becky Pierson, Jon Reyerson, Brooke Beyer, and Judy Johnson pose for a photo at the Wayzata Country Club to celebrate POTY 2022. Alex Bellus Photography.
The annual award is given to a Chamber member who goes above and beyond to serve the community and the Chamber in it’s mission to “elevate the experience of the Wayzata area, a charming destination embracing Lake Minnetonka, where our businesses and community thrive together.”
“Jon has been an active member of the chamber for over a decade, and throughout all of that time, has exhibited remarkable skills to directly benefit the Chamber and all of its activities. Jon shows up before the events begin, and is usually the last one standing – to ensure that no detail has been overlooked,” stated Wayzata Chamber president Becky Pierson in a release.
2021 Person of the year Peter Hitch indicated the Jon is “The ultimate Chamber Member, a promoter, a sponsor hound, a worker and an idea guy.”
Reyerson has a long standing reputation for working Chamber events including Wayzata Art Experience, James J. Hill Days, the Chilly Open, and much more. Congrats!
The Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Peter Hitch as the 2019 Person of the Year. Considerations for the award include a member who is an active participant and supporter of Chamber activities, a long-standing contributor to the economic, civic, commercial, and educational interests of the greater Wayzata area and someone who makes a difference to the community. 2019 marks the 53rd Person of the Year celebration.
Peter has brought nothing but passion to his 40-plus year business career in corporate law, intermodal transportation, sports technology, food, computer businesses and property management. Peter is the 14-year owner and president of Data Doctors in Wayzata. His interest in IT became the basis for assisting small businesses and individuals with the whole range of computer, networking and technology issues. With a motto of “there’s plenty of time between midnight and 6:00 am,” it’s been his volunteering that has brought him the biggest rewards. Sports with his wife, Wendy, and two athletic daughters turned into youth sports coaching: skiing, soccer, golf and platform tennis. Somehow there was time for more.
Believing in “learning by doing,” Peter joined the team that launched the Minnesota Children’s Museum in 1978, helping it grow into ever-evolving educational experience and a national institution. In the 1980s and ‘90s, Peter helped the YMCA Camp Warren Board bring its mission of building integrity, self-reliance, and leadership for boys to separate single gender camping for girls, too. “Warren is simply life-changing,” he says
A member of the Greater Wayzata Chamber of Commerce for the past 15 years (Board Chair in 2014 and 2015), he helped develop the Chamber’s current Vision Statement and Five Year Strategic Plan for 2015-2020.
Peter has worked with the chamber staff and a creative, inspirational committee to build Wayzata’s biggest festival, James J. Hill Days. His goal was to bring fun to volunteering building on the success of dachshund races, car shows and street markets, developing significant sponsors and instituting “enhancements” like music concerts, fireworks, carnival, log rolling, an outdoor movie, a night market, and “water wow” spectacles such as water ski shows, voyageur canoe races, wake surfing and flyboarding demonstrations.
A long-standing community member, Jeff Dayton, said it best. “Peter is a tireless promoter and friend of Wayzata and deeply deserves this honor!”
The Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce will hold The Person of the Year Luncheon in Peter’s honor on Thursday October 24th at the Wayzata Country Club from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The cost is $25. Register online at wayzatchamber.com.
The Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce is a vibrant membership organization serving businesses and individuals in the greater Wayzata area. The mission of the Chamber is to advocate and promote the interest of its’ retail, professional and community members.
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