GOLDEN VALLEY
Planning underway for 125th anniversaryGolden Valley is looking for volunteers to help with the celebration of the city's 125th anniversary next year.
City resident Marshall Tanick is spearheading a Bridge Builder group to start planning events, with ideas ranging from student essay contests to historical programs and volunteer service activities.
A steering committee will begin meeting later this month and finalize plans by mid-November. People who want to help the city mark its birthday next year or want to be on the group's mailing list can contact Sandy Werts at swerts@goldenvalleymn.gov or at 763-512-2341.
MAPLE GROVE
Bottineau house forum set ThursdayThe Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society is hosting a forum Thursday so community members can make suggestions on programs they would like to see at the newly restored Pierre Bottineau house.
The 1854 frame house is in its permanent location at Elm Creek Park Reserve, and Bill Walker from the Three Rivers Park District will make a short presentation about the home and take questions and suggestions.
The forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at Maple Grove City Hall.
MINNETONKA
Shady Oak Beach gets new playgroundGround was broken this month on a new playground at Shady Oak Beach in Minnetonka, funded by a $187,000 grant from Hennepin County's Youth Sports Program.
The beach recreational area, which is owned by Hopkins and operated by Minnetonka, is visited by nearly 50,000 people annually. The new play area will be designed for kids from the ages of 1 to 12, and will be open from April through October.