West metro briefs: Wayzata lakefront improvement project moves forward

The City Council this month approved an implementation plan that includes deciding on the scope of the project, transforming the lake edge through shoreline improvements, an eco-park and pop-up park, pedestrian and bike-friendly changes to Lake Street and a boardwalk.

The council also approved an agreement with a conservancy that would lead private and public fundraising for the projects.

City officials have said that the project could cost an estimated $19 million if all the pieces are built, plus annual operating expenses.

The city next plans to launch an environmental assessment, solicit public comments, raise money with the help of the conservancy and develop more accurate cost estimates.

The Lake Effect project has drawn criticism for its spending and process. Some Wayzata residents have called for a referendum, saying the plans don't fit the city's small-town character and could cost too much.

KELLY SMITH

People attending the 31st Annual Ridgeview Foundation Golf and Taste Celebration in June raised $1.25 million for the expansion and renovation of Ridgeview Medical Center's emergency department.

"I continue to be amazed by the generosity and the contributions of our community members and volunteers," said Doug Stasek, executive director of the Ridgeview Foundation, in a statement. "It is amazing to see so many people, from across the southwest metro and beyond, gathered together to support Ridgeview Medical Center."

The Ridgeview Foundation serves as the fundraising arm for the medical center. Since the first fundraising event in 1986, the foundation has raised more than $10 million, according to the medical center.

BEATRICE DUPUY

Hennepin County is filling in the gaps of bike trails in the west metro area. To improve the bicycle and pedestrian system, the county recently approved money for projects to connect trails.

The funding includes $340,000 for five projects in Rogers, Hopkins and Minneapolis, as well as new bikeways in Edina and Orono; $203,128 for improvements in St. Anthony, Edina and Minneapolis; and $200,000 to fill Three Rivers Park District trail system gaps in Eden Prairie and Hopkins.

Volunteers are being trained this weekend for the Ryder Cup, one of professional golf's top events, which will be held next month at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska.

About 2,500 volunteers were to be trained for more than a dozen different tasks, including working as hole marshals, in transportation and merchandise. More than 450 Ryder Cup marshals were expected to participate in daily training over a three-day period.

Another 1,400 volunteers will receive on-site training the week before the tournament, which begins Sept. 30.

The Ryder Cup is a once-every-two-years professional golf competition that pits top golfers from the United States against European players. The European team has won the last three competitions, including the 2014 tournament in Scotland.

KEVIN DUCHSCHERE

The 2016 E-Scow National Championship will take place Sept. 8-11, drawing top yacht racing skippers and crews from the United States and Canada for the largest one-design sailing event.

The competition will include several local racers and is hosted by the Minnetonka Yacht Club, one of the oldest yacht clubs in the U.S. This will be the sixth time that the event, which is in its 58th year, will be on Lake Minnetonka.

KELLY SMITH

The St. Louis Park Planning Commission has approved a permit to build a clubhouse and swimming pool at the Meadowbrook Manor apartment complex on Excelsior Boulevard.

Owners have said they plan to upgrade the property and raise rents at the 551-unit complex, which has traditionally served low-income renters.