Just after noon on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 people began to gather under a tent, next to a broken down barn, nestled in a tall grass field and set alongside the northside of Highway 55 just east of Arrowhead Drive in my hometown of Medina, Minnesota.
The occasion was to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the Meander Park & Boardwalk development in Medina, Minnesota. What began as a dare me dream, floating in a cloud-filled fantasy over 4 years ago, landed soundly on the dirty ground of reality with shovels of painted gold and .
Words cannot properly express the gratitude I felt in sharing this moment with those who attended; every one of which contributed in some way to making this momentous occasion possible. The gathering group included project team members, investors, contractors, engineers, consultants, architects, builders, designers, videographers, mentors and close family members. I want to thank all of those who showed up to commemorate a milestone; one that at times felt nearly impossible to reach and still feels a bit surreal. And for those that couldn’t make the groundbreaking, you were recognized in spirit and know who you are and thank you.
I look forward to sharing progress updates in subsequent issues of LocalTies throughout the construction process. I also plan to provide in-depth stories and profiles on the individuals and businesses who not only contributed their time, talent and resources to help achieve this major milestone, but dared to have the faith to persevere, despite knowing the odds were not always in our favor. Especially the guy leading it with a sense of reckless abandon. But they stuck with it anyway. And for that, I am sincerely humbled.
But now it’s time to turn the page and begin the next chapter. To go the distance. And make this dream a reality. Together. For our partners today. And our community tomorrow.
