Well, readers, it’s that time of the year again—it’s time to crown your Best of Maple Grove 2023 Readers’ Choice Poll winners. But before flipping over to the big reveal, I’d like to introduce myself as the new editor of Maple Grove Magazine. I have worked behind the scenes in these pages for several years, and it has been the most rewarding experience to step up and get to know this wonderful city in a more intimate light.
I’ve enjoyed spending time dining at local area restaurants, shopping around the boutiques at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes and walking through the city’s many trails, parks and nature areas. Outside of this wonderful community, you can typically find me curled up with good book, sipping an iced coffee—no matter the time of year!—or enjoying time with my fiancé and our two pets.
But let’s take a closer look at our family and friends, neighbors and co-workers, who make our community such a dynamic place to live, work, play and raise families. Maple Grove prides itself on its outdoor spaces, and there are a few new ones coming to the city. Writer Daniel Huss connects with the City of Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Department to chat all things sport courts—pickleball, included!
We’re also diving into the city’s sustainability efforts. Writer Kristie Smith looks at the new eco-friendly business, Good to Go Cups, an alternative product to single-use coffee cups, available at Kingdom Coffee. In my Editor’s Picks, I take a look into how the City of Maple Grove is increasing its green projects, and I also chat with the sustainability experts at Great River Energy. Regarding the city’s efforts, City of Maple Grove planning manager Peter Vickerman says, “… We have a great legacy of preservation in the community, and it is wonderful to see that continuing.”
Readers, what’s your favorite part of living, working and playing in Maple Grove? I’d love to hear! Send me an email at hailey@localmedia.co.
-Hailey Almsted
