FOREWORD

In my many years with the City of Eden Prairie, I’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth and change and have been very fortunate to be a part of the planning and development of this wonderful community. Although there have been many highlights in my career, I would have to say that the city’s recent recognition from Money magazine for being the best place to live in America is certainly one of the most rewarding. I don’t mean to insinuate that I had much to do with this recognition, because my contributions were minimal. However, I have had the privilege of knowing and working with many great people who, in countless ways, have contributed to making Eden Prairie a place that is now recognized nationally for its great quality of life. Of course there are scores of people who have made important contributions to this community who have passed and whom I never knew, and still there are many others who continue to make significant contributions and whom I will never meet. However, if all of the names could be listed, they would likely fill the better part of this book.

But my hat does go off to people like the farmers and residents of the little village of Eden Prairie who more than forty years ago had the foresight and good sense to prepare and adopt a master plan for this city. And to all of the mayors, city council members and staff who over the years stayed committed to making Eden Prairie a first-rate suburban community. And to all of the other city board and commission volunteers who gave countless hours of their time to make this a better place. And to the civic organizations, church and faith-based leaders, teachers, students, business leaders, youth athletic volunteers, coaches, volunteers, seniors, immigrants and many other residents who in their own ways have helped create a great sense of community in Eden Prairie. And to the developers, architects, engineers and builders who helped shape Eden Prairie’s physical landscape. And to the historical society and all of the people who volunteer their time to help preserve and share Eden Prairie’s past. And, of course, a very special “hats off” to the author of this fine book, who has for most of her life been steadfast in her commitment to preserving and celebrating Eden Prairie’s past.

I’ve always known Eden Prairie was a special place. I knew it as a kid growing up here in the ’60s and ’70s and still know it today as I raise my own family in Eden Prairie. Three of my five brothers know it too, and that’s why they chose to move back here to raise their own families. And now with this recent Money magazine recognition, many around the country know it as well!

A lot has changed in Eden Prairie since I was a kid. Today it is nearly fully developed and has a lot more people and an abundance of parks, trails, schools, stores, restaurants and office parks. But as far as I can tell, the things that really matter the most have not changed at all—Eden Prairie continues to attract quality people, it has a great sense of community and its residents, like me, are extremely proud to call it home.

Congratulations, Eden Prairie, on being recognized by Money magazine as the best place to live in America!

David Lindahl
Economic Development Manager, City of Eden Prairie