Patch Playdate

Patch Park Review: Junction Park

Junction Park provides playground, sports and recreational features in a relaxing, natural setting.

 Junction Park, at 12305 Excelsior Boulevard, offers a sliver of nature in an otherwise bustling suburban area. Excelsior is a busy street. Any parent going by Mapquest might overlook Junction as being perilously too close to danger if their children are at an age where their feet can outpace their good sense. It's good to discover that the designers of Junction Park seemed to think the same thing. Junction offers a peaceful staycation in nature, with its high tree cover surrounding all sides. It's built into a naturally low area, with heavily treed hills on it's north side, trees and a wetland pond on its west, and a tree-line ridge on it's south, blocking much of the noise and accessibility to Excelsior Boulevard. There is a direct …

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Video: Minnetonka High School Introduces International Students to Winter Outdoor Activities

Students from China and Holland got a taste of the elements Friday afternoon as part of Minnetonka High School's International Studies Program.

Some people develop cabin fever during the Minnesota winter, while others defy the elements and make the most of their surroundings.  "Yes, that is what we do," said Ann Schinis, recreational specialist with the Three Rivers Park District. "We get outside and we play in the winter." That's the message students from Minnetonka High School wanted to get across to their foreign friends from China and Holland — in town from Feb. 5-13 as part of an international studies program. "The international studies program was set up two years ago," said Chris Pears, a social studies teacher from Minnetonka High School. "The idea is to give students at Minnetonka an opportunity to connect with students from around the world." On the afternoon of Feb. 11…

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