WAYZATA, MN — Neighbors across Wayzata will gather for block parties, cookouts and community activities tonight as the city celebrates its annual Night to Unite tradition.
Photos from Last years Night to Unite gathering.
The event runs from 5:15 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at registered neighborhood gatherings throughout Wayzata and Long Lake. The community has participated in Night to Unite for more than 40 years, bringing residents together while strengthening relationships between neighborhoods and local public-safety officials.
Throughout the evening, representatives from the Wayzata Police Department, Wayzata Fire Department, city staff and elected officials will travel between participating block parties. Police cars and fire trucks will make appearances, with children receiving small giveaways and visitors sharing crime-prevention information.
The gatherings also give residents an informal opportunity to meet police officers, firefighters, city employees and local elected leaders, ask questions and learn more about the people serving the community.
Unlike a single citywide festival, Night to Unite takes place within individual neighborhoods. Gatherings may include shared meals, games, music and other family activities organized by residents and neighborhood hosts.
At its heart, the evening is about encouraging neighbors to know one another. Those relationships can help create stronger, safer neighborhoods by making it easier for residents to communicate, recognize when something is out of place and look out for one another throughout the year.
Residents with questions about Wayzata’s Night to Unite activities may contact the Wayzata Police Department at 952-404-5340.
The Wayzata Education Fund has named longtime educator and community volunteer MaryKate Haake as the organization’s first executive director, marking a new chapter for the nonprofit that supports students and staff throughout Wayzata Public Schools.
Haake began the newly created role Monday, Aug. 3. She will work with the organization’s volunteer board, donors, families and school partners to expand classroom grants, strengthen community relationships and guide the fund’s continued growth.
“This is a milestone for the Wayzata Education Fund. Our volunteers have spent years building trust and relationships across our entire Wayzata Public Schools community, and that foundation is what makes this moment possible,” said Sara Griffin, board chair of the Wayzata Education Fund. “When we look at what our peer districts have built, we know we’re only just getting started. With dedicated executive leadership now in place, we have a real opportunity to grow our impact for this incredible district even further.”
For more than two decades, the Wayzata Education Fund has relied heavily on volunteer leadership and community support to fund educational opportunities beyond what the district’s regular operating budget can provide.
As its programs and fundraising efforts have grown, the organization’s board determined that dedicated professional leadership was needed to build upon that foundation.
Haake brings more than 15 years of experience in education and community involvement to the position.
She taught general and special education in Shakopee Public Schools for eight years. During that time, she earned a master’s degree and specialist designation in educational leadership, along with a Minnesota K-12 administrative license.
In the Wayzata school community, Haake founded the Moms Helping Moms initiative and served in a leadership role with the Oakwood Elementary PTA.
“I am excited to join the Wayzata Education Fund and build on the incredible work already underway,” Haake said. “Together with our dedicated volunteers, community members, donors, and school partners, we will continue to create meaningful opportunities for each and every Wayzata Public Schools student.”
As executive director, Haake will help oversee the fund’s classroom grant program and support established community traditions, including the Highlight a Hero campaign and the organization’s annual gala.
She will also focus on strengthening connections among families, educators, volunteers and donors across the district.
Founded in 2003, the Wayzata Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching and supporting educational experiences for students and staff throughout Wayzata Public Schools.
The organization provides grants for programs and opportunities that align with the district’s strategic roadmap but extend beyond what can be funded through the regular school budget.
Cecilia Borcherding is one of just 12 girls chosen nationwide in her age group
WAYZATA, Minn. — Ten-year-old Cecilia Borcherding is preparing to take her game from Minnesota to an international stage after being selected for a national girls futsal team traveling to Brazil this month.
Cecilia is one of just 12 girls selected from across the United States in the 10-year-old age group, earning a place on the roster following a competitive, multistage evaluation process.
Her journey began at an initial tryout in Minneapolis. After advancing through the first round, Cecilia was invited to a final selection camp in Richmond, Virginia, where she competed alongside 40 of the country’s top young players during three days of evaluations.
From that group, Cecilia earned one of the coveted roster positions.
Futsal is a fast-moving form of soccer played with four field players and a goalkeeper on a hard, basketball-style court. The game uses a smaller, low-bouncing ball and places a premium on close control, quick decisions and creativity in tight spaces.
In August, Cecilia will spend seven days in Brazil representing the United States alongside young players selected from communities throughout the country.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for such a young athlete, and we’re so proud of everything she’s accomplished,” her mother, Lauren Borcherding, said.
The trip will give Cecilia an opportunity to experience the sport in Brazil, a country with a deep soccer and futsal tradition, while training, traveling and building friendships with teammates from across the United States.
For a young athlete whose path began at a local Minneapolis tryout, the journey to Brazil represents a remarkable next step — and a proud moment for her family and the Wayzata-area community cheering her on.
Do you know someone doing something special in the Wayzata community? Whether it is a student achievement, athletic accomplishment, milestone, volunteer effort or another story worth sharing, we would be glad to hear about it. Send story ideas, details and photos to dan@wayzata.com for consideration in Wayzata.com community news.
Eloise is entering a new chapter in downtown Wayzata, with plans to reopen in September as Bar Eloise — a more casual, flexible neighborhood restaurant designed to welcome walk-in diners, families and guests stopping in for drinks or a meal.
The restaurant from owner Lindsay Pohlad will refresh its name, interior, menu and overall guest experience following feedback from customers who enjoyed Eloise but wanted a place that felt easier to visit on an everyday basis.
“We have always believed the best restaurants belong to their communities,” the Bar Eloise team said. “Over the last few months, we’ve listened closely to our guests, and one message came through clearly: they love the food and the spirit of Eloise, but they want a place that feels easier to drop into, more casual, and more connected to the neighborhood.” fileciteturn0file0
Eloise will close Monday, Aug. 31, through Thursday, Sept. 3, while the space and brand identity are refreshed. Bar Eloise is scheduled to open to the public Friday, Sept. 4.
A More Casual Dining Experience
The updated restaurant will offer additional bar seating and high-top tables, along with integrated televisions in the bar area for guests interested in watching a game over dinner or drinks.
A large operable front window will allow the dining room to open toward Broadway Avenue, strengthening the restaurant’s connection to the surrounding downtown streetscape. A substantial portion of the indoor dining room will also be reserved for walk-ins.
The menu will move toward approachable, high-quality fare inspired in part by Pohlad’s sister restaurant, The Grocer’s Table. Seasonal ingredients will remain central, while the selection expands to include shareable plates, handhelds and hearty entrées.
Guest-favorite dishes and desserts from Eloise will remain, and the restaurant’s cocktail program will continue to be an important part of the experience. Bar Eloise also plans to offer a more family-friendly menu with options intended to appeal to a wider range of diners. fileciteturn0file0
Sunday brunch will begin Sept. 20, featuring popular selections inspired by The Grocer’s Table alongside dishes created specifically for Bar Eloise.
Expanded Patio to Welcome More Walk-Ins
The relaunch will coincide with a major expansion of the restaurant’s outdoor dining area recently approved by the Wayzata City Council.
The council voted 4-0 on July 21 to approve a seasonal sidewalk café permit adding approximately 468 square feet to the restaurant’s existing 165-square-foot patio. The expansion will extend south along Broadway Avenue into the public right-of-way in front of neighboring retailer Chico’s and provide outdoor seating for approximately 28 guests.
Pohlad told the council that the original patio was designed primarily for cocktails and appetizers when Eloise opened in 2024, but customers soon began asking to enjoy complete meals outdoors.
“Everyone wants to take advantage of every opportunity they have to sit outside,” Pohlad said.
The expanded area will provide more room between tables and allow the restaurant to accommodate outdoor dining more comfortably. Most of the new patio seating will be held for walk-in guests, supporting Bar Eloise’s effort to become a place people can visit more spontaneously.
Plans include new tables, seating, planters, railings and modifications to the existing patio. The layout will preserve a pedestrian walkway measuring slightly more than six feet wide, exceeding the city’s five-foot minimum clearance requirement.
Because the patio extends beyond the restaurant’s storefront, the arrangement was considered somewhat unusual. However, city staff determined that the proposal met requirements for pedestrian circulation, accessibility and fire access. The permit applies to the 2026 season and will return to the City Council for annual renewal.
The expanded patio is expected to be installed toward the end of August, depending on the arrival of tables, chairs and other furnishings. It will become a central part of the Bar Eloise experience when the restaurant reopens in September.
Bar Eloise will remain open from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and from 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant will be closed Mondays. Sunday brunch will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Sept. 20.
Four candidates have filed to run for two seats on the Wayzata City Council in the November 3, 2026, general election.
The candidates are incumbent Councilmembers Molly MacDonald and Dan Koch, along with challengers David Struck and Adam Elg. Struck serves on the Charter Commission, and Elg is part of the Planning Commission.
The two council seats carry four-year terms beginning in January 2027. MacDonald and Koch currently hold the positions that will appear on the ballot.
The candidate filing period closed Tuesday, July 28, at 5 p.m. Candidates have until Thursday, July 30, at 5 p.m. to formally withdraw from the race.
Unless a candidate withdraws before the deadline, Wayzata voters will choose two of the four candidates this fall.
The contested race gives residents a meaningful opportunity to hear different perspectives on the issues facing Wayzata and to decide who should help guide the community during the next four years. Additional information about the candidates and their positions is expected as the campaign moves forward.
Electronic music will fill the Wayzata lakefront tonight as HiFi on the Lake returns with an afternoon and evening of live performances near Macanda.
The ticketed event will be held Saturday, July 25, at 294 Grove Lane East, near the Wayzata Depot and Boatworks building. The outdoor program is scheduled to run from 3 to 10 p.m., followed by a separate indoor after-party at Macanda for guests age 21 and older.
The lineup includes Cole Knight, Hardt Antoine, Matillo, Johnny Whitaker and additional electronic dance music artists.
Macanda is a lakefront restaurant and vinyl lounge located at 294 Grove Lane East in Wayzata, Minnesota, offering a fusion of Latin American flavors and contemporary Japanese sushi.
Wayzata Mayor Andrew Mullin offered his support for the event in a Facebook post Saturday morning, wishing organizers Johnny Whitaker and Aaron Switz well as they prepared for the day’s festivities.
“I feel strongly that our community needs to support safe, positive opportunities for our youth and young adults to gather, connect, and have fun close to home even if the music gets a little loud for some of us every now and then,” Mullin wrote.
The mayor said providing welcoming local activities for younger generations is an important part of building an engaged community.
“Creating spaces where our younger residents feel welcome and engaged is important,” Mullin wrote. “Wishing the team a successful event and everyone attending a fun, safe time out on the lake!”
The Wayzata City Council approved a special-use permit for the event in June after organizers reduced an earlier proposal for two nights of music to a single Saturday program. Plans presented to the city included private security, police coordination, neighborhood notification and sound monitoring.
The outdoor portion of HiFi on the Lake is open to all ages and will proceed rain or shine. Ticket options include general admission, access near the stage and a 21-and-older premium area with elevated viewing, food, a private bar and indoor restroom access.
HiFi on the Lake brings a contemporary sound to one of Wayzata’s most familiar settings, offering younger residents and visitors an opportunity to gather along the shores of Lake Minnetonka while adding a different beat to the city’s summer calendar.
The Wayzata City Council has approved a substantial expansion of the outdoor patio at Eloise, allowing the downtown restaurant to add seating along Broadway Avenue for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The council voted 4-0 on July 21 to approve a new outdoor sidewalk café permit for the restaurant at 332 Broadway Avenue South. The plan adds 468 square feet to Eloise’s existing 165-square-foot patio and provides seating for approximately 28 guests.
The expansion will extend south from Eloise into the public right-of-way in front of neighboring retailer Chico’s. That feature made the application different from other sidewalk cafés previously considered by the city.
Community Development Director Alex Sharpe told the council that Wayzata has not previously approved a sidewalk café extending beyond the storefront of the business holding the permit. He said the decision could also establish a reference point for future applications from businesses sharing downtown buildings or commercial frontage.
Although the patio will extend in front of Chico’s, it will not obstruct an entrance to the store. The proposed seating and planters may, however, partially obscure a window display. Property owner Jimmy Beltz submitted a letter supporting the expansion, while city staff encouraged Eloise and the property owner to make sure Chico’s was informed of the plans. Staff had not received a response from Chico’s before the meeting.
Growing Demand for Outdoor Dining
Eloise owner Lindsay Pohlad told the council that the restaurant’s original patio was constructed when Eloise opened in 2024 and was intended primarily for cocktails and casual appetizers.
Customers quickly began asking to eat full meals outside.
Lindsay Pohlad speaks to the Wayzata City Council. Image courtesy City of Wayzata.
“Everyone wants to take advantage of every opportunity they have to sit outside,” Pohlad said.
The restaurant added several small dining tables this summer, but Pohlad said the original space does not comfortably accommodate diners.
“It is very, very tight on that patio,” she said.
Pohlad said the additional space would allow Eloise to provide more dining tables and create greater separation between customers. She also said the property owners supported the idea and had spoken with local Chico’s employees, who enjoy the restaurant’s presence and the activity it brings to the area.
Plan Meets Sidewalk and Accessibility Standards
Sharpe said the proposal meets the city’s requirements for fire access, pedestrian circulation and sidewalk clearance.
The plans maintain a walkway approximately 6 feet, 1 inch wide between the patio and an existing city planter. Wayzata requires at least five feet of clearance for pedestrian and accessibility purposes.
The project will also require an existing bicycle rack to be relocated. Public Works reviewed the proposed location and did not identify concerns with the move.
Plans submitted to the city show tables and seating arranged along the building, with planters helping define the patio area. Changes to the existing patio include removing part of a landscaping bed, extending the patio decking and modifying a portion of the existing banquette. The design also includes new steps, railings and an outward-opening bifold window.
Public Works has reviewed and approved the improvements within the public right-of-way. Additional council action could be required later if the more permanent improvements require changes to the property’s existing encroachment agreement.
Additional Seating Not Included in Parking Calculations
The expanded patio will bring Eloise’s outdoor capacity to approximately 28 to 32 seats, compared with about 97 seats inside the restaurant.
Sharpe noted that Wayzata does not currently include seasonal sidewalk café seating when calculating a business’s parking requirements. The city therefore did not require Eloise to provide additional parking or make a payment through the city’s fee-in-lieu-of-parking program as part of the patio expansion.
Staff acknowledged that the additional seating could increase parking demand during restaurant hours but recommended treating the application consistently with other sidewalk cafés in the city.
The permit applies to the 2026 season. Sidewalk café permits must be renewed annually by the City Council.
As a condition of approval, Public Works recommended that furniture and planters associated with the expanded portion of the patio be removed by Nov. 1 each year so they do not interfere with snow removal and winter maintenance.
Council Discussion
Councilmember Alex Plechash asked what would happen if the Chico’s space changed tenants or became another restaurant in the future. Sharpe explained that the sidewalk café permit applies only to the year in which it is issued. Because the patio occupies city right-of-way, the council could reconsider, amend or decline the arrangement during a future permit cycle if circumstances changed.
Plechash also asked whether the landscaped area near the patio could eventually be removed or replaced to create additional pedestrian space. Staff said the idea could be explored with Public Works, although a permanent change would require consideration of maintenance and other site conditions.
Councilmember Ken Sorensen said the proposal was unusual because the patio would extend in front of a neighboring tenant’s storefront, but he viewed the annual permit process as an appropriate safeguard if unforeseen issues arise.
Sorensen said Eloise is a vibrant, successful and locally owned business, and he placed significance on the property owner’s support for the expansion. He noted that the council could revisit the arrangement if the neighboring space changes tenants or if the expanded patio creates problems.
He also said the city was treating parking consistently with other seasonal sidewalk café permits and supported approving the request.
Councilmember Dan Koch said he generally supported the expansion but expressed concern about crowding near one of Wayzata’s busiest pedestrian intersections. He asked that the relocated bicycle rack not interfere with the gathering and crossing area south of the planter if another location is available.
Koch described the remainder of the 2026 season as an opportunity to test the arrangement and identify any problems before the permit returns for renewal.
“I love the idea,” Koch said. “I’m totally supportive of outdoor seating and maximizing the benefits of being outside and being able to eat outside.”
Mayor Andrew Mullin said the city should support locally and independently owned businesses. He expressed support for the permit and thanked staff and Pohlad for attending the meeting and answering the council’s questions.
The expanded patio is expected to open toward the end of August, depending on the timely arrival of its tables, chairs and other furnishings. Once installed, the new seating area will remain open through the balance of the outdoor dining season.
Two seats on the Wayzata City Council will be on the ballot this fall, including the seats currently held by Councilmembers Molly MacDonald and Dan Koch. Each carries a four-year term beginning in January 2027.
The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Wayzata residents interested in running for City Council must file an affidavit of candidacy with the city clerk by 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 28. The filing fee is $5.
Candidates must be eligible voters, at least 21 years old when assuming office and residents of Wayzata for at least 30 days before the general election.
Candidates who file but later decide not to run may withdraw their candidacy until 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30.
Councilmembers Molly MacDonald and Dan Koch have each filed an affidavit of candidacy seeking election to one of the two available seats. At present, they are the only candidates listed by the City, leaving two filed candidates for two positions. The filing period remains open until 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 28.
Competitive local elections give residents an opportunity to hear different perspectives, ask thoughtful questions and make a meaningful choice about the future of their community. Other qualified Wayzata residents with an interest in public service are encouraged to consider stepping forward and placing their names on the ballot.
The Wayzata Police Department’s June activity report reflects a busy start to summer, with officers responding to traffic complaints, medical calls, juvenile incidents, property damage crashes, fraud reports and several arrests across Wayzata and Long Lake.
One of the month’s most significant incidents occurred June 24 near Wayzata Boulevard and Bushaway Road, where a driver allegedly fled from officers during an attempted traffic stop.
According to the report, the vehicle spun out and the driver continued fleeing on foot. Officers from multiple agencies conducted an extensive search but were unable to locate the driver. Police determined that the vehicle had been stolen in St. Louis Park and impounded it for processing. The incident remains under investigation.
On June 30, officers responded to a crash involving a vehicle and a juvenile riding an e-bike at Highway 12 and Central Avenue. The juvenile received aid at the scene before being transported to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Police noted that the juvenile was wearing a helmet. The driver cooperated with investigators and was not believed to be impaired.
Earlier in the month, an appliance fire damaged an apartment unit in the 100 block of East Wayzata Boulevard. Multiple fire departments responded June 4 and extinguished the fire. One person was transported for treatment of smoke inhalation.
Traffic Enforcement and Arrests
Wayzata police issued 283 traffic citations during June, along with 169 verbal warnings and 47 written warnings — a total of 499 citations and warnings.
A 22-year-old Bloomington man was arrested June 6 near Highway 12 and Central Avenue on suspicion of fourth-degree DWI. Police reported a blood-alcohol concentration of .09. He was booked at the Wayzata Police Department and released to a responsible party.
Two additional motorists were arrested during the month for driving after cancellation deemed inimical to public safety. In both cases, automated license-plate reader notifications alerted officers to the registered drivers’ license status.
Officers also responded to reports of drag racing, loud motorcycles, exhibition driving, vehicles going around barricades and juvenile e-bike riders operating in the roadway.
On June 23, police located four juveniles riding off-road motorcycles near Lake Street and Manitoba Avenue after receiving a complaint about riders popping wheelies. Parents were contacted and warned about the alleged equipment and licensing violations.
Juvenile and Trespassing Complaints
Trespassing was a recurring issue during June, including several reports involving juveniles entering an abandoned building along Wayzata Boulevard.
Four juvenile males were identified following a June 9 trespassing complaint on private property in the 200 block of East Lake Street. The case was referred to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
On June 28, police reported finding 11 males, ranging in age from 13 to 19, trespassing in the 100 block of East Wayzata Boulevard. Parents were contacted.
Officers also confiscated and destroyed an Orbeez-style toy gun after locating juveniles near Lake Street and Manitoba Avenue on June 13. Another complaint involving juveniles with Orbeez guns was reported June 29 in Long Lake, although the group was gone before officers arrived.
Theft, Fraud and Property Complaints
June reports included a fraudulent AT&T account opened with an iPhone purchased in a victim’s name, unauthorized Amazon and PayPal transactions and an alleged $152 debit-card purchase possibly made by a roommate.
Police also received a report of $900 in cash stolen from a vehicle parked in the 600 block of East Wayzata Boulevard. The case was listed as inactive pending additional investigative leads.
Other property reports included slashed tires valued at approximately $1,500, a vehicle keyed on both sides and damaged residential window screens.
At the Wayzata Bar & Grill, officers responded June 30 to a report involving an intoxicated customer with two unpaid tabs. The individual was evaluated, issued a trespass notice and advised to pay the outstanding amount to avoid possible theft charges.
June Activity Totals
The department’s statistical summary included 62 medical calls, 53 assists to other departments, 36 public-assistance calls and 31 property-damage motor vehicle crashes.
Police also recorded 31 driving or traffic complaints, 23 parking complaints, 23 animal complaints, 20 house or business checks, 15 business alarms and 15 home alarms during the month.
The report’s criminal summary included two domestic assault cases, two fourth-degree DWI offenses, a domestic abuse no-contact order violation, two property damage offenses, trespassing, possession of stolen property, theft and two financial transaction card fraud cases.
The City of Wayzata has welcomed Jared Voto as its new Deputy City Manager, adding a seasoned public administrator to City Hall at a time when the community continues to manage growth, public investment, and the daily work of local government.
City Manager Aurora Yager introduced Voto to the City Council during a recent meeting, inviting him to share more about his background and early impressions of Wayzata.
“I’ve had about 20 years of experience in the public sector,” Voto told the council.
Voto said his most recent work was with Washington County, where he served in property records, tax services, and the county administrator’s office. His work there included strategic planning, continuous improvement, and data analysis. Before that, he worked for the City of Richfield, with experience in the city manager’s office and public works.
Voto said he holds a Master of Public Administration degree and developed a strong interest in city governance through his work in local government.
“I’m really excited to be back,” Voto said, noting that city government has been a professional passion of his.
Council members welcomed Voto and asked about what drew him to Wayzata. He pointed to the community itself, the opportunity to work across different areas of city operations, and the chance to both use his prior experience and learn in a new role.
Asked for his first impressions after about a month and a half on the job, Voto said the City’s internal culture had stood out.
He said Wayzata had been described to him during the interview process as “really tight-knit,” adding that his experience so far has been even better than expected.
Voto also shared that he is not a Minnesota native. He spent time in Illinois, including at Northern Illinois University, interned in St. Charles, Illinois, and later lived in Chicago before making his way to Minnesota.
Council members offered a warm welcome, with one noting that Wayzata is “a gem of a place to be working.”
Voto joins the City’s administration team alongside Yager as Wayzata continues work on major civic priorities, public services, downtown vitality, infrastructure, and the long-term stewardship of the community’s lakefront character.
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