MAPLE GROVE MN
Maple Grove MN is a modestly sized city in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. It is part of that metro area, and is a medical center, as well as a cultural and retail center for the region. With a population of nearly 62,000, Maple Grove has one of the largest shopping centers in the Twin Cities area.
HISTORY
The Winnebago Indians lived in the Maple Grove area until 1851, when Louis Gervais came there and settled. By 1855, there were many homes, a church, and a town hall. This city became famous for its maple syrup, mostly because of the vast stands of maple trees that covered the area.
During the early 1900s, interstates were built in the area, and upgraded to the point where Maple Grove began to grow almost exponentially. It is now recognized as perhaps the fastest growing city in Minnesota.
ECONOMY
The Boston Scientific Research, Development, and Manufacturing Facility is a major employer in Maple Grove, with over 3000 employees. Other major employers in the city are the school district and the City of Maple Grove.
There is also a gravel mine in Maple Grove. The GMA, or Gravel Mining Area, has been active since the mid-1920s. This area has been developed into a commerce-centered downtown area and residences. With Main Street completed, the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes was the 2nd phase of development, with the Fountains at Arbor Lakes as another phase. The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes is built to look like a village dating back to mid-19th century. This area is called a “lifestyle center”, and has many of the chain stores familiar in other parts of the country, such as Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, Williams-Sonoma, and P.F. Chang’s. This shopping and dining area is over 413,000 square feet and has over 65 stores.
In addition to the shopping at The Shoppes, The Fountains at Arbor Lakes offers over 850,000 of shopping. This is a hybrid center with chain restaurants, shopping, and a hotel, with a water park, as well. This is also the location of Great River Energy Headquarters, usually recognized as “Minnesota’s most energy efficient building”.
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
The hard working people of Maple Grove share a strong sense of compassion for those less fortunate. There are many charitable organizations in Maple Grove, including the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and Habitat for Humanity. Residents in Maple Grove often donate cars for Heritage for the Blind. This helps people of all ages who have visual impairment and other disabilities. People who have vision problems can learn about eye disorders through Heritage for the Blind. They can also find rehabilitation facilities and get support that helps restore them to an independent lifestyle. Heritage for the Blind accepts car donations on their website. These vehicle donations for the blind provide funding for many services.
People who live in Maple Grove have a plenty to offer. The commitment to preserving their heritage and serving their fellow man makes Maple Grove stand out among other cities this size.