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The Roundabout
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Welcome to your weekly Roundabout!
Woodbury’s $42.3 million Central Park project is nearing the finish line, and this week’s “sneak peek” gave a first look at new green spaces, gathering spots and community upgrades ahead of a phased soft opening.
We’re also covering the crowded race for four SoWashCo school board seats, where nine candidates are vying for a chance to impact District 833, and tracking developments in the case of a former teacher accused of soliciting underage sex online.
Woodbury has plenty on its plate this week, from big projects to tough conversations shaping the community.
Editor: Chuck Nowlen
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Top Story
Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Okada began the 'sneak peek' tour with Central Park's new lower-floor green space and wandering path. Photo by Chuck Nowlen
'Sneak Peek' Tour Heralds Central Park Soft Opening
by Chuck Nowlen | Editor | Published on October 1, 2025
Woodbury’s $42.3 million Central Park project still bore signs of home-stretch construction during a “sneak peek” tour of the interior Tuesday afternoon, but there were more than enough finished features to dazzle.
The one-hour tour, led by Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Okada, was limited to local news media in anticipation of a phased-in soft-opening process that began Wednesday.
Schools
 | Election 2025: Crowded Field For Open SoWashCo School Board Seatsby Manali Shah | Editorial Staff ReporterNine candidates are running for four open seats on the seven-member South Washington County School Board, which oversees the sixth-largest district in Minnesota, with a student enrollment of more than 18,600 students. |
News
 | Evidentiary Hearing Set For Teacher Accused Of Seeking Underage Sex Onlineby Chuck Nowlen | EditorA Blue Earth County circuit judge has ordered an evidentiary hearing for Jayme Scott Ralph Strand, a former Woodbury Math & Science Academy coach and physical education teacher accused of soliciting underage sex online. |
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Out & About
 | Dwayne Johnson gets serious in 'The Smashing Machine.by Hunter Friesen | Staff Reporter“The Smashing Machine” could have had it all. It’s got an interesting premise about the life story of Mark Kerr, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, whose blood, sweat, and tears laid the groundwork for all the glitz and glamour that current fighters have the privilege to bask in. |
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