A mayor's message: Welcome to our city!

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Woodbury! Whether you are a new resident, a visitor, a business owner or an employee of a local company, I invite you to discover the many amenities that make Woodbury a dynamic place to live, work and play.

With a population that is nearing 60,000, Woodbury is a vibrant community with a full range of recreational facilities, numerous retail businesses and beautiful residential neighborhoods. Eight small lakes, most with public parks and pathways, dot the city.

Neighborhoods are connected by more than 100 miles of multi-use trails and residents have a wide choice of housing, ranging from apartments and townhomes to large-lot estates.

The city's park system features 3,000 acres of park land, more than 40 community and neighborhood parks, a swimming beach, fishing pier and the Eagle Valley Municipal Golf Course.

Woodbury also operates the Bielenberg Sports Center, which houses two indoor ice arenas and a field house with walking/running track. A major retrofit of the mechanical system at the sports center was completed late in 2009, producing significant savings in energy and water. The outdoor facilities, which include walking trails, tennis courts and picnic shelters, were expanded in 2009 in conjunction with construction of the new East Ridge High School. The number of athletic fields increased from 14 to 36; lighted fields increased from eight to 14.

Those seeking a park atmosphere year-round will find it at Woodbury's Central Park in the City Center area. The indoor park has extensive landscaping, a small amphitheater, meeting and activity rooms, and a coffee shop. The park functions as the central space linking Washington County's R.H. Stafford Library and the Southeast Area YMCA. The facility houses the Lookout Ridge indoor play area, as well as School District 833's Early Childhood Family Education program.

Despite the challenges posed by the current economic conditions, Woodbury maintains a solid financial position. The city’s credit rating was upgraded to AAA in 2009 by Standard & Poor’s, the bond rating service.

To stimulate economic development, the city has launched the Woodbury “HealthCore,” an initiative to promote the community as a medical destination and to grow health care businesses here. While the new initiative is city-wide, it also highlights the Medical Campus District established in 2008 in the area adjoining Woodwinds Health Campus.

So, whether you’re a visitor or a long-time resident, I invite you to explore and enjoy Woodbury. I’m proud of our community and hope you feel at home here.

Bill Hargis is the mayor of Woodbury.

Tags: community guide, about woodbury