Park Improvements and Updates

AED Installations

In collaboration with the Lakeville Soccer Club, an AED and cabinet were installed at the Caperson Park soccer field and the Steve Michaud Park building. AEDs will also be available at Grand Prairie Park once it has been completed and opened to the public. This is an ongoing effort to provide these resources to visitors of our parks!

Kenwood Trail Middle School Disc Golf Course Upgrades

In preparation for a professional disc golf tournament that was hosted here this year, the 18-hole course underwent an extensive facelift. New tee pads and directional signage were installed throughout the course, as well as debris and vegetation grooming. 

Dakota Heights Rink & Parking Lot Restoration

Resurfacing and leveling of the hockey rink were completed in addition to parking lot improvements. 

Security Upgrades/Additions

The installation of security cameras and network connectivity throughout the park system is an ongoing process. Security cameras have been installed at Antlers and Steve Michaud Parks, along with fiber optic connectivity at Steve Michaud Park.

*Spyglass Park Phase II - 2025

Expansion and improvements to the existing park inlcuded:

• Bocce ball courts
• Multi-purpose athletic deck
• Half basketball court with pickleball striping
• Picnic shelter
• Play area, pre-school addition
• Trails

Playground Replacements

In keeping with the standard playground replacement schedule, two playgrounds were replaced:

• Kensington Park
• Marion Fields Park

Aronson Park Improvements

A new picnic shelter was constructed at the park, and the Veterans Memorial underwent needed repairs to the concrete pad. In addition, Softball Fields 1 & 3 were renovated in early spring before the heavy usage season.

King Park Improvements

The third base dugout on Field 5 at King Park was damaged by frost during the previous winter. The damage was significant, and the entire dugout floor was replaced to provide a safe and smooth surface for players. As part of the process of replacing the concrete floor a new players bench and new fence fabric was installed around the dugout.

Multiple concrete pads were installed for portable restroom enclosures. A trail access curb was installed on field nine, and a memorial bench was installed. Field 5 dugout repairs were also completed. A new trail was installed to field 9.

Oak Shores Basketball & Tennis Courts

A request for proposals was sent to contractors in early 2024. The proposal included the resurfacing and lining of two tennis courts to include pickleball and lining of the recently resurfaced basketball court. The project was completed in late summer of 2024 with minor disruptions to programming and usage.

Pinnacle Reserve Drain Tile

After construction of the playground, a drain tile that was anticipated to discharge water occasionally has continued to flow water constantly. The discharge point becomes very saturated and the ground downhill from this point was difficult to mow and for patrons of the park to walk through. Staff installed a drain tile extension to the original pipe to discharge the water off the maintained park area and closer to the creek that runs on the north side of the property.

Proxess Installation

Beginning in 2023, staff began piloting an electronic lock system with youth athletic associations utilizing Aronson Park. The transition expanded in fall of 2024 with door repairs and preparation at Parkview, Prairie Lake, Steve Michaud and Ritter Farm Park buildings. All of the warming houses also converted to the Proxess system. As the project progresses, the Fine Arts Building and Heritage Center will complete their transition to the lock system.

Playground Replacements

In keeping with the standard playground replacement schedule, two playgrounds were replaced:

• Kenmore Park
• Foxborough Park

Aronson Park Irrigation Installation

In cooperation with a contractor, the installation of irrigation was completed on five softball fields at Aronson Park. Following extensive drought conditions, the irrigation system will improve the condition and playability of the fields.

Casperson Boat Launch Extension

The Casperson Boat Launch Phase II project was completed in late 2023. The project added nearly 30 more feet of concrete planks to the existing launch. The additional concrete launch planks will allow boaters better access during the low water levels of the lake.

Casperson Park Irrigation

Irrigation was installed at Casperson Park near the bandshell. Following two summers of drought, staff’s seeding efforts and newly installed irrigation paid off with the growth of new turf at the park.

Dakota Heights Warming House Improvements

Interior renovations, including new flooring and painting, were completed at the Dakota Heights Warming House. Exterior renovations included the construction of a new concrete walkway and restroom enclosure.

Knob Hill Park Construction

This neighborhood park includes:

• Multi-purpose athletic deck
• Half basketball court
• Two pickleball courts
• Playground areas for 2-5 and 5-12-year-olds
• Shelter
• Looped trail system

Park ID Sign Replacements

As part of the 2021 Park Bond Referendum, park ID signs throughout the park system were replaced with updated designs and standard landscaping.

Ritter Farm Park Equestrian Amenities

Among the extensive trail system located at Ritter Farm Park, there are trails suitable for equestrian usage. Staff installed a horse mounting block and high hitching post.

Capserson Park Improvements

Several projects were completed at Casperson Park and the boat launch this past year. One of the most notable additions was the new bandshell and performance stage. The design work began in late May 2022 and was completed in September. The structure is located near Shelter A and takes advantage of the park's natural slope for seating.  In addition to the band shell, improvements were made to the parking lot. These enhancements included the reconstruction of the boat launch parking lot and the south upper lot, aimed at improving traffic flow and accessibility to the boat launch. A camera was also installed to provide real-time updates on traffic conditions at the boat launch, allowing park users to monitor daily activity levels. Finally, the reconstruction of the boat launch itself was completed in late fall.

Basketball Court Replacements

Over the course of the summer, six basketball courts were replaced as part of the 2021 Park Bond Referendum:

• Bassett Park
• Foxborough Park
• Greenridge Park
• Highview Heights Park
• Hypoint Crossing Park
• Rolling Oaks Park

North Creek Park Construction

This neighborhood park includes:

• Dual striped basketball/pickleball court
• Open lawn/multi-purpose green space
• Play equipment
• Shelter
• Trails

Pinnacle Reserve Park Construction

This neighborhood park includes:

• Dual striped basketball/pickleball court
• Playground areas for 2-5 and 5-12-year-olds
• Shelter
• Looped trail system

Playground Replacements

In keeping with the standard playground replacement schedule, two playgrounds were replaced:

• Bunker Hill Park
• Hypointe Crossing Park

Bunker Hill Park Pickleball & Basketball Courts

The existing tennis courts were resurfaced and converted into six pickleball courts, and the aged basketball court was resurfaced.

Casperson Park Shelter A Reconstruction

The restroom building and main shelter were struck by lightning and required extensive repair.

Cedar Crossing Park Construction

Construction of this new neighborhood park was completed in 2021 and opened in the spring of the following year. The new park included:

• Half basketball court
• Two pickleball courts
• Playground areas for 2-5 and 5-12-year-olds
• Shelter
• Trail system and parking lot

Valley Lake Pollinator Garden

After years of declining water quality, staff proposed removing the swimming beach at Valley Lake and replacing it with a pollinator garden to help improve the situation. Alongside 16 volunteers from the Lakeville Lions, they planted approximately 650 plants. The project was primarily funded by a generous donation of over $16,000 from the Lakeville Lions. Due to the extreme drought conditions Minnesota experienced that summer, the Environmental Resources and Parks Department staff worked diligently to water the new plants. This marks Lakeville’s second pollinator garden, which will provide a vital habitat for important pollinators to thrive.

West Lake Marion Bike Trail Fix-It Station

In collaboration with volunteers from the Lakeville Cycling Association (LCA), improvements were made to the trailhead at the West Lake Marion Mountain Bike Trail. These enhancements included the installation of a bike repair station and a new skills area. The LCA generously donated $800 for the bike repair station, and many volunteer hours were dedicated to trail maintenance and improvements.

Playground Replacements

In keeping with the standard playground replacement schedule, two playgrounds were replaced:

• Greenridge Park
• Independence Park