Lakeville

With a population of 67,000, Lakeville is one of the fastest-growing communities in Minnesota. With quick access to Interstate 35E, providing commuters an easy connection to Minneapolis, Lakeville is in a prime location for a number of reasons. Incorporated in 1967, the city is aptly named due to the number of lakes within its borders.

According to Wikipedia, the city contains several lakes as well as smaller ponds and wetlands within its borders. The two largest lakes are Lake Marion and Orchard Lake, which are used heavily for recreation such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Smaller named natural lakes include East Lake, Kingsley Lake, Lee Lake and Raven Lake. Valley Lake is a small man-made lake in the northern part of the city.

The Lakeville city government operates a large parks department which includes a senior center, an entertainment center, dozens of various neighborhood and community parks, and many miles of multipurpose trails.

Lakeville has many recreational opportunities. The Parks & Recreation Department maintains a total of 62 public properties, including neighborhood and community parks, athletic fields, playgrounds, greenways, trails, tennis courts, skating rinks, picnic areas, conservation areas, nature areas, several public fishing areas, swimming beaches, the City’s Central Maintenance Facility, Senior Center, and the Lakeville Area Arts Center. Notable parks include Ritter Farm Park, North Park, Antlers Park, King Park, Valley Lake Park, and Aronson Park, which features a Veterans Memorial.

Antlers Park features a large swimming beach with volleyball courts, baseball diamonds, a playground area, water equipment, a picnic area, a fishing pier, and horseshoe pits. Orchard Lake Beach has a picnic area, shore fishing, playground equipment, and volleyball courts. Valley Lake Beach includes playground equipment, a picnic area, a walking trail around the lake, a fishing pier and seasonal restrooms.

For more information about the city of Lakeville, please visit the city’s website.