FAQs
- Are there lifeguards at Lakeville's beaches?
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There are not lifeguards at any Lakeville beaches. Swim at your own risk and stay within designated swimming areas only.
- Are the lakes safe to swim in?
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Generally beach water is safe to swim in, although accidental drownings and waterborne illness are always a concern. Lakeville beach water is sampled weekly to ensure that the water meets the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) proposal for water bacteria levels.
- What do we look for when we sample?
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The most current MPCA recommendations for beach water sampling are to test for the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli). E. coli is one of the intestinal organisms found in warm-blooded animal waste. It is therefore a good indicator of fecal contamination.
- Why are swimming beaches sometimes closed?
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Several factors can cause bacterial levels to increase, which can result in a beach closing. Some of the reasons for increased bacterial levels may be swimmer load and swimmer practices; high water temperature, waterfowl droppings, animal wastes, rainfall and low water levels. When lab results indicate increased levels of bacteria, such as E. coli, city staff has to determine what measures need to be taken to protect the public health. These measures may include more frequent testing, removing waterfowl, and educating users on personal hygienic practices at the beach.
- When do you open the swimming beach once it is closed?
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City of Lakeville staff will reopen the closed beach when E. coli levels fall below the proposed MPCA water bacteria acceptable ranges. In late summer during low water levels and high temperatures, bacterial levels may remain above acceptable levels for a prolonged period of time. This sometimes causes such beaches to remain closed longer than when the water temperature is cooler or if the water levels are higher. City of Lakeville staff will open the beach as soon as it is safe to do so, but always keeping the public’s health in mind.
- Can you eat the fish?
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Yes, fish is normally safe if it is cooked.
- How harmful are E. coli bacteria?
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Some strains of E. coli can make people sick if ingested with water at swimming facilities. In general, however, the E. coli test is used as an indication that some harmful organisms may be present at a swimming facility.
- Is alcohol allowed in the parks?
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Yes, but only beer and wine. NO glass containers are permitted.
- What are park hours?
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Daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Can I bring my dog to any park?
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Yes, dogs are permitted in all Lakeville parks as long as they are on a leash.
- How much does it cost to reserve a park shelter/building?
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Groups of 20 or more are required to make a reservation for use of any park. The fee is for half day (9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-10 p.m.) or full day (9 a.m.-10 p.m.).
Lakeville Resident
- Half day shelter: $70
- Full day shelter: $100
- Building: $100
Non-Lakeville Resident
- Half day shelter: $90
- Full day shelter: $150
- Building: $150
Nonprofit Groups
- Lakeville groups: No charge for shelter or building
- Non-Lakeville groups: Groups that serve the Lakeville area are subject to the resident rental fees. Groups that do not serve the Lakeville area are subject to the non-resident rental fees.
- When I rent a park amenity, such as a shelter, am I renting the entire park?
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No, renting a shelter or other park amenity does not grant exclusive access to any one party to any public park.
- Is there electricity at the park shelters?
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Yes. Antlers, Casperson, Valley Lake, Ritter Farm Park gazebo and East Lake all have electrical outlets.
- Can we play music at park shelters?
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Yes. Live or recorded music is permitted as long as the music is not disruptive to other park users or surrounding neighborhoods.
- Can we put up a tent at the shelter?
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Yes. One 10' x 10' pop-up tent is allowed with an existing shelter reservation at no charge. A $25 fee will be charged for any additional tents, which cannot exceed 20' x 20'. Tents are not allowed in the parks without a shelter reservation.
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Phone 952-985-4600
Weather hotline:
952-985-4690