2006 Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan - City of Lakeville

• Ritter Farm Park is a very unique and attractive component of the City’s overall park
system, however, the park has limited site access. Requests for improved access
into Ritter Farm Park via trailway connections have been identified as a priority
improvement along with potential expansion of the park.
• Athletic associations within the community have consistently complimented the City
on the quality of the existing facilities, while continuing to express a need for
expanded facilities to serve growing enrollments in their program. A desire to have
facilities of sufficient size and design to accommodate tournament play was
expressed for sports of baseball, softball, and soccer as a means to promote
Lakeville’s sport programs, generate revenues for both the athletic associations and
park improvements, and enhance the Lakeville area economy.
• Collaborative efforts between the City of Lakeville and the local School Districts
planning new school sites in conjunction with adjoining park sites, most recently with
Lakeville South High School has been successful in providing new recreational
facilities in a cost effective manner for limited public resources. These efforts should
be continued as part of the planning of either the City or its School Districts for future
facilities being considered within Lakeville.
• The Parks, Trails and Open Space plan identifies high priority acquisition sites
throughout the City to expand existing facilities and preserve natural resources.
Examples of these sites include the large stand of significant trees to be known as
the Central District Woods located east of Highview Avenue and south of future
185 th Street, expansion of Ritter Farm Park south of its current boundaries to include
a small wetland/waterbody, acquisition of the Bury and Rechtzigel properties to
connect Lake Marion and Casperson Parks, expansion of Antlers Park to CSAH 50
and extension of a greenway corridor from CSAH 50 to 175 th Street through the
Helkenn property, then along the north side of Oakridge Heights to 175 th Street.
Trail System Issues and Opportunities
The Lakeville trail system is an integral component of both the City’s park and
transportation systems. The following issues and opportunities have been identified:
• The completion of the trail system is development driven with trail segments
constructed with new subdivisions. This has resulted in some incomplete trail
corridors and dead-end trails. The completion or extension of the existing
incomplete trails is seen as a priority to provide for circulation and connection
throughout the Parks and Trails system.
• The concept of trailways through natural greenways offer a unique and attractive
element to the Lakeville trail system that will be resistant to demographic changes
likely to occur as the community matures. Development of greenways has been a
central part of the City’s parks, trails and open space system promoted through
ongoing Growth Management Strategy efforts, the 1998 Comprehensive Plan and
2000 Park, Trail and Open Space Plan.
City of Lakeville, Minnesota
Chapter Four
2006 Comprehensive Parks, Trails, & Open Space Plan Page 74