Dakota County briefs: Lions Playground leads upgrades at Cliff Fen Park

Burnsville's new Lions Playground at Cliff Fen Park, 120 E. Cliff Road, is now open.

With 87 play pieces, the playground can accommodate up to 265 children at one time.

The city has added electricity and Wi-Fi to the park and shelters.

Park amenities include three picnic shelters, a volleyball court, soccer-football fields, nature trails and a scenic wetland.

The Burnsville Lions Club donated $50,000 for enhanced playground features.

"We have been looking for a big-impact community project, one that would benefit a large number of people, be citywide, be long term, and be one that would allow for public exposure for our club and Lions in general," Burnsville Lions President Mark Moen said. "When we first heard about the playground project, we knew right away it was exactly the project we wanted to be involved with."

Beth Jenson Prouty last week was appointed by Dakota County commissioners to the Dakota County Library Board. She lives in Apple Valley and will represent District 7.

Dakota County and Dakota Valley Recycling will provide recycling bins for plastic, aluminum cans and bottles at Eagan's July 3 and 4 celebration at 1501 Central Pkwy.

The bins will also be provided at the Burnsville Fire Muster, Sept. 4-9 throughout Burnsville.

For more information about recycling in Dakota County, contact Jenny Kedward at jennifer.kedward@co.dakota.mn.us or 952-891-7043.

Home burglaries in Eagan have been on the rise during the daytime hours, with thieves forcing front doors open or entering through unlocked doors and windows in most cases, the police department says

In May, eight similar burglaries were reported between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.. Electronics, jewelry and money were stolen. Police say it is unclear if the cases are related. The department is asking anyone who can help identify people or vehicles connected to the burglaries to call its tip line at 651 675-5799.

The Lakeville Police Department will hold a pancake breakfast to raise money for first aid supplies.

The event is set for Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The cost is $3 for each person. The breakfast will take place at The Fountains at Hosanna, 9850 W. 163rd St. in Lakeville. To RSVP, call Cathe Mattaini at 952-435-7199.

The Focus on Farmington contest is open for those who have a photo showing what is special about the town. Winning photos will be featured in the 2014 community calendar.

Photographers must live, work or go to school in Farmington. Up to 10 entries are allowed for each person. The deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 19. Submit entry forms by e-mail to llarson@ci.farmington.mn.us, or in person or by mail to: city of Farmington, 430 Third Street, 55024. Entry forms can be found at http://tinyurl.com/khsqd5j.