South news briefs: New splash pad opens at Cliff Fen Park in Burnsville

The Burnsville Lions Playground and Splash Pad at Cliff Fen Park held its grand opening last week.

The playground has 87 play pieces on which children of all ages can run, swing, slide and climb. The playground can accommodate up to 265 children at a time. The splash pad covers approximately 2,000 square feet and has a dozen water features.

The city also added wireless Internet and electricity to the park and its picnic shelters.

The Burnsville Lions Club donated $70,000 in April 2014 to build the splash pad. Construction started in May 2015.

Cliff Fen Park is at 120 E. Cliff Road.

Rosemount neighborhoods that register by July 31 to have a "Night to Unite" block party can have city crews deliver barricades to close off the street for the party.

Night to Unite is Aug. 4. Police, firefighters and city staff will visit registered parties between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. They will collect personal hygiene products to help needy Dakota County families. Items needed include toilet paper, shampoo, soap, tooth brushes, toothpaste and deodorant.

In recent years, more than 30 neighborhoods in Rosemount have held block parties. Partygoers turn on their lights, lock their doors and gather outdoors to get to know their neighbors.

"The connections that are made and strengthened through Night to Unite carry far beyond a single evening," Julie Pulkrabek, a Rosemount police officer, said in a news release. "Close-knit neighborhoods are safe neighborhoods because neighbors look out for each other."

Leprechaun Days, Rosemount's summer celebration, continues through July 26.

Events on Sunday include free open skating at the Rosemount Arena from 1:30 to 3 p.m.; the Rosemount Pipers Family Day, in which the over-35 men's baseball team will play a doubleheader against Burnsville and Prior Lake starting at 2 p.m.; a kiddie parade at 5:30 p.m., and a euchre card tournament at 7 p.m.

The "Leprechaun's Lost Medallion Hunt" with a $500 cash prize starts Monday and runs for five days or until the medallion is found. The clues will be posted at 9 a.m. each day on the front door of Sterling State Bank at 4520 150th St. W. and on the Sun newspaper website.

For a complete schedule, go to www.rosemountevents.com and click on Leprechaun Days.

Residents and businesses that will be affected by a 2016 road paving project on Hwy. 3 between Hwy. 50 in Farmington and 170th Street in Empire Township are invited to an informal open house from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Minnesota Department of Transportation officials will be at the Farmington City Hall, 430 3rd St., to answer questions.

The construction project is scheduled to begin in summer 2016 and be completed by fall 2016. Although the road will not be closed, motorists should expect some delays, MnDOT said.

Workshops will be held Monday and Tuesday at the Farmington Library for adults and teenagers who would like to learn more about 3-D printing and the software that makes it happen.

Participants will make a small design and print it using a MakerBot Replicator 2.

Monday's program at 6 p.m. is for adults only. Tuesday's program at 2 p.m. is for teenagers, 14 to 18.

The library is at 508 3rd St. Registration is required. Go online to www.co.dakota.mn.us/library and click on the calendar of events or call 651-438-0250.

The South of the River Recreators and Runner's Gate will host an off-road trail run at Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville from 6 to 8 p.m. July 28.

The route is about 5 kilometers and is self-timed. After the run, there will be music, prizes and snacks.

Participants can register in advance or at 5:30 p.m. on the day of the run. Ritter Farm Park is at 19300 Ritter Trail. To register or for more information, 952-985-4600.

Children ages 5 to 8 can attend a safety camp at Antlers Park to learn about water, fire, 911, stranger danger, animal safety and other topics from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday and Tuesday. The kids also get to tour a fire truck and police squad car. Snacks and a beverage will be available each day.

The camp cost is $19 and preregistration is required. Antlers Park is at 9740 201st St. W. in Lakeville.

To register, go to www.ci.lakeville.mn.us and click on the events calendar or call 952-985-4600.

Pat Pheifer