April 24, 2025

Spring weather is encouraging everyone to get outside and enjoy some of the many local activities that are planned. The downtown Prior Lake area will be busy in the coming week with a book sale at the Prior Lake Library, Aprilfest celebration hosted by St. Michael Church, Lakeside Big Band playing at the VFW, and the "grand re-opening" of the Main Avenue business community. Information links to all can be found in this week's "Events" listing.

April 24, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

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TOP STORY

A pair of Canada geese swim in shallow waters at Lakefront Park on April 20, 2025. Jill Kufrin / PL News Compass

City survey shows support for fall bond referendum to update local parks

Residents of Prior Lake are not opposed to a property tax increase to maintain the city’s robust parks system, according to a survey conducted by a private firm.

Marketing firm Morris Leatherman conducted a phone survey of 625 Prior Lake residents to gather feedback about the city’s parks: current use and future needs were a focus, along with opinions regarding the cost of the park system, both presently and projected.

In the results presented to the city council April 22, it was clear in every case that residents appreciate and use the city’s parks and trails. Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed said that these are important to quality of life and enhance home values. A majority — 65% — support a property tax increase, through a proposed bond referendum for this autumn. These supporters are in favor of updated and new amenities, and said that the parks and trails are “good for the community.” These respondents said they’d use the parks more if there are improvements and new features.

Approximately 33% of those surveyed said they were opposed to a tax hike, stating that taxes and costs are “too high.”

One of the more popular newer park features highlighted in the survey is the introduction of eight pickleball courts at Spring Lake Park in June 2021, which resulted in a significant increase in the usage for that space.

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NEWS

Club Prior has new leader; goal is to increase services

Ethan Tracy has assumed a new role with the city’s parks and recreation department and will focus on expanding senior offerings.

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More News

Schools

Ben Snider struck out six Eastview batters.

Laker baseball team on a roll with three consecutive wins

The Prior Lake Laker Varsity Baseball team is on a three-game winning streak and now has a 5-2 win loss record in play after beating Eastview, Burnsville and Rosemount.

Schools

UPCOMING EVENTS

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