1,300 Lakeville Residents Weighed In on Parks — Here's What They Want
TLDR
Over 1,300 people responded to Lakeville's parks survey. 82% say parks are well-maintained. 90%+ feel safe. The biggest asks: water access, better trail crossings, indoor recreation, cooler playgrounds, and — the loudest one — a community center. An interactive map is open through March 31. Open houses are March 4 and March 21.
Lakeville asked residents what they think about the parks system. Over 1,300 people answered. And the results tell a clear story about what people love — and what they want more of.
The Good News
Two numbers really stood out. 82% of people who responded say Lakeville's parks are well-maintained. And over 90% say they feel safe when they use parks and trails.
Parks director Joe Macy called those "exceptional scores." But he was quick to add that there's always room to improve.
Trails are the clear favorite. 75% of residents use them every day or several times a week. Natural areas, playgrounds, and picnic shelters also scored high.
Things like dog parks, tennis courts, and horseback riding ranked lower — but that's expected. Those serve smaller groups. It doesn't mean they're not important. It just helps the city figure out how many of each to build and where to put them.
What People Want More Of
Here's where it gets interesting. When asked what they wish Lakeville had more of, the answers were clear.
Water access came in hot. Splash pads, kayaking, fishing, and swimming all ranked high. The new splash pad opening this spring will help — but people want more water options beyond that.
Trail crossings came up a lot. People love the trails. They just want safer, easier ways to cross busy roads while using them.
Indoor recreation was a big theme. People want space for year-round activities. Walking tracks. Fitness. Programs that don't shut down in winter.
Playgrounds made the list too. Residents want more variety — not the same structure at every park. They want bigger, more exciting "destination" playgrounds. And they want them to be more accessible for kids of all abilities.
The Community Center Question
And then there's the big one. The loudest ask from the survey — by far — was a community center.
Macy was careful about this. "A community center can mean 100 different things to 100 different people," he said. It could mean a gym. A pool. Meeting rooms. Party rental space. A walking track. All of the above.
It's too early to know what shape this takes. But the demand is real and the city is listening.
One council member asked whether future surveys would include willingness-to-pay questions. Macy said general questions about willingness could come in the next survey. But specific dollar amounts — like what you'd see on a bond vote — would come later when there are actual proposals on the table.
The Athletic Associations Weigh In
The city also met with Lakeville's youth sports groups. Their top asks were practical: better parking at sports facilities, better restrooms, and better field maintenance so they can get more use out of existing space.
These groups know the parks well. They use them constantly. Their feedback carries weight in this process.
How You Can Still Weigh In
There's still time to share your thoughts. An interactive Pinpoint map is live right now. You can zoom into any park or trail in the city and flag things you like, things that need attention, or ideas you want the city to consider. It's open through March 31.
You can also see what your neighbors have said — and agree or disagree with their posts. It's a really well-done tool.
Two more in-person chances are coming:
- March 4 — Open house at Lakeville City Hall
- March 21 — Table at the Lakeville Community Expo
A second open house is planned for May. And a bigger, statistically valid survey is coming this summer to verify everything they've heard so far.
The Bottom Line
The parks master plan is at the halfway point. Started in August 2025. Wraps up fall 2026. The decisions made in this plan will shape Lakeville's parks for the next decade. If you care about trails, playgrounds, sports fields, water access, or that community center — now's the time to speak up.
