VRWJPO Supports Water Conservation at Grand Prairie Park
The City of Lakeville’s Avonlea Community Park isn’t just getting a new name – Grand Prairie Park – it’s getting plenty of new amenities thanks to the passage of the 2021 Park Bond Referendum. Near the intersection of Cedar Ave. and 185th Ave., Grand Prairie Park will host:
- Lakeville’s first splash pad,
- Five multi-use athletic fields,
- Pickleball courts,
- Trails,
- Play equipment, and
- Park shelters for the community.
After three years of historic drought, and with the City and VRWJPO prioritizing water conservation initiatives, staff considered ways to incorporate water-wise technologies into the park development process. As a result of this shared vision, VRWJPO will support implementation of stormwater reuse irrigation systems similar to those at King Park and Aronson Park. This location will offer a new water reuse technology as well.
The first water reuse system will include a pump house that draws water from two onsite stormwater ponds. This stormwater will be used to irrigate the five multi-use athletic fields, following Minnesota Department of Health guidelines. In addition, an underground tank will be installed to recirculate potable (safe for human consumption) water for the splash pad. Site construction began in April 2024.
These projects address VRWJPO goals to reduce stormwater runoff volume, sediment, and phosphorus in nearby Middle Creek-Vermillion River, and to promote groundwater conservation. By reducing the amount of potable water necessary for irrigation and splash pad operations, Lakeville residents will also benefit from reduced strain on local drinking water resources (translating to savings in water extraction, treatment, and delivery costs).
