Get cool in Blaine this summer. The city runs a fantastic park along in the heart of The Lakes development near 109th and Radisson Road.
The park is free for Blaine residents (who show proof of residency with a driver’s license). For non-Blaine folks, the fee is a $5 parking permit. Or, opt for a $25 season pass. It’s a pretty good deal when most splash pads charge per person.
Lakeside Commons Park has both a splash pad and a sandy beach. There’s also a picnic pavillion, concessions stand with kayak rental, and playground. The only thing it doesn’t have is shade.
The three-year-old park was busy on the 90ยบ-plus day I went with my sister and our kids, but because there’s so much open space it didn’t seem too crowded. We appreciated the grassy area around the splash pad and north of the beach because it gave people room to spread out. We camped out there and made forays to the beach. Who wants to bring a stroller in the sand? Next time I will bring a sports umbrella, however, so that we have some (man-made) shade.
The splash pad doesn’t have all the tricks many do — there weren’t any buckets that dumped gallons of water or giant mushrooms that sprayed water. Instead they rely on simple fountains. The experience is like running through a bunch of spinklers.
As moms, we appreciated that the beach was roped off into two areas (shallow and deep) making is easier to tell the toddlers what their boundaries were.
The splash pad and beach is a bit of a trek from the parking lot. You’ll either want to pack really light (which is tough on a beach excursion) or you’ll want a stroller.
Have fun!
Lakeside Commons Park
3020 Lake Parkway, Blaine 55449
(3/4 mile down Lakes Parkway off Radisson Road)
HOURS:
Beach: 10am to 8pm
Splash Pad Hours:10am to 6pm
Park Hours: 5am to 10pm
Boathouse: Monday thru Wednesday, Friday: 1pm to 6pm; Thursdays: Noon to 9pm; Weekends: Noon to 6pm
Canoe and Kayak Rental: $7/hour
More information at:
http://www.ci.blaine.mn.us/index.cfm?id=900797
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