BLOOMINGTON
COMMUNITY M GUIDE 2024 2
Park district provides unique experiences
The city of Bloomington is both a provider of many parks and amenities as well as a beneficiary of the assets and expertise that Three Rivers Park District brings to the city .
The park district operates local facilities that provide opportunities for skiing , swimming , hiking and biking , as well as educational , recreational and entertainment programs .
Hyland Lake Park Reserve features prairie landscapes and a major body of water as well as a large play area . Within the park reserve are Richardson Nature Center and the Hyland Ski and Snowboard area , providing opportunities for outdoor fun throughout the year .
Richardson Nature Center is open daily and boasts solar panels atop its roof , which are intended to provide up to half of the building ’ s annual energy use through solar power .
The interpretive area surrounding the building features hiking trails that weave between diverse habitats , including wetlands , oak forests and restored prairie . Along the trails , visitors might spot some of the varied wildlife that live in the park , such as deer , foxes , coyotes , muskrats and turkeys .
Many species of birds can be observed in the area seasonally . Trail guides , exploration kits and interpretive signs are available throughout the park .
The Nature Exploration Area encourages free play in the outdoors . Children can explore , dig and build while adults play along or observe nearby .
Down the road from the nature center is the Hyland Visitor Center , featuring an elaborate outdoor play area and access to paved trails and groomed cross country skiing trails .
Winter sports enthusiasts will also enjoy the Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area .
The ski hill is a great place for downhill skiing and snowboarding in the metro area . The terrain park is full of progressive and innovative features and is known for some of the best snowmaking and grooming in the Midwest . A multi-million dollar improvement brought a new chalet to the ski hill , including improved traffic and parking accommodations .
The fun doesn ’ t end at the ski hill when the snow melts . A disc golf course and a variety of warm weather events , including live music and free outdoor movie screenings , are planned each summer .
The park district also operates Hyland Greens Golf Course . Formerly a city-run entity , the course features a driving range , a short-game area and a practice putting green alongside its nine-hole , par-3 course .
The Three Rivers Park District is a special park district governed by a board of commissioners and a superintendent . The core of the park district is in suburban Hennepin County , but it also serves parts of Ramsey , Scott , Carver and Dakota counties .
The name “ Three Rivers ” comes from the district ’ s geography , situated within the watersheds that flow into three significant rivers to the region : the Mississippi , the Minnesota and the Crow .
Hyland Lake Park Reserve 10145 Bush Lake Road 763-694-7687
Richardson Nature Center 8737 E . Bush Lake Road 763-694-7676 threeriversparks . org
14 | Bloomington Community Guide | 2024