BURNSVILLE
COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2025-26
Parks offer summer, winter escapes
The Burnsville Parks System boasts nearly 1,750 acres of park land spanning over 76 parks to help residents to explore the great outdoors. Approximately one-third of the parkland is developed for active uses. The other two-thirds are preserved as natural areas, some accessed by trails.
Sports-enthusiasts can use the pickleball, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts; and trails are available for hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking. Other athletic amenities include in-line skating rinks, hockey and pleasure rinks, an archery range, a skate park, a disc golf course, splash pads, numerous athletic fields and WiFi.
For those who prefer more leisurely activities, there is a public beach and a boat launch on Crystal Lake, recreation buildings, picnic shelters, playground areas and the Alimagnet Dog Park for those who prefer to recreate with their canine friends.
• Park hours are 5 a. m. to 10 p. m.
• Motorized vehicles( including all-terrain vehicles, minibikes, motorcycles, mopeds, etc.) are not allowed anywhere in the parks except on roadways or parking lots. Furthermore, parking of motorized vehicles is not allowed on grassy areas.
• Alcohol is prohibited in the following areas in the Burnsville Park System:
All of Black Dog Park and Crystal Lake West Park( except boat launch). Within 30 feet of youth fields and activities. On or within 30 feet of parking lots and access roads. Inside or on adult fields for all adult leagues.
12 | BURNSVILLE | Community Guide 2025-26
Photo contributed by Mick Richards
All recreation buildings and warming houses( except by special permit). All beaches and beach viewing areas. The city’ s new Bring It In- Take It Out program started a few years ago, as trash cans have been removed from some smaller parks. Visitors are asked to take their trash with them when they leave, reducing the strain on limited resources and increasing the beauty of the parks.
The city has new natural spaces developed in the past four years, including 2 acres at Lake Park, 4.6 acres at North River Hills Park, 0.1 acre at Crystal West Park, 0.8 acre at North River Hills Park, 1.5 acres at Highland View Park.
More about the parks, including rules, is at www. burnsvillemn. gov / parks.
Burnsville is also home to two major regional facilities. Part of the Black Dog Unit of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 1,300 acres in size, is located in the northeast portion of the city. Part of Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve, a 2,400 acre regional park in Dakota and Scott Counties, is located in the city’ s southwest corner.
The Burnsville Parks & Natural Resources Commission makes recommendations on issues related to park, recreation and open space needs of the community and the protection of Burnsville’ s natural resources. It has six regular members, one alternate member and two youth members. It meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p. m. at Burnsville Council Chambers.