Beaches & Lake Access
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Antlers Park beach
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Casperson Park boat launch
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Casperson Park pier
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Valley Lake pier
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Phone 952-985-4600
Weather hotline:
952-985-4690
Public Beaches
Public Lake Access
Free public lake access is available at the following parks:
- Casperson Park - 19720 Juno Trail: Access is located at the west end of Lake Marion, off 195th Street West
- Orchard Lake Park - 11875 175th Street West: Access is located on the south side of the park off 175th Street West
Beach Water Monitoring
E. coli levels are monitored weekly at the three Lakeville swimming beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. To help lower E. coli bacteria levels, do not feed the geese, keep pets off the beach and have young children wear swim diapers.- Are there lifeguards at Lakeville's beaches?
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There are not lifeguards at any Lakeville beaches. Swim at your own risk and stay within designated swimming areas only.
- Are the lakes safe to swim in?
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Generally beach water is safe to swim in, although accidental drownings and waterborne illness are always a concern. Lakeville beach water is sampled weekly to ensure that the water meets the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) proposal for water bacteria levels.
- What do we look for when we sample?
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The most current MPCA recommendations for beach water sampling are to test for the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli). E. coli is one of the intestinal organisms found in warm-blooded animal waste. It is therefore a good indicator of fecal contamination.
- Why are swimming beaches sometimes closed?
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Several factors can cause bacterial levels to increase, which can result in a beach closing. Some of the reasons for increased bacterial levels may be swimmer load and swimmer practices; high water temperature, waterfowl droppings, animal wastes, rainfall and low water levels. When lab results indicate increased levels of bacteria, such as E. coli, city staff has to determine what measures need to be taken to protect the public health. These measures may include more frequent testing, removing waterfowl, and educating users on personal hygienic practices at the beach.
- When do you open the swimming beach once it is closed?
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City of Lakeville staff will reopen the closed beach when E. coli levels fall below the proposed MPCA water bacteria acceptable ranges. In late summer during low water levels and high temperatures, bacterial levels may remain above acceptable levels for a prolonged period of time. This sometimes causes such beaches to remain closed longer than when the water temperature is cooler or if the water levels are higher. City of Lakeville staff will open the beach as soon as it is safe to do so, but always keeping the public’s health in mind.
- Can you eat the fish?
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Yes, fish is normally safe if it is cooked.
- How harmful are E. coli bacteria?
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Some strains of E. coli can make people sick if ingested with water at swimming facilities. In general, however, the E. coli test is used as an indication that some harmful organisms may be present at a swimming facility.