Park Rules

Rules & Ordinances

A number of park rules and ordinances have been established to assure that your visit to Burnsville parks is a positive experience. Your cooperation in abiding by the rules will be greatly appreciated by your fellow park users.

General Park Information

  • Please call the Burnsville Recreation Department at 952-895-4500 with questions
  • Unless otherwise noted, park hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • In case of emergency at any park, dial 9-1-1
  • Additional signs regarding rules and information may be posted at specific parks

Alcohol Restrictions

Alcohol is prohibited in the following areas in the Burnsville Park System:

  • All of Black Dog Park.
  • All of 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.
  • All recreation buildings and warming houses (except by special permit).
  • All beaches and beach viewing areas.

Archery

Archery is permitted at the Burnsville Archery Site located at 12701 Zenith Ave. S.

  • This range is designated ONLY for recreational archers. Higher powered bows/crossbows are prohibited
  • Shoot only in the designated area. Do not shoot into woods or open areas
  • Shoot only from the established firing line
  • Wait for all archers to finish before going downrange
  • NEVER shoot when someone is downrange
  • Shoot only at established targets in your lane
  • Always keep your bow pointed at target
  • Always draw your bow with the arrow parallel to the ground
  • Only nock arrows at the shooting line
  • Shoot within your capabilities
  • Archers under 16 must have adult supervision
  • Communicate to everyone if you must search for arrows
  • Be courteous regarding the length of time and number of arrows you shoot
  • Use of broadheads is prohibited
  • The archery range is drug and alcohol free

Boating on Crystal Lake

The Crystal Lake West boat ramp address is 11 Crystal Lake Road East

  • Watercraft must travel in a counter-clockwise direction when going faster than 5 mph
  • Personal watercraft (e.g., Jet Ski) may only be operated between 9:30 a.m. and one hour before sunset
  • Water ski boats must have an observer
  • No water skiing after sunset
  • Observe these maximum speed limits:
    • 9 a.m. to sunset: 40 mph
    • Sunset to 9 a.m.: 15 mph
    • Slow-No Wake Zones: 5 mph
  • Slow-No Wake Zones include:
    • Maple Island Bay
    • Buck Hill Bay
    • All areas 150 feet from shore (except for Pik Nik Island)

Glass

Glass containers are not allowed in parks. Please help keep our parks safe!

Dogs

Dogs must be on leash [except in dog park]. During the warm weather months dog owners may use the outdoor ice rinks as an off-leash area, as long as the rink gate is kept closed. Please clean up after them, for it is both required by law and common courtesy.

Gated Ice Rinks at: North River Hills, Northview, Paha Sapa, Red Oak, South River Hills, Terrace Oaks East, Timberland, Vista View, Highland Forest, and Knob Hill Park.

Golf Balls

Hitting of regular golf balls is prohibited in all parks (except Birnamwood Golf Course). Hitting of whiffle-style golf balls is allowed, but only off of a piece of carpet to protect turf damage, and with proper caution of others.

Motorized Vehicles
 Motorized vehicles (including all-terrain vehicles, mini-bikes, 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.

Nicollet Commons Park

Nicollet Commons Park is located in the Heart of the City near the Ames Center

  • Open daily from 5 a.m. - midnight
  • Pets must be leashed and owners must pick up after their pets
  • No skateboards or in-line skates
  • No glass containers
  • In case of emergency, use blue emergency phone located on parking deck or dial 9-1-1

Nicollet Commons Park Water Feature

** WARNING - NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY **

  • The water feature is open daily from 9 a.m. - midnight the third weekend in May through the third weekend in September, weather permitting
  • Children are NOT allowed to enter the water feature without the presence of and adult
  • Domestic animals are not allowed in or near the water feature
  • Children in diapers must use swim diapers or plastic pants with tight fitting elastic at the legs and waist. No disposable diapers. Diapers should be changed in public restrooms at north end of park
  • Persons with, or are suspected of having, a communicable disease or infection that can be transmitted through the water are prohibited from using, or working, with the water feature
  • Persons with exposed tissue, open blisters or cuts are warned that these areas may become infected and are advised not to use the water feature
  • No spitting, spouting water from the mouth or blowing nose in the water feature
  • No running or rough play in and around the water feature
  • Rocks may be slippery. Proper footware should be worn at all times

Skate Park

The Burnsville Skate Park is located in Civic Center Park

  • General Information
    • The Skate Park is FREE to the general public
    • The park is designed for skateboards, in-line skates, scooters and BMX freestyle (non-motorized) bikes
    • The skate park is considered closed during inclement weather - do not use when surface is wet or icy. The park is not maintained for skating or biking during the winter months. 
    • Report facility damage or problems to the Recreation Facilities Manager at 952-895-4653
    • Competitions or demonstration events are only allowed with permission from the City of Burnsville
    • Users under the age of 11 must be supervised by a parent or guardian while using this facility
    • The City of Burnsville is not responsible for personal property
    • The City of Burnsville reserves the right to close the skate park for events, emergencies or when conditions necessitates
    • Drinking fountains and vending services are located at Burnsville City Hall and the Burnsville Ice Center. These facilities may not be open every day
    • Entering after the posted hours is considered trespassing and may result in a criminal trespass citation and seizure of equipment
  • Safety Rules
    • The park is designed for all skill levels, be courteous to skaters/bikers with different abilities
    • Helmets, kneepads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are strongly recommended
    • Look before you go! Don't drop in on others - wait your turn
    • Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times
    • Inspect and clean the surfaces before you begin to ensure a smooth, safe ride
    • Please respect park property and park users. Be respectful and courteous - no fighting or foul language
    • The facility is unsupervised and the user assumes all risks inherent in the use of this facility. Know your ability and skate with care
  • Prohibited Items & Activities
    • Motorized equipment
    • Smoking within 30 feet of the park
    • Profanity, cursing or abusive language
    • Drugs, alcohol or tobacco use of any kind
    • Food, drinks or chewing gum on the skating surfaces
    • Metal pegs on bikes. Only plastic pegs are allowed
    • Additional obstacles or any modifications to existing structures (ramps, railings, etc.)
    • Guns or weapons of any kind
    • Graffiti, tagging or stickers
    • Glass containers
    • Horseplay, pushing, shoving or fighting
    • Loud and/or inappropriate music

Splash Pad

The splash pad is located at Burnsville Lions Playground in Cliff Fen Park

  • The splash pad is open from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily the third weekend in May through the third weekend in September, weather permitting
  • Have fun and be respectful of other users
  • Use is at your own risk – no staff on duty
  • No running, rough play, hanging or climbing on water features
  • No food, beverage or glass containers on splash pad
  • Pets are not allowed on splash pad or in water
  • Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, etc. are not allowed on splash pad
  • Children in diapers must wear swim diapers
  • Splash pad activation buttonPersons with infections or communicable diseases that can be transmitted through water cannot use splash pad
  • To activate water, touch the silver button in the center of the blue drain. Water shuts off after several minutes unless the button is pushed again
  • The splash pad is open to the public. However, shelters may be rented for private use. Contact Burnsville Parks & Recreation at 952-895-4500 with any equipment or shelter concerns