Outdoors

Ice rink warming houses closed early last year, but average pool attendance was up, according to the 2015 parks and recreation report. “I think there’s a thing called global warming that continues to impact us,” joked Randy Distad, parks and rec director. The annual report covered...

The Farmington and Rosemount parks departments put opening dates on their website each year for their outdoor ice rinks. But those dates are never really more than somebody’s best guess. To make ice, you need cold. And predicting what the weather is going to do in Minnesota is never...

The draft version of a plan that will guide the next 10 years of protection and restoration efforts on and around the Vermillion River is available to the public now. The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization released the draft plan Oct. 1 for a required 60-day review...

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is considering a change to fishing rules on the Vermillion River. They hope to draw more people to the aquatic and wildlife management areas near Farmington. We think it’s a great idea. The DNR has put a lot of time and effort into...

Dakota County Master Gardeners are opening their gardens for guests to share and enjoy in Farmington, Apple Valley, Hastings, West Saint Paul and South Saint Paul from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 18. A master gardener will be present at each garden to give tours and answer questions....

Seniors graduate from Farmington and Rosemount high schools this week. Summer is officially under way, and things are about to get busy around here. Farmington’s Dew Days, filled with bed races, rib cookoffs and more, is just 12 days away. The Rosemount Area Arts Council’s Art...