Briefs: Ideas sought for major park in Empire Township

Share your thoughts on plans for the new Whitetail Woods Regional Park in Empire Township at an open house on Monday.

The forum, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lebanon Hills Regional Park Visitor Center, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, will give the public a chance to view architectural concepts and organization of the new park.

Comments will be relayed to the Dakota County Board in September when it reviews the plans.

The new park in Empire Township is expected to open in phases, with the first trails and facilities under construction next year for a hoped-for 2014 opening.

Who's creating a better future for city? Nominations are open for the 2012 Community Builder Awards, recognizing those who "build a brighter future for Burnsville."

The awards have no age limit -- both youth and senior citizens have won in the past -- and can be given to individuals, community groups or businesses with Burnsville residency.

Nomination forms are online at www.burnsville.org/comm unitybuilder. You can also send letters, including the nominee's name, contact information and reason for recognition, to Community Builder Award, City of Burnsville, 100 Civic Center Pkwy., Burnsville, MN 55337. Deadline is Sept 4.

Preview plans for upgraded skate park Check out Burnsville's plans for upgrading its skate park at a meeting Tuesday evening.

Construction plans and timelines for the improvements, including a new entrance, landscaping, equipment and a new concrete skating surface will be on display from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Pkwy.

The budget is $92,000, with about $6,500 coming from a committee of volunteers and skate park supporters who have been seeking donations. The city expects to contribute as much as $86,000.

With approval of the City Council this month, construction would begin in early September and end in late November.

Visit fire station for tour and an ice cream social Enjoy a cool treat on Thursday at the Eagan fire department's annual ice cream social.

The venue is Fire Safety Center/Station No. 2, 1001 Station Trail.