Dakota County briefs: Applicants sought for Apple Valley parks/rec committee

The city of Apple Valley is seeking applicants for a vacancy on its Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The City Council will appoint the committee member for the remainder of a three-year term that expires March 1, 2016.

The seven-member board meets once a month in January, March, May, September and November.

Applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. June 12. Forms are available at www.cityofapplevalley.org,at the City Clerk's office (7100 147th St. W.) or by calling 952-953-2506.

The Sweet Sioux Garden Club will host a Memorial Day ceremony and observance from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday in the Bicentennial Garden, 13400 Nicollet Av. S. Refreshments will be served afterward in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Burnsville residents can leave unwanted bulky items such as appliances and electronics on the curb for collection from June 8-13.

Residents must contact Buckingham Companies at 952-226-6441 to schedule pickup and arrange payment. Mention the "I Love Burnsville" curbside collection to receive the discount. Pickup will be on the same day as weekly garbage collections. Items can be left out only on the day of the scheduled pickup.

Appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, water heaters, washers and dryers will cost $30 each; televisions, $20 to $70; VCRs, DVD players and stereos, $6; chairs, $5 to $18; recliners, $30; couches, $20 to $30; doors, $8 to $25; and tires, $12 to $50.

The restrictions apply to all properties in the city. The only exceptions are for new sod, seed or landscaping for the first three weeks of planting.

If the property's address ends in an odd number such as 311, outdoor watering is allowed on the odd dates of the month, i.e., the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, etc. If the address ends in an even number such as 310, outdoor watering is allowed on even-numbered dates: the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and so on.

The city says on its website that "cooperation and compliance with this program will help recognize and respect the limited natural resources."

For a recorded status update, call 651-675-5350.

Eagan residents are free to use Core Valley, a new custom-designed fitness area that encourages outdoor play for all ages.

The playground was developed and built by the city's Fitness and Parks staff and is billed as "the first of its kind in the state."

A dedication ceremony for the new press box at Veterans Park in Hastings will begin at 1:45 p.m. Monday before the Hastings Hawks vs. Hampton Cardinals baseball game.

The project was funded by baseball enthusiast and past Hastings Hawks president Doug Weimer. Weimer, the press box committee and local businesses will be recognized at the ceremony by Mayor Paul Hicks.

A moment of silence will be held in honor of Memorial Day.

Tailgating before the baseball game is "highly encouraged," the city said. Hastings youth baseball players are always welcome to come out to the park and help out with batting practice.

For more information, go to www.hastingshawks.com.

A new "Sets in the City" tennis league is forming in the south metro for adults with some experience and knowledge of the sport.

The Sunday evening social matches will be played from 6:30 to 8 p.m. June 14, 21, 28, and July 12 and 19 at Scott Highlands Middle School, 14011 Pilot Knob Road, Apple Valley. Players will be paired by skill level and play singles and/or doubles matches. The league is open to all levels, but participants are asked to have a basic understanding of the rules of tennis.

The league is being organized by Jeanne Ewen and United States Tennis Association Northern, a governing body for recreational tennis. Registration is $60. Sign up through District 196 Community Ed at http://bit.ly/1IMafyx.

The University of Minnesota Extension, Dakota 4-H Youth Teaching Youth program wants input from former teen teachers on its upcoming alcohol and tobacco decisions curriculum.

If you are willing to share your experience about the 4-H Youth Teaching Youth program and the impact it had on your life, please contact Rachel at 651-480-7754 or reza0027@umn.edu.

Steve Michaud Park in Lakeville has been named the 2014 Sports Field of the Year by the Minnesota Park and Sports Turf Managers Association.

The annual award recognizes athletic facilities for their outstanding maintenance, aesthetics, and overall playing conditions.

Each season the park plays host to more than 1,500 soccer games and 2,600 hours of game and practice time. Steve Michaud Park includes 11 soccer fields, a baseball field, a community playground, a park building, and concession area.

The Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District will conduct a free workshop on "Blue Thumb Gardening" starting at 6 p.m. June 1 at the Farmington Library. The workshop will teach participants how to create beautiful and affordable gardens that help keep the groundwater clean.