Mendota Heights parks celebration marks 25th year

Mendota Heights' 25th anniversary parks celebration is set for next weekend, June 1-3.

Started as a simple gathering to get people together for fun in the parks, the event has grown over the years, said Jake Sedlacek, assistant to the city administrator.

The focus has traditionally been on youth activities but this year, to mark the 25th anniversary, activities for adults are scheduled as well.

A petting zoo, inflatable bouncers, fire truck rides, live music and a magician are lined up for children.

For adults, there will be fitness classes featuring core strength training and Zumba dance.

Most activities will be in Mendakota Park, including an invitational baseball tournament, which will run from Friday to Sunday at Mendakota Park.

Five music is scheduled for Market Square Park on Friday. Night golf at Mendota Heights Par 3 will begin at 8 p.m. at a cost of $15 per player.

On Sunday, the police department will have an open house from noon to 4 p.m. A free tour of Pilot Knob will start at 1 p.m. There will be a dedication at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall for the renaming of Civic Center Ballfield as Mertensotto Field to honor former Mendota Heights Mayor Charles Mertensotto, who held the office for 16 years.

In addition to its par 3 course, Mendota Heights has 15 parks and Pilot Knob Open Space. Most are neighborhood parks; most purchased with funds approved by referendum in 1989, Sedlacek said.

Mendakota and Kensington, the two largest parks, have the two largest playgrounds.

No further park additions are planned, Sedlacek said. "We are happy with the park system and we want to maintain what we have."