West news briefs: Three Rivers Park District hosts snowmobiling forums

Three Rivers Park District is conducting forums to gather public comments about its snowmobiling policy.

Forums will be held:

• Monday, July 1, at 6:30 p.m. at Elm Creek Chalet, 12400 James Deane Parkway in Maple Grove;

• Thursday, July 11, at 6:30 p.m. in partnership with Scott County at the Ridges at Sand Creek, 21775 Ridges Drive in Jordan.

A forum already was held in Minnetrista.

The public also may complete an online survey by July 15 at www.threeriversparks.org/activities/snowmobiling.aspx.

The Park District currently permits snowmobiling in Baker, Carver, Crow-Hassan, Elm Creek, Lake Rebecca and Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserves, as well as Cleary Lake, Spring Lake and Lake Minnetonka Regional Parks.

Edina Parks and Recreation has opened a second off-leash dog park at Strachauer Park, located on Beard Place just north of Hwy. 62.

The hockey rink has been converted to a dog park and is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

The city's other off-leash area is at Van Valkenburg Park, 4935 Lincoln Drive, and is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Dogs must wear a park collar that can be purchased at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St., or online.

Permits are $25 for residents and $50 for nonresidents. Discounts are available for multiple dogs.

Dogs must be vaccinated, and must be leashed when entering and exiting the park.

For more information, a complete list of rules and to buy a permit/collar, go to www.edinamn.gov/index.php?section=forms_leashfree.

The Hamel Rodeo and Bull Ridin' Bonanza is set for July 11-14. Nightly performances are at 7:30 p.m., with a 1 p.m. matinee on July 13. The annual parade through downtown Hamel is July 14 at 2 p.m.

The rodeo is a fundraiser for five community organizations: the Hamel Volunteer Fire Department, the Hamel Athletic Club, the Heinzen-Ditter VFW, the Hamel Lions, and the John Pohlker American Legion Post. Funds raised are split evenly among the organizations.

In the last 32 years, the rodeo has given back $1.1 million to the community.

For more information, visit www.hamelrodeo.org.

Nearly 10,000 people are expected to watch the Lake Minnetonka fireworks show next week.

The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce will host its annual public Fourth of July fireworks event with a full day of family events.

The day starts at 8 a.m. with a two-mile family fun run followed by a 10K at 8:30 a.m.

A sand sculpture contest will take place from 9-10:30 a.m.

A popsicle social takes place from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and a parade will take place on Water Street at 11 a.m.

A kids' fishing contest will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

The evening events include a performance by the Wolverines Big Band at 6:15 p.m., the Lucas Oil Aerobatic Air Show at 8:15 p.m. and the fireworks display starting at dusk.

For more information, go to www.excelsior-lakeminne tonkachamber.com.

The Plymouth Police Department is accepting applications until Aug. 30 for its Public Safety Citizens Academy.

The free 12-week course meets 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursdays beginning Sept. 12, and helps residents learn more about the police and fire departments.

Applicants must be 18 years old and live, work or own a business in Plymouth.

Space is limited to the first 30 eligible applicants. All participants must pass a background check.

A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant.

For more information or to apply, call Community Relations Officer Jim Long at 763-509-5135 or visit plymouthmn.gov/citizensacademy.

The new Round Lake Park Splash Pad, part of the newly renovated Round Lake Park, has opened for the season.

The new splash pad has interactive water features and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 16691 Valley View Road.

For more information, go to www.edenprairie.org/splashpads.