Playtime fun at Howard Lake parks

Howard Lake has plenty of pretty parks and playground equipment for all kinds of outdoor enjoyment.

The spacious Memorial Park on the shore of Howard Lake is located near Wright County Road 6. Groups and organizations enjoy renting the space for graduation parties, picnics, company gatherings, and more. For more information about renting, contact city hall at (320) 543-3670.

Memorial Park is the home of the Orphans’ baseball field and is the place for the American Legion’s traveling baseball league practices. Amenities at the park include a volleyball court, park pavilion, fishing pier, and public restrooms.

Another popular area is Lake Ridge Park, in the Lake Ridge Development north of town. It was created in 2007, and offers fun playground equipment for children, and comfortable benches for parents and grandparents.

Lions Park, on Highway 12, offers a public water access to Howard Lake. In the summer, many residents and visitors take advantage of the beach access, boat launch, and dock. The newly remodeled playground equipment is a great spot for children to play, and the pavilion area is a perfect place for picnics.

The 12th Street Park is near the Dutch Lake subdivision, and the ice skating rink is located there in the winter. Playground equipment for children will be added in fall 2011.

In addition, a nature trail in the Dutch Lake subdivision provides a peaceful nature walk in an area rich with wildlife.