A pair of Canada geese swim in shallow waters at Lakefront Park on April 20, 2025. Jill Kufrin / PL News Compass
Residents of Prior Lake are not opposed to a property tax increase to maintain the city’s robust parks system, according to a survey conducted by a private firm.
Marketing firm Morris Leatherman conducted a phone survey of 625 Prior Lake residents to gather feedback about the city’s parks: current use and future needs were a focus, along with opinions regarding the cost of the park system, both presently and projected.
In the results presented to the city council April 22, it was clear in every case that residents appreciate and use the city’s parks and trails. Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed said that these are important to quality of life and enhance home values. A majority — 65% — support a property tax increase, through a proposed bond referendum for this autumn. These supporters are in favor of updated and new amenities, and said that the parks and trails are “good for the community.” These respondents said they’d use the parks more if there are improvements and new features.
Approximately 33% of those surveyed said they were opposed to a tax hike, stating that taxes and costs are “too high.”
One of the more popular newer park features highlighted in the survey is the introduction of eight pickleball courts at Spring Lake Park in 2021, which resulted in a significant increase in the usage for that space.