Parks

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The natural habitat and enjoying nature are very important parts of the city of Chaska, which is apparent based on the number of parks and trails that span the area. The idea of community that is so entrenched in Chaska is best expressed by the parks and various areas that people can enjoy time together. Several communities that are part of the Johnathan Association also have small playgrounds dotting the neighborhoods called "Tot Lots" to ensure that children always have a place to play. Out of the 29 parks and recreational areas in Chaska, here are a few that stand out.

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Community Center Park Part of the Chaska Community Center and next to the Chaska Middle Schools, this park has: Trail access, picnic areas, rest rooms, play equipment, as is an ice arena in winter. The schools next to it have tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and a track.

Community Park Community Park is part of the Clover Ridge Elementary School and has trails, a shelter, picnic areas, rest rooms, play equipment, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, a skateboard park, and skating and hockey in the winter. It also contains the new disc golf course and inside the community center are volleyball courts and a pool.

Cortina Woods Park Part of the Cortina Woods community, this neighborhood park has access to many trails, picnic areas, a playground, and a basketball court. Not to mention it is heavily wooded and has several water features.

Pioneer Park Pioneer Park is centrally located between the Pioneer Ridge Middle School and the District 112 Alternative Learning Program. The park has access to several trails that lead through local neighborhoods, a shelter, picnic areas, rest rooms, a playground, baseball diamonds, and tennis courts.

Town Course Park The Town Course Park is located just inside the Chaska Town Course and has tennis courts, trail access, picnic areas, rest rooms, a playground, as well as has fishing in Lake Bavaria, not to mention golfing.

Wildlife

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In the midst of expanding and building new homes and neighborhoods in Chaska, it has been a constant concern to maintain as much of the natural habitat as possible, which is why you'll find several ponds, wetlands, woods, and natural features scattered throughout the city of Chaska. In fact, Chaska has embraced the natural environment, providing opportunities for the residents to enjoy it as well by creating several trails and paths for walking or biking around most of these natural features; while at the same time keeping far enough away to not disturb the inhabitants.
Arboretum One of the major nearby attractions is the U of M Arboretum. The Arboretum is located just north of Lake Bavaria and is over 1,000 acres of natural areas, gardens, and model landscapes, with over 12.5 miles of paths to walk. The areas represent prairie, wetlands, and woodlands, and are populated with native plants of the Midwest.