By Patrick Gavin
Chanhassen Communications Manager
As spring turns to summer, Chanhassen is full of activity, community events and exciting progress across town. Here’s a look at what’s happening this month.
Events and Activities
Gnomadic Gnome Nature Adventure
Eco and Quill are back for another citywide scavenger hunt through Chanhassen parks. This year’s “Life Underground” theme invites residents to explore parks, solve clues and earn prizes including native plants and a grand prize mulch giveaway. For more info, click here.
Saturday, May 2 – Arbor Day Tree Planting Event
Join the City of Chanhassen and Environmental Commission at South Lotus Lake Park at 9 a.m. for our annual Arbor Day celebration. Volunteers will help plant trees, enjoy refreshments and take part in family-friendly activities. For more info, click here.
Saturday, May 2 – Free Car Seat Clinic
Certified child passenger safety technicians will be at the Chanhassen Fire Station from 9 a.m. to noon to help families properly install and inspect car seats and boosters. Appointments are encouraged. For more info, click here.
Saturday, May 16 – Free Paper Shredding Event
Safely dispose of sensitive documents at Chanhassen Public Works from 9 a.m. to noon. Residents may bring up to four bags or boxes of paper for secure on-site shredding. For more info, click here.
Saturday, May 23— Lake Ann Openings
Lake Ann concessions and watercraft rentals will open for the 2026 season. The concession stand is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., while watercraft rentals end at 6 p.m. Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, paddleboats and rowboats may be rented at the concession stand on a first-come, first-served basis through approximately the third week of August. Those renting equipment must be at least 18 years old with a photo ID, and users must be 14 or older to operate watercraft. More info here.
Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day Ceremony
Join the community in honoring those who gave their lives in military service. Cemetery services begin at 7:45 a.m., followed by the main ceremony at noon at the Al Klingelhutz Memorial Pavilion at Lake Ann Park. For more info, click here.
Saturday, June 6 — First Chanhassen Farmers Market
Head to City Center Park’s athletic fields (north of the construction fencing) to stock up on healthy local produce and handmade items (9 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday from June 6 to Sept. 26). For more info, click here.
Thursday, June 11 — Free Summer Music
The Summer Concert Series kicks off at Lake Ann Park. For more info, click here.
June 15–18 – Police & Fire Safety Camp
Kids entering grades 2–5 can spend four fun-filled days learning bike safety, water safety, first aid and emergency preparedness from local first responders. For more info, click here.
City News and Services
New Rec Report Video Released
Our Parks Maintenance team has been hard at work preparing ballfields, trails, parks and public spaces for the busy summer season. See the latest behind-the-scenes Rec Report video. For more info, click here.
Yard Waste Site Open for the Season
The city’s yard waste drop-off site at Public Works is now open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Summer Friday noon closings begin later this month. Residents should note updated 2026 pricing, including a new oversized load rate. For more info, click here.
Your Guide to 2026 Road Projects
Several major transportation and street improvement projects are planned this year in Chanhassen and nearby corridors, including neighborhood street work, Highway 5 upgrades, Market Boulevard improvements and more. For more info, click here.
Civic Campus Phase 2 Taking Shape
Construction continues on the future City Center Park at the former City Hall site. The pavilion is near completion with interior finishes underway, and playground and splashpad construction is expected to begin soon. For more info, click here.
City Council Updates
Community Center Construction Advances
The City Council recently approved the first construction bid package for the future Chanhassen Community Center. Bids came in slightly below budget, helping keep the project on track for construction to begin this year and an anticipated spring 2028 opening.
Market Boulevard Improvements
After evaluating several long-term concepts over recent years, the City Council directed staff to proceed with a more focused improvement plan for Market Boulevard. Planned upgrades include roadway resurfacing, a new traffic signal at West 78th Street, railroad crossing improvements and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle connections. Staff members are also coordinating summer events and promotions to support downtown businesses during construction.
See you around Chanhassen!
