Posted: 7/12/06
Final Draft - by Cliff Buchan
Parks, arts make Forest Lake a good place to live
All too often in our busy lives we spend too much time focused on topics that polarize us one way or the other.
Mention politics and there is one example. How about annexation or incorporation? Or what about school tax levies or a community center bond referendum? Donít even mention eminent domain these days!
Should Forest Lake knock down its old water tower? And how about that race track and card room that is proposed in Columbus Township?
You get the picture. There is always something to agree or disagree about.
But step away from the negative for a while.
There are other things in Forest Lake that will have you smiling and feeling good about where you live.
Take a trip to Lakeside Memorial Park on any Tuesday night and youíll find one example of the good. And all this month there will be plenty of good entertainment at Forest Lake High School as Masquers Theatre Co. presents ìBye Bye Birdie.î
Many will remember the doom and gloom that swirled when the Lakeside Park reconstruction began a year ago. The sight of old, mature trees being cut down was too much for some.
But those who were opposed then have little to complain about today. The new park is really quite nice. The trees are not of the stature of what was there, of course, but they will come in time. The new design with sidewalks, picnic areas, playgrounds, the beach and the lake walk all add to the existing park gazebo.
Visit any night to see for yourself or come on Tuesday when the park board hosts its Arts in the Park series of free gazebo entertainment. Throw in the farmerís market and bazaar and there is plenty to see and do. Concessions have been scarce and could be better right in the park, but there are plenty of nearby restaurants that can provide food if you come for the evening.
The changes that took place in the park were necessary if the facility was to be truly improved. The grade of the park has been raised and drainage should no longer be a problem. The boat launch facility has been expanded to accommodate visitors who like to enjoy the water.
The city officials who took their lumps last summer now have their redemption. The large crowds that are coming to the park each Tuesday are proof that something turned out right.
For residents who have yet to check out the park, visit on a Tuesday night for starters. Youíll come back for more.
Getting involved is also something important for the public in terms of Forest Lakeís summer stock theater. Last year when it was essential that Masquers get strong public support, a good deal of support came via ticket buyers to the summer production.
While the company is on a stronger financial footing this summer than a year ago, keeping Masquers healthy will need the support of the public. That mainly comes through buying tickets to the play or getting involved as a volunteer in some capacity.
Forest Lake and the entire area is lucky to have Masquers. A community without arts is certainly lacking in one of the amenities that make up good communities. To maintain it, we have to support it.
In ìBye Bye Birdie,î theater goers will see a delightful production that is filled with energetic and talented actors who are sure to entertain. And anyone who enjoys music should add this play to their summer must-see list.
There are still plenty of chances to take in the play. Remaining dates are Thursday through Saturday, July 13-15, Thursday through Saturday, July 20-22 and Thursday through Saturday, July 27-29. All performances are at 7 p.m. and are at the Forest Lake Senior High School.
Matinees at 2 p.m. this Saturday and Saturday, July 22 are being offered. Masquers has partnered with Forest Lake Community Education to offer a matinee special. Buy one ticket, get one of equal or lesser value for free. The special is for the two matinees only. Cost is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (age 60 and up), and $8 for children (12 and under). Tickets may be purchased in advance at The Yellow Bus, 826 S. Lake St. (Lake Shoppes).
To reserve tickets or for more information contact The Yellow Bus at 651-464-2112 or Masquers at 651-464-5823, or visit www.masquerstheatre.com
As the area continues to grow, our new residents need to be aware of what the community has to offer. There may not yet be a community center, but there is a park to please and a stage play to entertain. You be the judge.
Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605