![A great place to play or to relax along the shore [Click here to view full size picture]](media/naturalres/tn_oronoco_county_park_play_area.jpg)
The ‘Picnic Grounds' along the shore of Lake Shady date back to the 1890s. At one time, a pavilion by the lakeshore was used for public dances. Adjacent to the pavilion was a bowling alley. A baseball field occupied the area of the present picnic shelter and parking lot. The site became the only state park in Olmsted County when it was opened in 1937. The 33-acre park has facilities for camping, picnicking, hiking and playground. It became Olmsted County's first park in 1968 when the State of Minnesota turned the park over to county management. Oronoco Park has all the amenities for family picnics - toys and a play area for children, picnic tables, barbecues, picnic shelter, restrooms, ample parking and a tranquil setting amongst the trees along Lake Shady. Oronoco residents and their neighbors gather in the park for the city's annual 4th of July celebration. The kids get a chance to play, and folks renew friendships as well as making new acquaintances. The day concludes with fireworks over Lake Shady. On less populated days, the park offers a serene locale for personal moments or reflection.
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![A great place to play or to relax along the shore [Click here to view full size picture]](javascript:showPic(new picObj('media/naturalres/oronoco_county_park_play_area.jpg', 'A great place to play or to relax along the shore',1024,683));)
![A picnic area suitable for the family or for the entire community [Click here to view full size picture]](javascript:showPic(new picObj('media/naturalres/oronoco_park_shelter_and_lake.jpg', 'A picnic area suitable for the family or for the entire community',1024,683));)
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