I have worked at the nature center since 1996 as a weekend person. This is a wonderful nature spot to get away to right in an urban setting. The traffic noise can be distracting if you visit during rush hour (35W is west border) the sound wall really helps reduced the noise. As a dog owner, yes it is sad they are not allowed. Out of 26 Richfield city parks, this is the only one preserved as a nature center, verses traditional city park. This has been set aside to encourage wildlife to thrive without unnatural predators or threats. This is also why bikes are not allowed. Nature Center staff actively maintain the trails, continually work at eradicating invasive species (both in the water and land), make improvements to the park such as replacing desirable trees, plants and prairie flowers, and they provide educational opportunities for all ages at reduced or no cost. Staff are an educational resource for visitors that have nature related concerns, questions, or curiosity, both in person or via phone calls. It a wonderful location to see some impressive Eagle Scout projects that have greatly improved the park and its features when city finances were not able to accomplish them. Various community events such as the Friends of Wood Lake (FOWL) dinner, Urban Wildland Half Marathon, Half-Haunted Halloween and Candlelight and Ice New Years Eve all help bring visitors, funding and awareness to the park. Visitors have come from many states and countries to visit Wood Lake. Conveniently located off 35W at the 66th St. Exit, or the Lyndale exits off both Hwy 494 and Hwy 62, it is super easy to get to. The Emily Day Picnic shelter is a wonderful outdoor space for large gatherings and there are two outdoor amphitheaters also available. Indoors are exhibits, live animals and fireplace room for rent. This is truly a wonderful resource and natural space in the city. There are two GRIT wheelchairs available to use for FREE. One child's and one adult. You can call ahead to reserve. There is also a traditional wheel chair as well. In addition, available to check out FREE while in the park, there are two community hammocks, GPS units for Geo Caching (three different spots), themed backpacks for activities for children or adults while you hike, binoculars for birding, nets to look for critters in the marsh. For a small fee, there are live animals traps, buckthorn puller, cross county skis and snowshoes to rent. I highly recommend visiting Wood Lake Nature Center. The building is open Monday-Saturday 8:30am to 5:00pm and Noon to 5:00pm Sundays. Park is open dawn to 10:00pm.