The Southwest Light Rail Transit line isn't slated to open until 2018, but already Hennepin County and west metro cities are surveying what communities want to see at each of the 17 stations.

Preliminary plans try to reflect each community and serve pedestrians, bikers and commuters along the 15-mile line that will go from Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. Residents can share input at open houses starting next week, focused on getting feedback on how residents will get to or use the stations. "People don't realize all the great things they can access along the way," said Katie Walker, the Southwest LRT Community Works manager.

The events will take place 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 18 at the St. Louis Park Recreation Center, 5-7 p.m. April 23 at Hopkins Center for the Arts (both Minnetonka and Hopkins stations will be discussed), 6-8 p.m. May 2 at Bryn Mawr Elementary and 5-7 p.m. May 13 at Eden Prairie City Hall. Go to www.southwesttransitway.org for more details.

KELLY SMITH @kellystrib