2022 City of Shakopee Budget

113

Budget Impact: It takes a lot to maintain the facilities and grounds for one of the largest property owners in Shakopee – The City. How do you maintain almost 719 acres of parks/open space land with 45 parks, 29 playgrounds, 94 sports fields, 200 acres which is mowed, 79 miles of trails, and 37 parking lots? With great and efficient staff! The Parks Maintenance Division consists of 11 full-time and 14 seasonal staff that do it all. In 2021 with the lessening of COVID-19 restrictions, the Parks Division was back up and running like usual. Parks crews supported events that brought hundreds of teams and thousands of spectators back to Shakopee. Tournaments and sporting events including soccer, lacrosse, adult softball, youth softball, football, youth/amateur baseball, Lions softball and frisbee golf. Community events included Rhythm on the Rails, Iron Man event, Taste of Shakopee, Wheelies event, Shakopee- Prior Lake Shock Waves water ski team events, and A Night to Unite. Park additions in 2021 included the Xcel Energy Mounty Bike Park, three new parks (Stagecoach Park, Jennifer Lane Park, and Windermere Park) and the playground replacement and expansion at Scenic Heights Park. Notable effort by our parks crews, including our seasonal staff, have also been given to the streetscaping around the city including the downtown area, the Vierling Drive roundabout area on the west end of the city, the Shenandoah Drive area around Canterbury Commons, and other miscellaneous streetscaping nodes. Keeping the city looking sharp is top on our priority list! Natural resources preserves and protects the city's urban forest, wetlands and plantings in open spaces, and includes invasive plant and pest management. Shakopee's ash trees are under attack. The first case of emerald ash borer was confirmed in 2021. The city's tree stock is such a significant and valuable resource. Maintaining safe, healthy trees takes significant efforts and the city is dedicated to these efforts. Shakopee has received the "Tree City USA" designation for the past 14 years for the city's efforts and commitment to its urban forest management.

EMPLOYEES

PERCENT OF GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES

11.2

11.2

11

9

Park Maintenance 9.1%

Actual 2019 Actual 2020 Budget 2021 Budget 2022

Number of Employees (FTEs)