2023 City of Shakopee Budget

121

Budget Impact: Shakopee’s parks, trails, and recreation facilities improve the local tax base and increase property values. National studies cite quality parks and recreation as key factors that businesses and prospective homeowners consider when making relocation decisions. Consequently, Shakopee’s parks, trails, and recreation facilities are a tangible reflection of the high quality of life available to citizens in the community. Shakopee is a community that affords residents access to programs and places which can help reduce stress, lower health care costs, and deepen connections with others, as well as opportunities and spaces to explore the community and recreate outdoors in nature. The department has continued to see post-COVID growth in those willing and able to participate in services, programs, and events in 2022. Staffing shortages, supply chain delays, and the increased cost of goods and services characteristic of this period of inflation are a constant challenge that staff must navigate. Creative collaborative partnerships, innovative solutions, and emerging technologies are strategic cornerstones to success as we are constantly assessing and reassessing what fills the menu of recreational opportunities we can offer. Because staffing remains the key to offering quality customer service and maintaining excellent programs and facilities, we continue to search out best practices for recruiting and retaining top-notch personnel to offer what our residents and visitors have come to expect – the delivery of high- quality programs and services, in beautiful and well-maintained spaces. In the year ahead, Shakopee Parks and Recreation will strive to protect our strong reputation by continuing to build our successful private/public partnerships (sponsorships and donations) and recruiting local volunteers. The more effectively we communicate about those opportunities to serve others in and through Parks and Recreation, the more we build into Shakopee’s strong sense of service and public pride in community.

EMPLOYEES

PERCENT OF GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES

18

18

18

16

Recreation 14.2%

Actual 2020 Actual 2021 Budget 2022 Budget 2023

Number of Employees (FTEs)