Fall 2020 Hometown Messenger

PUBLIC WORKS

Curb appeal. It’s a phrase most people associate with buying and selling a home. For Shakopee Public Works, it’s about maintaining streetscapes. “If you neglect your property, the curb appeal isn’t great,” said Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug. “The same thing can be said about our streetscapes.” Bringing curb appeal to the streets City uses streetscaping to send a welcoming message to residents, visitors “Maintaining our streetscapes is about building the Shakopee brand,” Lillehaug said. "We want Shakopee to be a welcoming, attractive community, and taking pride in our public spaces is one way we do that." It’s also about making wise, subtle improvements. For example, the city is responsible for mowing the median of County Highway 101 near The Landing- Minnesota River Heritage Park. As part of this summer's stormwater reroute project, Shakopee decided to think beyond turf grass. "We diverted the stormwater rain in that area and planted native grasses and flowers in the median," Lillehaug explained. "In the future, that means we won’t need to mow the entire thing. It’s a good example of us using our resources well.” Shakopee Public Works is incorporating streetscaping into many future projects, working closely with the Department of Planning and Development. Collaborations between the two departments was inspired in part by Envision Shakopee, the city’s comprehensive plan, which emphasized the community's interest in creating more welcoming, attractive streets and public areas. “The 2040 plan really highlights our desire to preserve, strengthen and improve the city’s assets,” Lillehaug said. “These projects really help connect the dots when it comes to achieving those goals.” attractive community, and taking pride in our public spaces is one way we do that." Steve Lillehaug Public Works Director/ City Engineer "We want Shakopee to be a welcoming, Streetscapes are manicured public areas the city maintains, including medians, roundabouts and the area surrounding downtown Shakopee.

STREETSCAPING IN ACTION County Highway 101 near The Landing Crews replanted natural vegetation in the median. These grasses and flowers will begin to bloom in spring 2021. Shenandoah Drive Project As part of the Shenandoah construction, vegetation was incorporated into the medians and roundabouts. Vierling Roundabout The new roundabout near the Shakopee Town Square Mall features a variety of landscaping.

A safer place to walk Keeping city sidewalks in good repair is part of the Public Works Department annual maintenance program. Each year, the city inspects and inventories approximately one-third of city sidewalks and trails to identify panels in need of repair or replacement. So far this summer, the Public Works Department has replaced 640 feet of sidewalk identified during the 2019 inspection.

Public Works crews pour new concrete for a sidewalk panel along Spencer Street.

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