Fall 2020 Hometown Messenger

QUARRY LAKE PARK IMPROVEMENTS The city is exploring additional improvements to Quarry Lake Park in line with the Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan. Working with its park design consultants, staff are exploring: • Boat ramp improvements • Canoe/kayak launch • Picnic areas • Water ski area upgrades • Playground feature • Paved trails The addition of grills, picnic tables and changing areas are planned as early as 2021. Engineering staff have also been looking at necessary improvements to address the lake’s water level. The man-made quarry lake does not have a natural outlet and water levels have been rising for years. The city is exploring the construction of an additional outlet to maintain a consistent lake level and reduce erosion. The city will also be constructing a new access road on the west side of the park to improve access. It will include a small ADA-accessible parking lot on the southwest corner of the lake.

Representatives from the City of Shakopee, Shakopee School District, Xcel Energy and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community break ground July 22 on the future Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Park on approximately 32 acres south of Quarry Lake Park. Below, Mayor Bill Mars speaks to attendees.

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"Shakopee is a diverse and growing town that needs to continue expanding its recreational options to meet those demands. This will be a great opportunity for

employers to attract and retain employees to the area," he added, pointing to Bentonville, Ark., which has become a national mountain bike destination after Walmart invested in trails to attract its workforce. The bike trail will be funded in part by a grant from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, which it awarded to the Shakopee School District in 2019 to build a trail at the corner of County Highways 78 and 79.

The city approached the district about the possibility of expanding the proposed trail and moving it to Quarry Lake Park to provide the track with more interesting terrain. Xcel Energy agreed to lease the city 32 acres adjacent to the park at no cost. “This new mountain bike park is a great example of public and private partners working together to benefit the community,” said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy-Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota. Planning of the trail was done alongside active mountain bikers from the

"The course builds on the city’s vision of Quarry Lake Park as a recreation destination for outdoor enthusiasts in this hidden gem of a park." Bill Mars Mayor

trails with my boys," said Zavadsky, a member of the Great Scott Bike Club. "No longer having to pack up the car and drive out of town to find trails that are fun and not too technical for the wide range of abilities in my family." The single-track style course will weave between the existing tree cover and a larger prairie area, taking advantage of natural and man-made topography. These features, along with the loop around the lake, provide a unique riding experience not offered by some area trails. Additionally, the design of the trail and location supports future plans to utilize the course for National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) racing. “With interest in mountain biking continuing to grow, we’re pleased to bring a showcase mountain bike park to our community,” said Shakopee Mayor Bill Mars. “The course builds on the city’s vision of Quarry Lake Park as a recreation destination for outdoor enthusiasts in this hidden gem of a park.”

community and community organizations such as the Shakopee Mountain Biking Team and Little Bellas. The trail offers riding options for those just beginning mountain biking to advanced riders. Shakopee resident Brenna Zavadsky said the visibility of the new track will help attract more riders, which is great since the park was designed for fun at all levels. "I am looking forward to a quick drive to the trailhead to ride the

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