Shakopee Snapshot: Summer 2025

PARKS & RECREATION

Inclusive baseball coming to Shakopee Miracle League Field is being built at Tahpah Park

The Miracle League of Shakopee is planning to launch its first season in fall 2025, bringing inclusive baseball to players with cognitive or physi cal disabilities. This league will provide a safe, structured environment where everyone has the chance to experience the joy of the game. This project is made possible through a partnership between the City of Shakopee and the Shakopee Lions Club, who are working together to fund and build the custom-designed field. The Shakopee Youth Baseball Association will oversee league operations, ensuring a well run, inclusive experience for all players. In addition to these partners, a number of local businesses have also generously contributed to making this project a reality, demonstrat ing the strong community support behind the Miracle League. “As the Shakopee Lions and the Shakopee Lions Foundation work to invest in tangible assets that make our community a better place to live, a Miracle Field became the ideal way to ensure that everyone has a place to play and enjoy baseball,” said Matt McKeand, president of the Shakopee Lions Club. “We have been fortunate to have such generous donors and to be affiliated with the Lions Club Interna tional Foundation, who provided a grant of $100,000 to help turn this dream into a reality.” Construction of the field is scheduled to begin in May at Tahpah Park. The Miracle League field will be located between Field 8 and West Tahpah Field, positioning it alongside Shakopee’s existing baseball and softball fields—allowing players of all abilities to share the same community sports environment. The field will feature a rubberized surface and accessible dugouts, ensuring a safe and welcoming space for all participants. While the plan is to launch the first season this fall, the timeline may adjust depending on construction progress. A key part of the league will be the involvement of the GLOmies, a group of Shakopee High School students dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. Many GLOmies are anticipated to partici pate as Miracle League players, helping extend Shakopee’s culture of inclusion beyond the classroom and onto the ballfield. “We were so excited to hear that Shakopee is building a Miracle League field. Inclusion has been a part of life for us at Shakopee High School since the GLOmies program started over eight years ago. The Miracle League will be an extension of the inclusive culture we bring

Shakopee’s Miracle Field will be similar to the one pictured, with a rubberized surface and accessible dugouts.

Interested in playing Miracle League ball? Scan here!

to our school and community,” said Matthew Iverson, GLOmies physi cal education teacher at Shakopee High School. “We want everyone to feel welcome and to know they belong, and the new field will give us more opportunities to connect students and friends outside of school. Many of the players in the Miracle League do not get the same opportunities in sports as others do. We want to do everything in our power to make sure these amazing kids experi ence the fun of sports!” To stay informed or learn how you can contribute, visit the Shakopee Youth Baseball Association website at shakopeeyouthbaseball.sportn gin.com/miracleleague or email miraclefield@shakopeelions.com . The Miracle League of Shakopee is about more than baseball—it’s about creating opportunities where everyone belongs on the field.

New 21+ pool nights offer kid-free fun at SandVenture Summer nights just got a whole lot more exciting at SandVenture Aquatic Park with the launch of a brand-new event series: Adult Nights—exclusively for guests 21 and over! Forget the kids and bring your friends for a fun-filled evening of swim ming, dancing, and soaking up summer vibes. Each night brings a different theme, with entertainment, games, food, and music to match. Friday, June 20: 90s Night Friday, July 11: Country Night Friday, Aug. 8: Latin Night Tickets are $40 per person ahead of time or $50 at the door. These events are 21+ with valid ID required at entry. Each ticket includes: ■ Admission to the event ■ One adult beverage ■ A meal from Tommy’s Malt Shop ■ Full access to SandVenture’s sand-bottom pool, slides, and more Additional drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. Tickets are limited, and this is a brand-new event—so grab yours early at ShakopeeMN.gov/registration .

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