Shakopee Snapshot: Summer 2025

Hub will support startups, small businesses, and regional employers by offering collaborative space and resources. The Innovation Hub will help ensure Shakopee remains a leader in business growth and work force development. PARKS AND TRAILS Shakopee boasts some of the region’s most beautiful parks and trails, thanks to the efforts of multiple City departments. The Engineering and Planning and Development departments are working together to transition park spaces from traditional turf to native prairie grasses. This shift has several advantages: it reduces soil erosion, supports hab itats like those needed by the endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebee, and lowers maintenance costs over time. The City has received several grants from the Minnesota DNR to sup port these efforts in parks like Scenic Heights, Stagecoach, Ridge Creek, Prairie Bend, and Memorial Parks. The Memorial Park prairie conversion is part of a larger vision: the Cul tural Corridor along the Minnesota River. This corridor will link parks and trails from Huber Park to Memorial Park and include educational and interactive features. Funded by a Congressional Earmark through HUD, the project reflects the City’s commitment to preserving natural and cultural resources. The City also secured funding from the Minnesota DNR to redevelop an old marina property next to Huber Park. The new park will provide non-motorized water access to the river, enhancing the Cultural Cor ridor and improving river connectivity. STAY INFORMED The City of Shakopee continues to secure grant funding for a wide range of projects that benefit residents and keep our focus on lower than-average taxes. Upcoming grant applications include support for Fire Department staffing, additional park development, and new Parks and Recreation programming. To stay informed about grant-related projects, watch or attend City Council meetings, where all grant applications and awards are publicly reviewed and approved. Meetings are broadcast on the City website and Channel 859, and are available after the fact on our YouTube channel. Questions? Email communications@ShakopeeMN.gov .

Fitness in the Park is back in Shakopee, and this year there are more ways to get involved than ever! From Zumba to water aerobics, there’s something for everyone! Q: WHAT FITNESS IN THE PARK CLASSES ARE OFFERED? A: This year we have five exciting classes to offer! Start your week off dancing with a Monday morning Zumba class. Tone muscle with our Sun rise Strength classes at Scenic Heights Park Fitness Court. Join us at Sand Venture for Water Aerobics and PiYo (Pilates + yoga) classes. And kick your weekend off with our ever-popular Saturday morning Boot Camp class! Q: WHEN AND WHERE ARE FITNESS IN THE PARK CLASSES? A: Classes are held at Huber Park (150 Fillmore St.), the Scenic Heights Park Fitness Court (1195 Ruby Lane), and SandVenture Aquatic Park (1101 Adams St. S.). There are different classes on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between June 9 and August 16 with start times ranging from 6–10 a.m. Visit ShakopeeMN.gov/fitness for a full schedule. Q: WHO CAN JOIN A FITNESS IN THE PARK CLASS? A: Fitness in the Park is for all residents ages 12+, of any skill level. 12–14 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. mixtures before snowstorms, reducing salt use overall. When pos sible, the City collaborates with partners like the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District and the Scott Watershed Management Orga nization to share matching costs and reduce taxpayer impact. The department is also engaged in a multi-year effort to stabilize the Minnesota River riverbank. This major infrastructure project involves collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and an environ mental study. The project will repair erosion damage, protect sewer lines along the river, and prevent future degradation. Much of the several million dollars in funding needed has already been secured through a combination of Congressional Earmarks via the Environmental Protection Agency and state grants through the DNR. The City is also in the final stages of securing funding from the Envi ronment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, which is supported by Minnesota lottery proceeds. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Shakopee continues to grow rapidly, thanks in part to the efforts of the Planning and Development Department. This team manages everything from the development of new neighborhoods to support ing local businesses. With such rapid growth, Shakopee is a valuable training ground for new building inspectors. To address the shortage of trained professionals in this field, the Department has received funding from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry to hire and train new inspectors. The department also works to support businesses and revitalize land. It has successfully applied for grants through the Minnesota Depart ment of Economic Development and the Metropolitan Council to clean up polluted and hazardous sites. One recent success: transform ing a riverfront block into an apartment building with a restaurant, gym, and retail space. Additionally, the Department is working towards a National Register of Historic Places Nomination, supported by the Minnesota Historical Soci ety. This effort will combine several individually significant sites into one designated district, raising Shakopee’s profile as a historic destination. Another exciting project is the Innovation Hub, a centralized space for training and educational programs focused on in-demand work force skills. Funded by Congressional Earmarks through HUD, the FITNESS IN THE PARK! #AsktheCity

Q: HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A FITNESS IN THE PARK CLASS? A: No pre-registration is necessary! Choose the class that is right for you and come as often as you like. Remember to arrive a few minutes ahead of time to stretch and chat with your classmates! To learn more about Fitness in the Park and other fitness amenities in Shakopee, visit ShakopeeMN.gov/fitness .

Try out the new Fitness Court this summer at one of our Fitness in the Park classes.

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