Spring 2021 Hometown Messenger

PUBLIC WORKS

Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Park set for summer construction Mountain bike enthusiasts are looking forward to the new mountain bike trail at Quarry Lake Park. The city is working with a trail builder to finish the park's final construction design. The approximately four-mile trail will consist of four loops, including a loop around the lake. The single-track course will weave between the existing tree cover and a larger prairie area, taking advantage of natural and man-made topography. It will range in difficulty for beginning to advanced riders. Construction will begin in the spring with completion mid- to late summer. Sign up for "Quarry Lake Park" updates at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/subscribe .

TRAIL UPDATES 12th Avenue Trail now open Bicyclists and pedestrians can check out the city’s newest trail along 12th Avenue. The 1.5-mile trail runs along the south side of 12th Avenue from Canterbury Road to the Quarry Lake Trail on Gateway Drive, providing safe access to Quarry Lake Park. Memorial Park bridge replacement in progress Work started this winter on replacing the pedestrian bridge at Memorial Park. The bridge will close a gap on the Minnesota Valley State Trail by providing access over the Mill Pond channel. It will also realign portions of the trail to avoid culturally and archaeologically sensitive areas within Memorial Park. Substantial completion is scheduled for August 2021.

Spruce up your yard with a new tree Purchase a new tree for your yard as part of the city's annual tree sale. Shakopee residents may purchase up to two trees online at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/treesale . Pre-ordered trees must be picked up in the Public Works yard between 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 24 (behind 500 Gorman St).

PETS &WATER QUALITY

#AsktheCity

Always scoop the poop Always scoop the poop

As the snow begins to melt, too often the telltale signs of pet feces begin to show in yards, parks and along trails. No one likes an unexpected step into a pile of poop. But more so, pet feces pose a real threat to our local water quality. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CLEANING UP AFTER PETS? City Code 130.03 requires pet owners to remove and sanitarily dispose of feces left by an animal on any public or private property, including yards, trails, parks and boulevards. WHY IS CLEANING UP AFTER PETS SO IMPORTANT? Not only is pet feces unsightly, they are also a public health risk. Pet waste contains harmful fecal coliform bacteria and parasites. Dog poop is also high in nitrogen and phosphorus, which negatively affect our waters. HOW DOES PET WASTE IMPACT OUR WATER QUALITY? Pet waste that is not properly disposed of breaks down over time and washes into the city's storm drainage system. All the

Construction of the north abutment is underway on the Memorial Park pedestrian bridge.

Red Oak Trail to be constructed in 2021

The city hopes to start construction early this spring on the new Red Oak Trail. This half-mile trail runs though the Southbridge neighborhood, providing access from Red Oak Elementary to Southbridge Community Park. The project was delayed last year due to necessary coordination with utility companies regarding underground utilities on the city property where the trail is proposed.

City Ordinance requires pet owners remove and properly dispose of any pet feces on public or private property, including yards and boulevards. (City Code 130.03)

City Ordinance requires pet owners remove and properly dispose of any pet feces on public or private property, including yards and boulevards. (City Code 130.03) www.shakopeemn.gov/pets graphics by vecteezy.com

nutrients found in pet feces eventually reach our ponds, streams, lakes and rivers, depleting oxygen fish need to survive while encouraging harmful algae. HOW DO I PROPERLY DISPOSE OF PET FECES? The best way is to pick up pet feces right away. Carry biodegradable pet waste bags on your walks and always throw them into the garbage. Whenever possible, clean up pet feces in your yard immediately, too. www.shakopeemn.gov/pets graphics by vecteezy.com

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