Spring 2021 Hometown Messenger

SandVenture re-imagined Community shares input on aquatic park's future amenities and facilities

ABOUT SANDVENTURE AQUATIC PARK OFFICIALLY OPENED IN 1969 The facility was originally used year-round for winter ice skating and summer swimming. The last major remodel was in 2006-08 when the changing facility was built and new 300-foot water slide added. 2021 SEASON OPENING June 11 opportunities to get involved and share your feedback on the SandVenture and Lions Park planning process by signing up for updates at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ subscribe . GET INVOLVED Watch for more

Community Center reopens services under COVID guidelines The Shakopee Community Center continues to follow the latest guidance from the state for reopening recreation facilities and services to our community. The center continues to require reservations to use the facility. Learn more at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/communitycenter . Birthday party reservations now accepted Looking for a fun way to celebrate your child's next birthday? The Shakopee Community Center is once again accepting reservations for birthday parties. The Community Center will be offering its Splash Party, a two-and-a- half-hour party that includes swimming and access to the downstairs party room. Parties will be adapted to meet with current COVID-19 guidelines. Visit the city website for birthday party information. Limited senior social activities available Earlier this month, the Community Center began hosting a limited number of events for active older adults. All activities require advanced registration through the city website. Everyone's favorite Egg Hunt and Candy Grab returns Saturday, March 27 at Lions Park. New this year, attendees are asked to register at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ registration for one of three afternoon time slots. Reserve your spot at the March 27 Egg Hunt

While the snow was piling up this winter, Shakopee residents had a chance to dream of warmer days and help re-imagine one of Shakopee’s oldest summer destinations. Using a new interactive online platform, community members shared their ideas for the future of SandVenture Aquatic Park and Lions Park, offering a variety of suggestions for improving the parks’ facilities. More than 1,600 community members visited the engagement page, taking surveys, posting ideas and “liking" offered suggestions, which included everything from new play features to expanded hours to a sit-down restaurant. The feedback will be used to create a master plan for SandVenture and Lions Park.

“We really wanted the community to re- imagine what SandVenture could be by

" Recreation has changed since SandVenture opened in 1969, and we want to ensure the facility still fits the community’s desires."

telling us how they use the facility and what they’d like to see in the future,” Parks and Recreation Aquatics Manager Katelyn Nadeau said. “Recreation has changed since SandVenture opened in 1969, and we want to ensure the facility still fits the community’s desires.” Last July, the City Council directed staff to develop a long-term plan for SandVenture. The council also approved several critical maintenance projects, including a new filter and chlorination system, to keep the facility operational. The feedback collected during the engagement process will be used to create some basic concepts for how the park might be improved or changed. Once the concepts are created, the community will have the opportunity to offer feedback on the proposed plans before the plans are presented to the City Council.

Katelyn Nadeau Aquatics Manager

“One thing we’ve heard from the community is that it wants to be more involved in the planning process,” Senior Planner PeggySue Imihy said. “That’s why we’re asking residents to help us brainstorm early on in the park planning process, so we can ensure our final plan truly reflects the community’s wants.” Mark your calendar for Big Taste of Fun Big Taste of Fun, featuring the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride, is set to return to Shakopee in August. This annual event was canceled last year due to COVID. However, planning is in progress to make it a great 2021 event. Watch for more information on the city website.

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