Spring 2026 Shakopee Snapshot

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openness, and confidence in City government have each risen by 10 percent. Perceptions of honesty have increased by 11 percent. “That kind of progress doesn’t happen by accident,” Reynolds said. “It comes from setting clear expectations, following through, and being willing to adjust when something isn’t working. Our staff takes that responsibility seriously.” These gains reflect consistent work behind the scenes, from long-range planning and budgeting to day-to-day interactions with residents. City staff, community partners, and engaged residents all play a role in maintaining high standards for service, accountability, and accessibility. Taken together, the results point to a City that functions well. As Shakopee continues to evolve, these survey results provide clear guidance: continued focus on service quality, transparency, and smart investment matters. Residents notice. And according to the data, it is making a measurable difference in how people experience the Shakopee community. To explore the full results of the survey, including comparisons to 2023 results and national benchmarks, visit ShakopeeMN.gov/ communitysurvey .

Residents report stronger satisfaction with economic health and employment opportunities, including a 12 percent increase in approval of local business establishment variety and a 10 percent increase in employment quality. Public safety remains a core strength, with 92 percent of residents saying they feel safe in their neighborhoods. Traffic enforcement, snow removal, and sidewalk maintenance all saw significant gains. Street repair and street cleaning now score above national benchmarks, reflecting the City’s consistent attention to everyday infrastructure. Neighborhood quality remains a major strength. Eighty-six percent of residents rate their neighborhoods as excellent or good. Well planned residential growth, a variety of housing options, and the availability of affordable, quality housing all exceed national bench marks. Residents also continue to rate the overall design and layout of residential and commercial areas highly. Just as important, trust in City government is growing. Since 2023, governance indicators have improved even as national confidence in public institutions has declined. Overall customer ser vice ratings have increased by 8 percent. Ratings for transparency,

Increased parking, chilled rink coming to Lions Park The improvement project is planned for summer 2026

Along with the new and improved parking lot, the improvement proj ect includes the installation of a semi-permanent, regulation-sized, chilled outdoor ice skating rink. The rink will be available from late October to early March and will be located east of the main parking lot. Ice skaters will be able to use the SandVenture Community Room as a warming house, where skates will also be available to rent. Stay tuned for more information on these exciting new skating oppor tunities, and follow Shakopee Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.

Lions Park is gearing up for significant improvements this year as part of a broader project aimed at enhancing both the City’s recreational amenities and infrastructure. Lions Park , located at 1103 Adams St. S., is one of Shakopee’s most fre quently visited parks, featuring popular amenities like an 18-hole Disc Golf Course, inclusive Fun for All playground, new pickleball courts, a splash pad, and the neighboring SandVenture Aquatic Park. The popu larity and resulting heavy traffic flow have resulted in the need for the parking lot to be expanded and resurfaced.

#AsktheCity

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ‘ADOPT A DRAIN’?

Q: WHAT IS THE NATIONAL DRAIN ADOPTION PROGRAM? A: The National Drain Adoption Program is a volunteer program that helps keep storm drains clear and prevents pollution from getting into local waterways. It began in Minnesota in 2014 and is now utilized by communities nationwide. Q: WHY IS THIS PROGRAM IMPORTANT TO THE CITY OF SHAKOPEE? A: Many don’t realize that stormwater isn’t always treated before it reaches natural spaces. That means things like pet waste, trash, grass clippings, grease, fertilizer, and dirt can get washed into our lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Even small amounts of debris can make it harder for native plants and wildlife to thrive, so keeping drains clean really does make a difference. Q: WHERE DOES SHAKOPEE’S STORMWATER GO? A: In Shakopee, stormwater makes its way to the Minnesota River. Along the way, it flows through local ponds, wetlands, lakes, and streams, including places like Deans Lake, Eagle Creek, and Lake O’Dowd. These are important ecosystems, and this program is a simple way our community can help protect them. Q: HOW CAN RESIDENTS SIGN UP? A: Signing up is super simple, and it’s a great volunteer activity. Just visit the Adopt-a-Drain Minnesota website at mn.adopt-a-drain.org , choose a storm drain to adopt, give it a fun name, and clean it out whenever it needs it!

Engineering staff clear debris from a storm drain.

6 Shakopee Snapshot