Summer 2020 Hometown Messenger

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Neighbors to weigh in on Scenic Heights Park redevelopment

STAGECOACH PARK A new neighborhood park will serve residents off Stagecoach Road in east Shakopee. Residents were recently invited to participate in a survey and virtual neighborhood meeting to provide feedback on the proposed park amenities. The intention of the park is to preserve the natural oak savanna and create a place for families to picnic and walk. JENNIFER LANE PARK & TIMBER TRAILS PARK The new park off Jennifer Lane will serve residents south of County Highway 78 and west of Marschall Road. Specific park features will be determined in cooperation with neighborhood residents but will likely include passive open space and a play area. Park engagement is anticipated to begin later this fall and include conversation about how to refresh the adjacent Timber Trails Park.

Scenic Heights Park, 1195 Ruby Lane, is on the schedule for a redevelopment, and the city is asking residents to weigh in on the amenities they would like to see. Concept planning for park redevelopment is currently underway. Residents will be invited to take part in the planning process through a series of online activities. With continued precautions related to COVID-19, Shakopee's Planning Division has shifted its park planning process online through surveys, virtual open houses and more. Neighborhood residents should watch for mailings or visit www. ShakopeeMN.gov/ Learn more about proposed park projects at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ parkprojects. subscribe to sign up for park-specific updates. City plans mountain bike trail at Quarry Lake Planning continues for a single-track mountain bike course at Quarry Lake Park. The city is working with area partners to develop a course adjacent to Quarry Lake Park. A steering committee of city staff and active area riders are working to create a vision for the new park amenity. In April, the City Council approved a license agreement with Xcel Energy for use of its property adjacent to the park to create a three- to four-mile mountain bike course. The city is also working with the Shakopee School District to develop the course. The school district received financial support from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community to build a trail for use by the Shakopee Mountain Bike Team. The Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Park is planned to open fall/winter 2020. For more information about the project, visit www.ShakopeeMN.gov/parkprojects.

"We really want residents to keep planning for parks with us, even if it can't be in person," said Senior Planner PeggySue Imihy. "Now more than ever, we are seeing how important parks and outdoor spaces are to our community." Scenic Heights Park was constructed in 1991. Its current amenities include an enclosed park shelter, playground, basketball court and more. The aging hockey rink was recently removed. The park also connects with the Vierling Greenway that runs from Eagle Creek Boulevard to Tahpah Park. Residents who live in this area and are interested in being a plan champion can contact Imihy at pimihy@ShakopeeMN.gov or visit the Scenic Heights Park redevelopment page on the city’s website at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/parkprojects.

INNOVATION CENTER UPDATE

Innovation Hub could spark future startups In partnership Scott County's First Stop Shop and Minnesota State University, Mankato, the city continues to lead planning efforts for a regional innovation hub. Last year, a feasibility study identified the potential for a 30,000-square-foot innovation facility near downtown Shakopee to provide classrooms, lab space, public meeting space and private offices for start-up companies. In March, a city selection committee reviewed architectural and engineering proposals from six of the state’s top firms. Collaborative Design Group and Gensler were selected to complete concept designs and cost estimates for potential funding opportunities through the Federal Economic Development Administration. Gensler is a worldwide leading architecture firm that has completed similar projects throughout the country. The innovation facility would be one of the first new buildings designed to meet some of the concerns presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. A concept plan for the proposed innovation center at the corner of First Avenue West and Atwood Street.

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