Parks, Trails & Recreation Master Plan

RE-VISIONING SHAKOPEE’S PARKS Though there are many park facilities operated by the City to consider while applying the themes and principles in the Shakopee Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan, seven specific green spaces have been identified by stakeholders, city staff, and consultants that would benefit from a more in-depth level of design and programming analysis. The purpose of this deeper look is to illustrate both necessary and desired facilities updates and upgrades at certain parks that are of significant stature in the community. This additional level of visioning has been applied to these parks to serve as a standard of development and improvements that would elevate future renovations of the parks system in the City as well as serve as a model for future green space development. Of the following seven concept plans, four are of existing parks, two are of existing trails/greenways, and one concept covers a larger partially constructed development that when complete would break down into a series of smaller connected parks and green spaces. This final concept could serve as the model for future residential and mixed-use developments in the City and become the new frame of reference that developers must apply. » » An image and analysis of existing site conditions and amenities with a description of the character and known history of the park or trail, » » A fully labeled proposed concept plan, » » Interpretive graphic renderings and narrative description of the park or trail, » » and Key themes that led to decision making for each concept. For each updated park or trail concept, the following will be provided:

It is important to note that the included park concept plans are just that - concept plans. These illustrative concepts determine the potential locations and types of facilities, whether new or improved, general landscape character and features, and pathway connections within the park and contextually. Park concept plans generally do not identify specific designs or smaller amenity features, though it is important to note that due to significant cultural resources within the city, design suggestions are provided for certain locations. The City should also consider it a standard procedure that when a community park or trail is being developed or re- visioned, the process should be led by a licensed Landscape Architect to ensure the final design is the product of a community-focused design and engagement process. These updated park concepts appear on the following pages in the following order: » » The Riverfront: A cultural trail spanning from Downtown Shakopee to The Landing that helps interpret layers of history and culture for trail users and visitors. » » Huber Park: Added amenities and updated infrastructure to reconnect people and Downtown back to the Minnesota River. » » Memorial Park + The Landing: A transition to a more reflective format for a park space, where a more naturalized state takes form and provides for cultural and historical reflection. » » Lions Park: A fresh update with adjusted and added amenities to meet the recreation needs of this and future generations. » » Quarry Lake Park: Re-envisioning the partially completed master plan with a regional attraction. » » Vierling Greenway: Naturalizing the drainage way trail system and providing areas of respite and relaxation along this overlooked resource through the City. » » Windermere: Developing a series of community parks to provide open space amenities and programming on a developing west side of the City.

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