Fall 2023 Hometown Messenger

PARKS & RECREATION Playground at Memorial Park set for removal Nature-based play area to be created in 2024

“Restoring this area of public land back to native prairie is impor tant for several reasons,” said Director of Planning and Development Michael Kerski “Once established, the prairie grass will help control problematic soil erosion along the river This will also help protect Dakota burial mounds and sacred land that was originally inhabited by the ancestors of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community” More than 10 years ago, the city identified several areas of the park that contain sacred burial grounds and archaeological artifacts, some of which are located beneath the playground area “After we remove the playground and volleyball court, the city will do an updated archaeological study in the remainder of the park so we can identify these historically significant areas and be aware of them going forward,” Kerski said “We’re grateful for our partnership with SMSC We want to ensure the city is respecting the final resting place of the Dakota people who first thrived here” The city will work with the Minnesota Office of the State Archaeol ogist, Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, State Historic Preservation Office and SMSC to confirm proper surveying is done by a qualified contractor The project is being funded in part by a grants from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota His torical Society

Long-discussed changes are coming to Memorial Park this season as the city embarks on a habitat rehabilitation project In summer 2019, the city developed a Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan with feedback from more than 3,000 Shakopee residents This master plan includes plans to restore 17 acres of Memorial Park to its native state, replicating what the land would have looked like when the Dakota people first inhabited it The first phase of the restoration, which should begin sometime in late summer, will involve killing off the existing turf The city plans to remove the playground equipment and volleyball court in early fall The playground will be replaced, though not in its current location Future plans include constructing a nature-based play area sometime in 2024, though it would be nearer to the west shelter so as not to dis turb Dakota burial mounds and the soon-to-be restored prairieland Once the playground is removed this fall, the city will work with the Scott Soil & Water Conservation District to plant native seed in its place The native prairie grasses and pollinators will take a minimum of three years to become fully established The building that formerly housed the Chamber of Commerce in the park will be demolished this fall, as the Chamber has made its new home in the River City Centre building in downtown Shakopee The existing restroom facility will also be removed and replaced with a portable toilet

Women’s swim program recognized with award

been successful thanks to generous dona tions from a single community supporter and a grant from Minnesota Valley Electric Trust MRPA recognizes agencies or organizations in Minnesota for outstanding achievements in the following categories: ■ administrative or management strategies ■ marketing and communications

The City Council recognized the Parks and Recreation Department on their receipt of the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Asso ciation Award of Excellence in Programming for the Women’s Water Safety Program The program was developed for women who are unable to participate in swimming les sons offered at the Community Center due to the presence of men in the facility, and it has

■ park and facility ■ programming and events ■ sponsorship and partnerships ■ volunteer initiatives

A major goal of the Awards of Excellence program is to increase public awareness and appreciation of the excellent parks, trails, and recreation services available in Minnesota

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