Parks, Trails & Recreation Master Plan

OPEN SPACE/NATURAL AREA Open Space/Natural Areas are undeveloped but may include natural or paved trails. Grasslands under power line corridors are one example; creek areas are another. Open Space contain natural resources that can be managed for recreation and natural resource conservation values such as a desire to protect wildlife habitat, water quality and endangered species. Open Space also can provide opportunities for nature based, unstructured, low-impact recreational opportunities such as walking and nature viewing. » » Amenities: May include paved or natural trails, wildlife viewing areas, mountain biking, disc golf, interpretation and education facilities. » » Maintenance standards: Demand-based maintenance with available funding. Biological management practices observed. » » Lighting: None, except parking areas for safety. » » Signage: Interpretive kiosks as deemed appropriate. Natural Areas are desired by the community and this master plan proposes to increase the amount of open space/ natural areas in order to provide a closer connection to nature, increase park and trail ROW’s ability to perform ecosystem services, and change the operations and maintenance regime to make the city’s parks more resilient into the future - both environmentally and financially. This will require a combination of different maintenance techniques, expanded partnerships, staff and general public education, and a commitment to communicate to the public. Natural areas are not maintenance free areas. Their maintenance regimes are different than Shakopee’s typical mowing operations. Natural areas take longer to establish than turf grass, but once established will reduce staff input needs and resources. » » Landscape Design: Generally, none. Some areas may include landscaping, such as entryways or around buildings. In these situations, sustainable design is appropriate.

The biggest threats to natural areas and open space include invasive species (buckthorn, reed canary, etc.), public perception, and city leadership commitment. These threats have been addressed successfully by other communities in the region and the City of Shakopee has an excellent resource next door - the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) - who are skilled in restoration and management. The city should pursue a partnership or maintenance agreement with the SMSC to help them develop a more natural park system. Linking patches and corridors together with SMSC land would assist in maintenance and significantly increase the habitat and ecological service value for both partners.

EXAMPLE OF GOATS EMPLOYED TO MAINTAIN NATURAL AREAS

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