Parks, Trails & Recreation Master Plan

PLAYGROUNDS/ PLAY AREAS Play areas should occur in every neighborhood as a safe place for families to gather, recreate, and exercise. A diversity of play spaces throughout the city and in adjacent neighborhoods should be utilized to encourage different play experiences and travel between neighborhoods. Higher density areas and/or well connected trail systems should support a more complex, intricate playground or play area. » » Provide ADA accessibility opportunities in all play areas per current universal design standards. » » All play areas should have seating and shade opportunities for caretakers. » » Evaluate the cost benefits of requested park facilities. explore the use of trial amenities to gauge interest level prior to larger construction projects - e.g. Gaga ball pits at playgrounds. » » Provide distinctly different play experiences for parks that are within 1/2 mile of each other and/or well connected by sidewalks or trails. » » Consider 1 or 2 playground manufacturers to provide equipment. Repair parts and maintenance will be easier and more efficient over the long-term. » » Incorporate nature play and adventure play into the system. distribute throughout the city. » » Collaborate with additional play providers such as schools and neighborhood associations for programming and to fill gaps. » » Include a licensed landscape architect in the design and planning for any major playground replacements in neighborhood parks and for all community parks. The following system wide recommendations for play areas include:

system vision

142 SHAKOPEE PARKS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | SYSTEM VISION