Parks, Trails & Recreation Master Plan

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Introduction + Planning Process

1950-PRESENT By the mid-20th century, the city continued to invest in improvements. In addition to growing civic services, economic growth was encouraged with the development of industrial park facilities. Shakopee’s population growth continued to climb, reaching over 7,700 by the 1970s. The 1970s and 1980s were important for the establishment of Shakopee’s entertainment industry. Murphy’s Landing (now knows as “The Landing” and operated by Three Rivers Parks District) opened in 1969 on the site of one of the original ferry landings. Valleyfair Amusement Park opened in 1976, garnering a lot of regional and national attention for the city. Canterbury Downs (now called Canterbury Park), a horse-racing track opened in 1985 and brought even more attention to the city. In the 1995, the Bloomington Ferry Bridge was opened, helping connect the City of Shakopee to the larger metro area. With this vehicle connection, the city’s population increased rapidly, reaching over 37,000 people by 2010. Today’s estimated population is over 40,000 people. Continuing to expand, Shakopee has entered into agreements to begin the annexation process of the neighboring Jackson Township. Soon, the City’s limits, development, and population will have another boom. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is today greatly involved in City ongoings, granting funds for various improvement projects and maintaining property that they own within the City.

HIGH WATER MARK, 1952

HOLMES STREET BRIDGE

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SHAKOPEE PARKS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | INTRODUCTION + PLANNING PROCESSES