Parks, Trails & Recreation Master Plan

METRO AREAS TRENDS In addition to National recreational trends the consultants have identified key regional trends that may have implications locally in Shakopee. The following recreation activities are increasing in popularity specifically in the Twin Cities Metro Area and have been identified by the consultant team as having potential in Shakopee Parks: Trail usage continues to grow rapidly at both the national and regional levels. The Metropolitan Council identified trail usage as the top activity occurring in regional parks. People are desiring trails for recreational purposes, as well as a general transportation option that is safe, efficient, and interesting. Trails of multiple uses are increasing such as general walking and bicycling, mountain biking, nature trails and hiking, and winter trails. Health and fitness trends have started to reverse the obesity epidemic nationally and more people are leading active, healthier lifestyles. This is especially true of the baby boomer generation who continues to seek options for engaging in physical and social activities. This trend continues across the seasons, with cross country skiing, hockey, broomball, snowshoeing, and other winter activities seeing increased usage throughout the state. Family dogs are increasingly common in the Metro and are integrated into a number of family and social activities. Dog walking is a very popular activity and a great way to get people out of the house and using trails and the parks. As dogs become more numerous in the parks, there is a greater need to control off-leash dogs, provide for adequate pet waste disposal, and clearly define areas for people, and for dogs. These conflicts were sometimes voiced throughout the public input process and people note Southbridge as a popular park/ facility. Pickleball has become increasingly popular with aging populations and there is likely a need for courts in Shakopee. Courts can be striped into existing tennis courts without affecting tennis playability. Shakopee currently has courts lined for Pickleball at Lions Park as

well as indoor pickleball options in winter months.

Bocce ball courts are also trending, particularly with aging populations. Bocce ball courts require little space and are fairly inexpensive to implement. Bocce ball courts have been successful regionally including in parks when multiple courts are placed side by side, allowing for programming and tournaments. Community gardens, also known as urban agriculture have become healthy, social hubs for a number of communities. Although there are already community gardens in Shakopee, and the need seems in line at those particular sites, future high density developments, often senior focused, may create more need for community garden spaces. This need will have to be evaluated as new private developments often include community gardens. LOCAL SCHOOL SPORTING TRENDS Schools and school programming can have a large impact on the city’s park system. While Shakopee Public Schools has their own facilities, the district and Parks Department have a long history of collaborating to balance the needs of various programs with appropriate infrastructure and necessary maintenance. Looking at the athletic and recreation trends of schools can give insight into interests and help identify if any gaps exist. In 2018, according to the annual survey published by the National Federation of State High School Associations, the following sports were the top 5 most popular for both boys and girls:

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Needs Assessment

Top 5 Boys Participant Sports:

Top 5 Girls Participant Sports:

1. Football

1. Track + Field

2. Track + Field

2. Volleyball

3. Basketball

3. Basketball

4. Baseball

4. Soccer

5. Soccer

5. Softball

SHAKOPEE PARKS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | NEEDS ASSESSMENT 52