Parks, Trails & Recreation Master Plan

CONCLUSION The Shakopee Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan has provided an impetus for reaching out to traditionally under-represented populations. While there has been insight into how the Shakopee Parks and Recreation can serve these residents more fully, the real work lies in continuing to connect and build the relationships started in this process. A number of the suggestions from community members center around communication and working through barriers such as language, cultural differences, fear and safety, cleanliness, and educating the population to the city’s offerings. The sub-consultant working with these minority populations was adamant that the current immigration climate was a deterrent to engagement. The South Asian note taker stated that she knew of many more participants that wanted to attend the dialogue but were fearful that their immigration status would be questioned. This could be something the city needs to creatively address in future interactions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE GROUP INTERACTIONS INCLUDE: » » Continue building relationships » » Develop communication strategy to reach these populations » » Facebook » » Printed informational material that is widely distributed, available at each of the parks and in appropriate different languages » » Using social media and other online options » » Receiving a regular newsletter by mail » » Focus on the whole family together - several generations visiting parks together » » Restroom sanitation is critical, in addition to running water at larger parks » » Address language barriers for important messaging including: » » Park hotline with capacity to accept messages in different languages » » Park amenity matrix and location » » Hours and rules » » Natural areas can seem unsafe, cues to care are important » » Provide more traditional park amenities at Southbridge that are not dog related » » Shade, restrooms, and drinking water are basic services that play a large impact on enjoyment » » Large group gatherings are common with extended families

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