Shakopee Snapshot: Fall 2024

PUBLIC WORKS

Remembering Mark Pink

work. His enthusiasm was infectious, and it set the tone for the entire team. Just this summer, Mark was asked to pick up park trash bins, a task he seemed to enjoy since it allowed him to spend time with his close buddy Jesse and offered a change of pace from mowing. It was an entertaining sight to see Mark sprint to each bin that needed to be emptied. How many 72-year-olds sprint to anything? Yet, there was Mark, always giving his all, no matter the task. One of the best stories shared by his colleagues was when Mark and his family invited a group from the city to join them on a fishing trip in Wisconsin. They had a great time filled with several laughs, a lot of beer, and plenty of salmon caught. Mark loved fishing, and this trip was a testament to his gener ous and fun-loving nature. Mark’s legacy is one of hard work, kindness, and community spirit. He had a unique ability to bring people together, fos tering a sense of camaraderie among the summer crew that will be sorely missed. His fellow workers recall how Mark made every day enjoyable, often turning mundane tasks into moments of shared laughter and connection. His presence was a reminder of the power of a positive attitude and the importance of finding joy in even the simplest of tasks. As we mourn the loss of Mark Pink, we also celebrate the life he lived and the indelible mark he left on our community. Our city’s green spaces will forever bear the imprint of his dedica tion and love. We extend our deepest condolences to Mark’s family. Mark’s impact reached far and wide, touching the lives of many who will always remember him with fondness and respect. His spirit will live on in the lush greenery he lovingly tended and in the memories of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, Mark. Your legacy of hard work, kindness, and community spirit will never be forgotten.

With heavy hearts, we remember Mark Pink, who passed away on June 26 while doing something that brought him joy—caring for our city’s lawns. As a dedicated seasonal parks maintenance laborer for the past 10 summers, Mark was not just a coworker, but a cherished member of our community. Whether he was mowing in the Toro or John Deere, help ing clean up our parks, or washing and maintaining equip ment, Mark approached every task with the same high level of care and commitment. In addition to his primary duties, Mark helped clean shelters and parks when there was no grass to mow, performed dirt work and seeding, and watered trees and flowers. Mark’s work ethic was unparalleled. Rain or shine, he showed up to work with a smile, ready to tackle the day’s tasks with a vigor that inspired everyone around him. His dedication was evident in the meticulously manicured lawns and parks that became the pride of our city. But Mark’s impact extended far beyond the pristinely kept grass and beautiful flowerbeds. He was a beacon of positivity, always ready with a joke or a kind word. His infectious laughter and upbeat attitude brightened even the hottest, most gruel ing days of summer. Colleagues and community members alike cherished their interactions with Mark, finding in him a friend who was always willing to lend an ear or a helping hand. One of Mark’s most admirable traits was his unwavering sense of responsibility. He treated every job, big or small, with the same level of importance. He took ownership of his work, and his sense of duty was a lesson to all who had the privilege of working alongside him. Everyone in the city witnessed how excited Mark was to get back to mowing after the winter. As soon as the grass began to turn green, Mark would be in the office, ready to get out of the house and back to

Downtown project will improve lighting, water quality Work began in early August on the lighting, accessibility, and water quality improvement project in downtown Shakopee. The Lewis Street Parking Plaza will be closed during construction with the exception of a few stalls that will remain accessible for adjacent properties and businesses.

This is the first phase of a multi-year project that will include replac ing aging street lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting; remov ing deteriorating brick pavers along the roads; replanting diseased or dead trees; and constructing underground stormwater management improvements to provide treatment for rain water flowing into the Minnesota River. This year’s project is taking place along Fuller Street and in the Lewis Street Parking Plaza.

Fuller Street will remain open to traffic during construction, but por tions of the sidewalks and parking stalls may be temporarily closed to accommodate the work. Construction on this phase of the project is expected to be complete by the end of October. The project will continue throughout down town along Holmes, Lewis, Somerville, and Atwood Streets from 2025 through 2027.

10 Shakopee Snapshot