Shakopee adopts 2026–2029 recreation program plan; parks staff report strong CAPRA progress

Shakopee City Council on Dec. 16 adopted the 2026–2029 recreation program plan and heard that city parks staff are close to meeting national CAPRA accreditation standards.

Parks director Kelsey told council the department’s self assessment meets 151 of 154 CAPRA standards (about 98% complete for initial accreditation). Rachel Bland and Sherry Dvorak described the staff’s approach to "operationalizing" the 2019 master plan: translating broad themes into guiding questions, a program life cycle with eight steps, core program areas and annual SMART goals to ensure programs reflect community needs.

Councilors asked about outreach to the east side of town, which programs are rising in demand (summer camp and swim lessons were cited), and the costs and schedule for CAPRA accreditation. Staff said they paid an initial registration fee to submit the application, expect an on‑site visit for the initial accreditation between March and August 2025 (staff will confirm the date), and re‑accreditation occurs every five years.

Council voted to adopt the recreation program plan. Staff said they will return with the accreditation visit date when confirmed.

Why it matters: The plan converts a long‑range master plan into an actionable program framework and can help secure grant funding, support consistent program evaluation and improve equity and access across the city’s parks and facilities.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the self assessment, confirm the CAPRA site visit date and implement the program life cycle and annual SMART goals outlined in the plan.