1.1 Source of Authority
Standard:
The source of agency authority or legal basis of operation and the extent of powers shall be identified in a legal document such as the state statute, local charter, city ordinance, or park district code.
Narrative:
The City of Shakopee’s authority and legal basis for operation are established under City Ordinance 32.03, which defines the control, appointment, and compensation of city employees. This ordinance places all city departments, including Parks and Recreation, under the overall supervision of the City Administrator, who oversees department heads and employees. Department personnel are appointed by the City Council based on recommendations from the City Administrator, and wage and salary scales are determined by the Council. Ordinance 32.03 serves as the enabling legal authority for the City’s operations and establishes the scope of powers for its departments, ensuring that Parks and Recreation programs and services are conducted under a clear, legally defined governance structure.
Supporting Evidence:
1.1a Shakopee City Ordinance 32.03
1.1.1 Approving Authority/Policy Body
Standard:
The agency organizational structure shall provide for one public entity responsible for policy-making functions. This entity usually has taxing power and must approve the budget; it holds title to property. It also serves an important function in providing input to improve and expand park and recreation programs, services, and facilities.
Narrative:
The City of Shakopee operates as a statutory city under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 412, classified as a second-class city. The city follows a weak mayor–council governance structure, where the City Council serves as the single public entity responsible for all policy-making functions. The Council holds taxing authority, approves the city budget, owns city property, and provides strategic oversight to ensure that parks and recreation programs, services, and facilities align with community needs and priorities.
Under Shakopee’s city code, the City Administrator is granted administrative authority to supervise city employees, manage operational functions, and oversee the budget. The Administrator has authority to hire and terminate personnel, except for department heads, whose appointments and terminations require Council approval. The Administrator also creates and approves operational rules, regulations, and procedures and maintains a purchasing authority limit of $25,000.
This structure clearly delineates policy-making powers held by the City Council while enabling the City Administrator to manage day-to-day operations, ensuring effective governance and accountability in the delivery of parks and recreation services.
Supporting Evidence:
1.1.1a Shakopee Code 32.15
1.1.1b Shakopee Organizational Chart
1.1.2 Citizen Advisory Boards/Committees
Standard:
There shall be citizen boards/committees that are advisory to the agency and the approving authority that appoints them. Advisory boards engage the community and serve as advocates for the advancement of programs, facilities, and services.
Narrative:
The City of Shakopee dissolved the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in 2025 and transferred its responsibilities related to park planning and development to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission serves as an advisory body to the City Council, providing guidance on development proposals, park planning, and zoning matters. The Commission is comprised of seven members who serve staggered four-year terms and also function as the Board of Adjustment and Appeals (BOAA).
The Commission’s responsibilities include reviewing rezoning requests, platting applications, and the relocation of dwellings, and when acting as the BOAA, reviewing zoning applications, conditional use permits, and sign variances. While the Planning Commission provides recommendations and guidance, the City Council makes all final decisions regarding rezoning, platting, and appeals of Commission determinations.
The Commission meets regularly on the first Thursday following the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. The Director of Planning and Development serves as the staff liaison, providing administrative support and facilitating the Commission’s work. Through this structure, the Planning Commission continues to engage citizens in the development and enhancement of parks, programs, and community services, ensuring public input and advocacy remain integral to the City’s planning process.
Supporting Evidence:
1.1.2a Shakopee Ordinance 32.02
1.1.2b Shakopee Amendment 32.02
1.1.2c Shakopee Planning Commission Agenda
1.1.2d Shakopee Planning Commission Minutes
1.1.2e Shakopee Boards and Commissions Webpage
1.2 Periodic Review of Documents
Standard:
All documents designated for periodic review shall be reviewed on a regular basis according to an established agency review schedule. For example, if the agency has determined that a document should be reviewed annually, the agency shall provide evidence that the document is reviewed annually and include a copy of the most recent annual review. Several standards in the accreditation process require that adopted plans, policies and procedures be reviewed and updated at various intervals. In those cases, the agency shall provide evidence that the document was reviewed and updated pursuant to the period specified in the standard.
Standards with a review requirement are:
- 1.4.1 Agency Goals and Objectives
- 1.6.1 Administrative Policies and Procedures
- 2.4 Park and Recreation System Master Plan
- 2.5 Strategic Plan
- 3.4.2 Community Relations Plan
- 3.4.3 Marketing Plan
- 3.6 Records Management Policy and Procedures
- 3.6.1 Records Disaster Mitigation and Recovery Plan and Procedures
- 4.1 Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual
- 4.1.2 Recruitment Process
- 4.1.8 Compensation Plan
- 4.3 Job Analyses for Job Descriptions
- 4.5 Workforce Health and Wellness Program
- 4.6.1 Employee Training and Development Program
- 5.1.1 Comprehensive Revenue Policy
- 6.1 Recreation Programming Plan
- 6.2 Program Objectives
- 6.4 Community Education for Leisure Process
- 7.1 Parkland Acquisition Procedures
- 7.2 Area and Facilities Development Policies and Procedures
- 7.5 Maintenance and Operations Management Standards
- 7.5.1 Facility Legal Requirements
- 7.9.1 Recycling and/or Zero Waste Plan
- 8.5 General Security Plan
- 8.6.2 Emergency Risk Communications Plan and Procedures
- 9.1.1 Risk Management Plan and Procedures
- 10.4 Needs Assessment
- 10.5.1 Recreation and Leisure Trends Analysis
Narrative:
Shakopee Parks and Recreation Departments maintains a formal Document Review Schedule that establishes required review frequencies, approving authorities, and documentation of the most recent review or approval for all applicable plans, policies, and procedures. The schedule demonstrates that documents are reviewed and updated in accordance with the established timelines and applicable CAPRA standards, ensuring materials remain current and compliant
Supporting Evidence:
1.2a Document Review Schedule
1.2.1 Document Approval Authority
Standard:
All documents designated for approval by the appropriate approving authority shall be approved or adopted in a manner consistent with the agency process and procedure for adoption of policies, rules, regulations, and operational procedures, except that the agency budget and park and recreation system master plan must be adopted or approved by the entity responsible for policymaking.
Standards with an adoption or approval requirement are:
- 1.5 Vision
- 2.3.1 Community Comprehensive Plan with Park and Recreation Component
- 2.4 Park and Recreation System Master Plan
- 2.5 Strategic Plan
- 2.10 ADA Transition Plan
- 3.4 Public Information Policy and Procedure
- 4.4.1 Leadership Succession Procedure
- 5.4 Annual or Biennial Budget
- 8.1 Codes, Laws, and Ordinances
- 9.1 Risk Management Policy
- 9.1.1 Risk Management Plan and Procedures
The City of Shakopee ensures that all essential documents, including the annual budget and the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan, are approved following established protocols. The City Council annually approves the city budget, maintaining alignment with Shakopee’s financial and strategic priorities. Additionally, the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan, developed through extensive community input and long-range planning, addresses the city’s goals for a connected, inclusive, and sustainable park system. This Master Plan aligns with the Envision Shakopee 2040 Comprehensive Plan, emphasizing key priorities like riverfront connections, park accessibility, and fostering civic life. Evidence of compliance includes the Master Plan timeline, the council agenda for its adoption, and the council agenda for the 2025 budget approval.
Supporting Evidence:
1.2.1a Document Approval Authority
1.3 Jurisdiction
Standard:
The specific geographical boundaries of the agency's jurisdiction shall be set forth by geographical description and map.
Narrative:
The City of Shakopee Parks and Recreation Department serves the community within the official municipal boundaries of the City of Shakopee. This jurisdiction encompasses all city-owned and managed parks, trails, recreation facilities, and open spaces, ensuring that services are delivered equitably across the community
To clearly define and communicate these boundaries, the City provides multiple public tools:
- A City Zoning Map, which establishes official jurisdictional boundaries and identifies designated public recreational zones.
- An Interactive Mapping Tool available on the city’s website, which allows residents and staff to easily locate parks, trails, and recreation facilities.
For internal planning and operational purposes, the Parks and Recreation Department further divides the city into four service sectors—Sector 1 (Northwest), Sector 2 (Southwest), Sector 3 (Northeast), and Sector 4 (Southeast). This sector model assists staff in tracking service delivery, maintenance responsibilities, and programming coverage across the city.
Supporting Evidence:
1.3a Zoning Map
1.3b Park & Trails Map
1.3c Parks and Recreation Service Sectors
1.4 Mission
Standard:
There shall be an established mission statement that defines the direction and purpose of the agency. The agency mission is the purpose or reason for the existence of the agency and establishes the long-term direction for the agency services and activities.
Narrative:
The City of Shakopee’s mission is “to deliver high quality services essential to maintaining a safe and sustainable community. We commit to doing this cost effectively, with integrity and transparency.” This mission statement was most recently reviewed and adopted in 2020.
The Parks and Recreation Department aligns closely with this citywide mission through its own purpose statement: “Working together, we provide fun and engaging recreational programs, activities, and spaces for the betterment of the community.” This statement was developed collaboratively by department staff during a quarterly retreat and formally adopted by both the Parks and Recreation Director and the City Administrator.
Together, these guiding statements demonstrate the City’s and Department’s shared commitment to providing high-quality, transparent, and community-focused services that enhance the quality of life for Shakopee residents.
Supporting Evidence:
1.4a 2020-2024 Strategic Plan
1.4b Council Minutes 2/4/2020
1.4.1 Agency Goals and Objectives
Standard:
There shall be established, measurable goals and objectives for the agency and for each organizational component within the agency. Such goals and objectives shall be directed toward accomplishing the agency mission, be reviewed periodically, and distributed to all appropriate personnel.
Narrative:
The City of Shakopee Parks and Recreation Department maintains established, measurable goals and objectives that guide the work of each organizational component. These goals are rooted in the Parks and Recreation System Master Plan, which outlines systemwide priorities on pages 97–104 and aligns directly with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and departmental mission. The Master Plan organizes goals and action items into seven strategic themes:
- Riverfront Connection
- Public/Private Partnerships
- New/Innovative Facilities
- Premium Athletics
- Natural Resources, Restoration, and Education
- Trails and Connections
- Park Accessibility and Programming
These goals are operationalized through the Recreation Program Plan (RPP), which provides clear implementation direction for all divisions. Each year, division managers develop measurable and actionable goals that reflect current community needs, program trends, and departmental priorities. These annual goals are documented in the RPP appendix to support tracking, accountability, and periodic review. Updated goals and objectives are shared with appropriate staff to ensure consistent understanding, alignment, and progress across all operational areas.
Supporting Evidence:
1.4.1a Park and Recreation Master Plan pages 97-104
1.4.2 Personnel Involvement
Standard:
The agency shall have an established process for acquiring and considering input from personnel at various levels of the organization in the development of goals and objectives.
Narrative:
The City of Shakopee Parks and Recreation Department has implemented a structured process to gather and consider input from personnel at all levels. This inclusive approach ensures that goals and objectives reflect diverse perspectives, align with departmental needs, and support the broader city mission.
- Weekly Key Leaders Meetings: Led by the City Administrator, these meetings bring together department and division heads across the city. This platform enables leaders to discuss strategic objectives, share interdepartmental insights, and align priorities, fostering collaboration and coherence in goal-setting efforts across the city.
- Quarterly Park & Recreation Retreats: Each quarter, the Park and Recreation Director hosts a department-wide retreat focused on financial review, goal setting, and team-building activities. During these retreats, staff assess budget performance, set and refine goals for the upcoming quarter and year, and engage in activities to strengthen team cohesion and collaboration.
- Park Meeting: These meetings bring together staff from the Planning & Development Department, Public Works, Engineering, and Parks and Recreation. The focus is on the planning, development, and ongoing operations of Shakopee’s parks. By incorporating perspectives from multiple departments and organizational levels, the meetings ensure that goals are realistic, operationally sound, and supportive of high-quality service delivery.
- Policy Development Process: When new policies are developed, staff from various levels are actively engaged in the drafting process. Multiple rounds of drafts are shared internally, allowing staff to review, ask questions, and provide feedback. This collaborative approach ensures policies are intentional, applicable, and aligned with the department’s overall goals before being presented to the City Council for approval.
Together, these processes demonstrate the agency’s commitment to collecting and considering input from staff at all levels. Goals and objectives are communicated through recurring meetings, retreats, and policy updates, creating a culture of open dialogue, shared ownership, and continuous improvement that supports both staff development and community service outcomes.
Supporting Evidence:
1.4.2a Key Leaders Meeting Notes
1.4.2b Park Meeting Notes
1.4.2c Park Meeting Agenda
1.4.2d Policy Development
1.5 Vision
Standard:
The agency shall provide an adopted Vision Statement that is aspirational, far reaching, and states where the agency is going. It should be available to the approving authority, staff, and participants.
Narrative:
The City of Shakopee has adopted the follow vision statement:
"Shakopee is a place where people want to be! A distinctive river town, with a multitude of businesses, cultural and recreational opportunities in a safe, welcoming, and attractive environment for residents and visitors."
This vision statement was adopted by the city council in 2020 during the strategic planning process. Statement is visible to staff through and participants through the City's website.
Supporting Evidence:
1.5a 2020-2024 Strategic Plan
1.5b Council Minutes 2/4/2020
1.6 Policies, Rules, Regulations, and Operational Procedures
Standard:
There shall be delegation of responsibilities for the policy-making functions of the approving authority and the administrative functions of the chief administrator and staff.
Narrative:
The City of Shakopee has established a clear delegation of responsibilities that distinguishes between the policy-making authority of the City Council, the administrative leadership of the City Administrator, and the operational duties of departmental staff. This framework ensures accountability, efficiency, and transparency in the development and implementation of policies, rules, regulations, and operational procedures.
The City Council, as the governing body, holds ultimate responsibility for establishing policies, personnel rules, and compensation structures. The Council may amend these policies as necessary (Shakopee City Code §§ 2.30 and 2.40). Within the Parks and Recreation system, the Council also adopts ordinances and regulations with legal force, such as park use regulations, enforcement standards, and penalties (City Code Chapter 91). These policies and regulations provide the broad principles and legal requirements that guide department operations.
The City Administrator serves as the chief administrative officer and has supervisory control over all departments. Department heads, including the Parks and Recreation Director, are directly responsible to the City Administrator and carry out duties under this supervision. While the Council establishes policies, the Administrator ensures that these policies are implemented consistently and effectively across departments, including staffing, operations, and service delivery.
The Parks and Recreation Director is delegated the authority to manage the day-to-day operations of Shakopee’s parks and recreation system. Department staff are responsible for developing operational rules, internal procedures, and program-level practices that align with Council policies. For example, staff may create facility scheduling guidelines, program registration procedures, and safety standards for activities.
This structure reflects the following tiers of responsibility:
- Regulation– legally enforceable requirements enacted by ordinance and legislation.
- Policy– broad statements of principle adopted by the City Council.
- Directive– affects how department resources are allocated
- Rule– specific operational directives created at the departmental level.
- Procedure– detailed step-by-step processes created by operational staff.
To ensure proper alignment, staff follow an Approval Guide that outlines when a proposed action requires prior approval from the City Administrator, Director/Manager, or City Council. This prevents overreach, ensures legal compliance, and reinforces the appropriate chain of command.
Supporting Evidence:
1.6a Shakopee City Code 2.30 & 2.40
1.6b Shakopee City Code Chapter 91
1.6c Shakopee Policy on Policies
1.6d Department Approval Guide
1.6.1 Administrative Policies and Procedures
Standard:
There shall be policies and procedures, encompassing administrative aspects of the organization that are kept up-to date, reviewed periodically, and made available to pertinent administrative and supervisory personnel.
Narrative:
The Shakopee Parks and Recreation Department maintains up-to-date administrative policies and procedures through its comprehensive Procedures Handbook. This handbook outlines department structure, facilities under the department’s oversight, standard operating procedures, and relevant citywide administrative policies. It is made available to all staff through onboarding, training, and their work areas to ensure consistent access across divisions.
Division managers may supplement the handbook with additional procedures specific to their operational areas, allowing each division to maintain clear guidance tailored to its responsibilities.
Supporting Evidence:
1.6.1a Parks and Recreation Operations and Procedure Handbook
1.7 Agency Relationships
Standard:
There shall be ongoing liaison roles with complementary organizations, such as nearby park and recreation agencies, social service organizations, and other governmental units and regulatory bodies.
Narrative:
The Parks and Recreation Department maintains ongoing liaison relationships with complementary organizations to support coordinated planning, service delivery, and community outcomes. These relationships are supported through both formal staff liaison assignments and regular participation in professional and intergovernmental networks.
The Assistant Recreation Director serves in a formal liaison role with local sport associations to coordinate facility use, programming needs, and operational alignment. Department staff also participate in regional and statewide professional networks, including the Minnesota Program Network, Athletic Manager Network, and the Minnesota Association of Senior Service Organizations, which facilitate collaboration, information sharing, and best practices across agencies and service providers.
In addition, a department representative serves on the Shakopee Community Education Advisory Board, providing a direct liaison with Shakopee Public Schools and Community Education to align recreational programming, shared facilities, and services that meet the needs of the community
Supporting Evidence:
1.7a Assistant Director of Recreation Job Description (Liaison)
1.7b MRPA Athletic Management Network 12.2025
1.7c Shakopee Community Education Advisory Board Agenda 10.14.2025
1.7d Program Network Meeting 1.23.2026
1.7e MASS (Minnesota Association of Senior Services)
1.7.1 Operational Coordination and Cooperation Agreements
Standard:
There shall be established agreements with other agencies, organizations, or individuals that entail cooperative use and maintenance of facilities, programing, facility design, land development, finances, etc.
Narrative:
The Parks and Recreation Department has established and maintains formal cooperative agreements with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to support the shared use, operation, maintenance, and enhancement of parks and recreation facilities. These agreements define roles, responsibilities, and financial obligations related to facility use, maintenance, programming, and capital improvements, ensuring clarity and accountability among all parties.
Examples include joint use agreements that provide reciprocal access to City and school district facilities for recreational and educational programming, agreements with youth sports associations that outline responsibilities for facility enhancements, maintenance, and operations, and lease agreements with state agencies that govern land use, facility development, and ongoing maintenance. Collectively, these cooperative agreements support efficient use of resources, expand recreational opportunities, and strengthen partnerships that benefit the community.
Supporting Evidence:
1.7.1a Archery Range Lease
1.7.1b Concessions Building Agreement
1.7.1c Joint Use Agreement - Shakopee Public Schools
1.7.1d Shakopee Youth Football Association Scoreboard Agreement