10.1 Systematic Evaluations Processes
Standard:
The agency shall have systematic processes for evaluating programs, facilities and services and operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Narrative:
Shakopee Parks and Recreation evaluates programs and services through a structured, outcomes-based process outlined in the Recreation Program Plan (RPP). At the conclusion of each program or event, staff review overall performance to assess whether the goals and objectives identified in the Program Plan Proposal align with actual outcomes. This evaluation focuses on participation levels, participant satisfaction, resource use, and overall community impact.
Program data are reviewed quarterly by the department’s program team to determine program effectiveness and guide future decision-making. This review process is used to identify whether programs should be offered again, modified, expanded, or discontinued, ensuring continued alignment with departmental goals and community needs.
Participant feedback is collected through program evaluations distributed via the department’s recreation management software at or near the conclusion of each program. Survey responses provide direct input on participant experience and help measure whether desired outcomes were achieved.
In addition, staff utilize a Service Outcomes Tool to project and track program resources, including staffing, facility usage, supplies, revenue, and participation levels. Comparing projected outcomes to actual results allows staff to make data-informed adjustments, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen program quality over time.
This comprehensive evaluation framework, as documented in the RPP, supports continuous improvement and ensures programs remain responsive, effective, and community-focused.
Supporting Evidence:
10.1a Program Proposal - AOA
10.1b Program Proposal - Family Bingo
10.1c Participant Survey - Picnic Shelter
10.1d Service Outcomes Tool
10.1e Shakopee Community Survey Results
10.1.1 Responsibility for Evaluation
Standard:
The agency shall assign specific responsibility for managing elements of the evaluation program, including planning, training, evaluation, and analysis.
Narrative:
Shakopee Parks and Recreation assigns responsibility for managing its evaluation program across multiple leadership roles to ensure effective planning, training, implementation, and analysis. The Director of Parks and Recreation provides overall oversight and accountability for evaluation practices. The Assistant Director of Recreation supports program planning and evaluation methods, including staff training and performance review processes. Division Managers are responsible for conducting evaluations within their respective operational areas, collecting and reviewing data, and applying findings to improve programs, services, and facilities. These roles and responsibilities are documented in the respective job descriptions, which collectively support and monitor the agency’s evaluation processes.
Supporting Evidence:
10.1.1a Director of Parks and Recreation
10.1.1b Assistant Director of Recreation
10.1.1c Community Center and Outreach Manager
10.1.1d Aquatic Manager
10.1.1e Ice Facilities Manager
10.1.2 Staff Training on how to Evaluate Programs, Surveys, and Facilities
Standard:
The agency shall provide training on how to evaluate programs, services and facilities for personnel involved in managing facilities and delivering programs and services.
Narrative:
Shakopee Parks and Recreation recognizes the importance of providing staff with consistent and comprehensive training on program, service, and facility evaluation. Currently, staff involved in managing facilities and delivering programs receive informal guidance and on-the-job instruction related to evaluating programs, including basic review of participation data, registration trends, and participant feedback.
While these informal practices support day-to-day program adjustments, the department has not implemented a formalized training curriculum specific to program evaluation. At this time, there is no standardized training that addresses qualitative and quantitative measurement methods, identification and use of evaluation tools, data analysis, or the systematic application of evaluation findings to program planning and decision-making.
Because a structured evaluation training program with documented curriculum content, training dates, and participant records has not been developed or purchased, the department does not fully meet this standard. This gap has been identified as an area for future improvement to strengthen staff capacity, ensure consistency in evaluation practices, and support data-informed program and facility management.
10.2 Outcomes Assessment
Standard:
The agency shall use evaluation results to assess the outcomes of park and recreation programs, services, and facilities and assess the operational effectiveness of the organization. Outcomes show the relationship between resource inputs and the resulting impacts and benefits of the outputs. Outcomes are measurable changes in behaviors, attitudes, knowledge, conditions, or skills.
Narrative:
Shakopee Parks and Recreation uses evaluation results to assess the outcomes and operational effectiveness of its programs, services, and facilities through a structured process outlined in the Recreation Program Plan (RPP). This system emphasizes measuring the relationship between resource inputs and resulting community impacts, ensuring programs achieve intended benefits related to participation, satisfaction, skill development, and overall community value.
At the conclusion of each program or event, staff review overall performance with a focus on outcome measurement, program effectiveness, and community impact. Data collected include participation levels, participant satisfaction, financial performance, and operational metrics. This information is used to determine whether program goals and objectives identified in the Program Plan Proposal align with actual outcomes.
Program evaluation data are reviewed quarterly by the department staff to assess long-term effectiveness and operational performance. Participant feedback is collected through surveys distributed via recreation management software at or near the conclusion of programs, providing qualitative insight into participant experiences and measurable outcomes.
In addition, the department utilizes a Service Outcomes Tool to evaluate operational effectiveness by comparing projected versus actual resource allocation, including staffing, facility usage, supplies, revenue, and expenses. This tool also tracks key performance indicators such as participation trends, program performance, rented hours, and overall service delivery. These comparisons allow staff to assess financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and return on investment for programs and facilities.
Evaluation findings are formally applied during quarterly “Grow, Maintain, Refresh, or Retire” review meetings with the Recreation Program Manager. Programs are assessed across four areas: alignment with stated goals and objectives, financial sustainability, community need, and market relevance. Based on this analysis, programs may be expanded, maintained, modified, or discontinued to ensure resources are directed toward services that provide the greatest community benefit.
Supporting Evidence:
10.2a Recreation Program Plan
10.2b Service Outcomes Tool
10.3 Performance Measurement
Narrative:
Shakopee Parks and Recreation has an established procedure for tracking data trends and measuring performance against targets linked to departmental goals and objectives, as outlined in the Recreation Program Plan (RPP). The RPP provides a consistent framework for collecting, reviewing, and applying qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate program effectiveness, operational performance, and community impact. Performance data are reviewed on an ongoing basis and formally analyzed through quarterly program review meetings to inform strategic and operational decision-making.
The department leverages the following data sources within its evaluation and performance management process:
- Recreation and Demographic Trends - Community demographic data, participation trends, and regional recreation benchmarks are evaluated formally through the Parks, Trais, and Recreation Masterplan and informally through staff involvement in professional organizations like National Recreation and Parks Association.
- Needs Assessment - Needs assessment data was formally gathered during the master planning process in the development of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan. This information helps establish performance targets related to participation, access, and service expansion.
- Community Inventory - An inventory of facilities, amenities, and program offerings was outlined formally in the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan. Staff informally maintain this information and review to assess service coverage, utilization, and capacity through quarterly program meetings. Inventory data supports decisions related to scheduling, program placement, and efficient use of facilities and resources.
- Surveys - Participant surveys are distributed at or near the conclusion of programs through recreation management software. Survey data provides qualitative and quantitative feedback on participant satisfaction, perceived outcomes, and program quality, which is reviewed as part of the RPP evaluation process.
- Program and Service Statistics - Program and service statistics, including registration numbers, attendance, utilization rates, and program performance, are tracked continuously in the Services Outcome Tool. These statistics are compared against established targets and historical trends to measure effectiveness and demand.
- Customer Feedback - In addition to formal surveys, customer feedback is collected through direct interactions, email communication, and front-line staff observations. This feedback is documented and reviewed alongside other data sources to identify trends, service strengths, and areas for improvement.
- Program Evaluation - Program evaluation is a core component of the RPP. Staff assess whether program goals and objectives outlined in the Program Plan Proposal align with actual outcomes. Evaluation results are reviewed quarterly to determine whether programs should be grown, maintained, refreshed, or retired.
- Budget and Financial Reports - Budget and financial performance data are reviewed to measure financial sustainability and operational efficiency. The department utilizes a Service Outcomes Tool to compare projected versus actual revenue, expenses, staffing, and facility usage. These comparisons help measure performance against financial targets and guide budget and resource allocation decisions.
Through this structured, recurring review process, Shakopee Parks and Recreation uses performance data and trend analysis to measure progress toward goals, make data-informed adjustments, and continuously improve programs, services, and facilities in alignment with the Recreation Program Plan.
Supporting Evidence:
10.3a Parks Trails and Recreation Master Plan
10.3b Service Outcomes Tool
10.3c Participant Surveys
10.3d Budget Report
10.3e Quarterly Meeting Agenda
10.3.1 Level of Service Standards
Standard:
The agency shall have level of service (LOS) standards for provision of land, facilities, and services within the jurisdiction. LOS standards are a type of performance measure associated with equitable provision service, such as the number of facilities per 1,000 residents in a service area or facilities available within a designated travel distance or travel time, e.g., percent of population that have a park within a 10-minute walk. LOS standard can also address other dimensions of equitable access, such as connectivity, maintenance, and affordability, e.g., percent of parkland connected to the trail network.
Narrative:
Shakopee Parks and Recreation has established Level of Service (LOS) standards for the equitable provision of parkland, facilities, trails, and recreation services within the community. These LOS standards are formally adopted and documented in the Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan (pages 85–87), with a comprehensive analysis provided in Appendix A. The standards identify measurable performance benchmarks, including facility quantities per population, geographic access within designated travel distances, and considerations related to connectivity, maintenance, and overall service equity.
The LOS standards provide a data-driven framework for evaluating whether current and planned park and recreation assets meet community needs. Metrics such as access to parks within a defined travel time, availability of facilities per 1,000 residents, and connectivity to the trail network are used to assess service distribution across the city and identify areas of deficiency or future demand.
These LOS standards are actively leveraged by the City of Shakopee to inform both facility-related and service-related decision-making. When LOS gaps are identified, staff use this information to guide recommendations for facility investment, expansion of services, or adjustments to program delivery to ensure equitable access across the community.
In addition, LOS benchmarks support long-term planning by helping staff evaluate how growth, redevelopment, and changing community needs impact service demand. By integrating LOS standards from the Master Plan with the program-focused evaluation and decision-making framework in the RPP, Shakopee Parks and Recreation ensures that land, facilities, and services are provided in a manner that is equitable, sustainable, and aligned with adopted community goals.
Supporting Evidence:
10.3.1 Shakopee Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan, pages 85-87
10.4 Needs Assessment
Standard:
The agency shall periodically conduct an assessment of assets and needs to identify existing and projected gaps in service and determine land, facility and service priorities. Need assessments are used to help determine priorities for developing services with the agency. Needs assessments can use a variety of methods to obtain input from the community, including focus groups, advisory boards, forums, and surveys.
Narrative:
Shakopee Parks and Recreation conducts periodic assessments of assets and community needs through the Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan. The Master Plan includes a comprehensive needs assessment process outlined in Chapter 2, incorporating demographic analysis, recreation trends, community engagement, community inventory, Level of Service standards, benchmark analysis, and a recreation program assessment.
Community input is gathered through surveys and stakeholder engagement to identify existing and projected gaps in service. These findings are used to establish land, facility, and service priorities and to guide long-term planning and investment decisions. The Master Plan serves as the foundation for parks and services planning.
Supporting Evidence:
10.4a Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan - Chapter 2
10.5 Program and Services Planning
Standard:
The agency shall collect and analyze statistics on its programs and services for evaluation and future program and service development.
Narrative:
Shakopee Parks and Recreation systematically collects and analyzes statistics on its programs and services to evaluate performance and guide future program and service development. As outlined in the Recreation Program Plan (RPP), the department tracks quantitative data including program registrations, participation levels, waitlists, program fill rates, demographic trends, and revenue and cost recovery metrics (RPP, pp. 73–78).
Program participation and registration statistics are reviewed on an ongoing basis following each program session and season, with annual summaries used to identify trends and year-over-year changes (RPP, p. 76). These statistics are complemented by demographic data and community trends to better understand who is being served and where gaps may exist (RPP, pp. 33–45).
Collected data is actively used to inform decision-making and future program development. Program statistics are referenced in the Recreation Program and Service Matrix to evaluate program balance, identify underserved populations, and prioritize adjustments to program offerings, scheduling, and delivery methods (RPP, pp. 88–94). This information also supports long-term planning efforts by aligning program development with community needs, facility capacity, and established level of service standards (RPP, pp. 85–87).
Through the regular collection, review, and application of program and service statistics, Shakopee Parks and Recreation ensures data-informed evaluation and continuous improvement of recreational opportunities provided to the community.
Supporting Evidence:
10.5a Recreation Program Plan
10.5b Registration Report (Fall 2025)
10.5c Recreation Program Matrix
10.5d Monthly Budget Report
10.5.1 Recreation and Leisure Trend Analysis
Standard:
The agency shall assess periodically societal and local recreation and leisure trends and determine how those trends impact existing and projected user populations.
Narrative:
Shakopee Parks and Recreation periodically assesses societal and local recreation and leisure trends to understand their impact on existing and projected user populations. This assessment is conducted through a combination of formal planning documents, ongoing reporting, community input, and professional engagement to ensure programs and services remain relevant and responsive to changing needs.
Trend analysis is documented annually through the department’s Annual Report to City Council, which provides year-over-year data on participation, facility utilization, enrollment by program category, cost recovery, and comparisons to regional and national industry benchmarks. This report allows the department to monitor shifts in usage patterns, growth areas, and emerging demands across recreation services and facilities.
In addition to annual reporting, broader societal and demographic trends are evaluated through the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan (page 42) and Recreation Program Plan (RPP). These planning documents incorporate demographic analysis, community trends, participation data, and benchmarking to identify how population changes, lifestyle preferences, and industry best practices influence current and future service delivery.
Community surveys, program evaluations, and direct user feedback further support trend identification by capturing resident preferences, satisfaction levels, and emerging interests. This qualitative input is reviewed regularly and used alongside participation data to validate trends observed in quantitative reports.
The department also maintains awareness of broader recreation and leisure trends through active participation in professional organizations, accreditation efforts, conferences, and peer networking. This professional engagement provides insight into statewide and national trends, which are compared against local data to determine applicability within the Shakopee community.
Supporting Evidence:
10.5.1a Parks and Recreation Annual Report
10.5.1b Recreation Program Plan
10.5.1c Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan, pages
10.5.1d Professional Memberships Matrix
10.5.2 Community Inventory
Standard:
The agency shall compile a complete and current inventory of parkland and recreation facilities, programs, and services in the service area, including those provided by the agency and those offered by schools and other alternative public, private, non-profit providers.
Narrative:
Shakopee Parks and Recreation maintains a complete and current inventory of parkland, recreation facilities, programs, and services available within the community, including those provided by the City as well as opportunities offered by other providers. This inventory is documented and evaluated through the City’s Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan and is further referenced and applied within the Recreation Program Plan (RPP).
The Master Plan includes a comprehensive inventory and analysis of recreation facilities and park assets across the service area (Master Plan, pp. 118–157). This inventory identifies a wide range of facility types, including but not limited to skating facilities, diamond sports fields, racquet sports courts, indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, parks, and trails. Facilities are mapped and evaluated based on geographic distribution and service areas to assess how far residents must travel to access recreation opportunities, whether those facilities are provided by the City of Shakopee or by external providers such as school districts, associations, or private organizations.
This inventory is updated as part of the master planning process, which occurs on a multi-year cycle, and is supplemented by ongoing internal reviews as facilities are added, renovated, or removed from service. The RPP references this facility and park inventory to align program offerings with available infrastructure and to ensure equitable access to recreation opportunities for residents across the community.
The compiled inventory is actively used to evaluate gaps in service, inform level of service standards, guide future park and facility development, and support long-range planning and capital improvement priorities. By considering both City-owned assets and recreation opportunities provided by partner organizations, Shakopee Parks and Recreation ensures a comprehensive understanding of the full range of recreation resources available to residents and uses this information to support data-informed decision-making and community-wide access to parks, facilities, programs, and services.
Supporting Evidence:
10.5.2a Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan, pages 118-157
10.5.3 NRPA Park Matrix
Standard:
The agency shall create a profile in the national NRPA Park Metrics database that includes completion of an Agency Performance Survey.
Narrative:
Shakopee Parks and Recreation completed the National Recreation and Park Association Agency Performance Survey on December 17, 2025.
Supporting Evidence:
10.5.3a NRPA Park Matrix Performance Survey
10.6 Research Investigation
Standard:
The agency shall conduct at least one experimental exploration or research investigation each year related to park and recreation operations. These are demonstration or pilot projects where performance data are collected before and after the test to determine effectiveness.
Narrative:
The agency does not currently meet this standard. While the department routinely evaluates programs and operations through performance tracking, customer feedback, and operational reviews, it has not consistently conducted a formal experimental exploration or research investigation on an annual basis.
10.7 Quality Assurance
Standard:
The agency shall monitor and evaluate the quality of its programs, services, and facilities from the user perspective. Examples include but are not limited to customer comment cards, secret/mystery shopper surveys, user satisfaction surveys, program evaluations and focus groups.
Narrative:
The agency actively monitors and evaluates the quality of its programs, services, and facilities from the user perspective through a variety of feedback methods. Program- and service-specific post-participation surveys are distributed to participants to assess satisfaction, program quality, and overall experience. Membership feedback forms are also used to gather input from Community Center members regarding facilities, customer service, and amenities. In addition, the City of Shakopee conducts a broad community survey to gauge overall resident satisfaction, awareness, and perceptions of the department and its services. Together, these tools provide both targeted and community-wide insight that informs quality assurance efforts and supports continuous improvement.
Supporting Evidence:
10.6.1a Membership Evaluation Form
10.6.1b Fall 2025 Activity Survey Reponses
10.6.1c Fall 2025 Activity Survey Reponses
10.6.1d Shakopee Community Survey Results