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Shakopee Mdewakanton Tribe Adopts Three Scott County Parks

Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) announced today that it is adopting three local parks. Over the next three years, tribal government employees and gaming enterprise team members will help clean and maintain the following parks: Eagle Creek Corridor Park in Savage; Huber Park in Shakopee; and Ryan Park in Prior Lake.

 “Caring for the environment and helping our neighbors is a part of our Dakota heritage, and are core values of our tribe today,” said SMSC Chairman Charles R. Vig. “This initiative will help us restore and preserve these important public green spaces so Scott County residents can enjoy them throughout the season.”

This initiative is part of the tribe’s #SMSCgives campaign, a philanthropic and community outreach program. Established in 2016, the outreach program engages tribal government and gaming enterprise staff members in volunteer opportunities throughout the year that benefit the local region and beyond.

 “From the tribal government to Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino, the SMSC employs a hard-working team of 4,000,” said Angela Heikes, president and CEO of the SMSC Gaming Enterprise.  “We all share a common value of wanting to give back to our community, and we’re proud to offer this opportunity to our team.”

Clean-up events this year are scheduled for May 16, June 14, July 16, August 8 and in September.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Dakota tribal government located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is the largest contributor to other tribal governments and causes across the country. It is a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County and attract millions of visitors to the region.