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Shakopee’s New Quarry Lake Trail Opens To Public

Shakopee, Minn. – Shakopee Mdewakanton leaders joined City of Shakopee officials Thursday to cut the ribbon on the brand-new Quarry Lake Trail near Quarry Lake Park. The new .5-mile trail, made possible in part by a grant from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), connects Quarry Lake Park to Gateway Drive in Shakopee.

"Environmental stewardship and quality access to nature are a high priority at the SMSC, and we are thrilled to be able to play a part in helping local governments provide these wonderful trails for residents and visitors of the entire region," said Chairman Charlie Vig, who joined local officials to officially open the trail to the public.

The Quarry Lake Trail is part of Quarry Lake Park, an underdeveloped area in Shakopee. It extends south from Quarry Lake Park to Gateway Drive, connecting Shakopee residents to the park and providing access to additional local trails and businesses.

The $100,000 project was part of $366,000 in grants the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community announced in January to fund five Scott County Trail projects. The other four projects are located in Elko New Market, New Prague, Prior Lake, and Savage.

"The City would like to extend its appreciation to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community for its generous grant to help promote trails and active living in our city," said Mayor Brad Tabke. "The Quarry Lake Trail will be a great place for residents, as well as employees working in nearby businesses, to access a beautiful natural area in our industrial park."

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. With a focus on being a good neighbor, good steward of the earth, and good employer, the SMSC is committed to charitable donations, community partnerships, a healthy environment, and a strong economy. The SMSC and the SMSC Gaming Enterprise (Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino) are the largest employer in Scott County. Out of a Dakota tradition to help others, the SMSC has donated nearly $300 million to organizations and causes since opening the Gaming Enterprise in the 1990s and has contributed millions more to regional governments and infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer systems, and emergency services.

About the City of Shakopee

Shakopee is a thriving community that offers the friendly, charming atmosphere of a small town and the advantages of a vibrant Twin Cities metropolitan area. Located along the Minnesota River, Shakopee is the seat of Scott County and boasts a growing population of 39,000 residents. A city rich in history, Shakopee is home to a unique central business district, expansive business park, high-quality regional medical center and a diverse, top-notch school district. Its numerous recreational opportunities and popular attractions, including Valleyfair Amusement Park and Canterbury Park Racetrack, mark Shakopee as a regional entertainment destination.