Twenty acres of native prairie vegetation that were planted at Memorial Park in 2025 are on track to be well established in the next two years thanks to the heavy rains this spring.
The native prairie was planted as part of a restoration project to return Memorial Park back to its natural roots, creating a landscape similar to that of when the Dakota people first inhabited the area and providing a natural habitat for wildlife.
The restoration will also be beneficial for erosion control. Native plants and grasses control erosion along the Minnesota River by naturally filtering rainwater and allowing it time to soak into the soil, protecting the riverbanks, and many species of wildlife make tall grasses their home.
This project fits into a larger effort to create a historic and cultural corridor along the Minnesota River and was supported by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), Three Rivers Park District, and Scott County.
For community members visiting Memorial Park to enjoy the riverside landscape, please be respectful of the native prairies and stay in areas marked for foot traffic. Archaeological studies of the site have uncovered that it was once a Dakota burial ground.
The City's Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan proposes a nature-based play area in Memorial Park, nearer to Mill Pond than the former playground’s location. The location for the future playground was carefully selected to ensure it will not be built above nor disturb any historical artifacts. This is tentatively planned for 2028.
