Volunteer & Sponsorship Opportunities

All are welcome! The City of Shakopee Parks and Recreation Department offers many opportunities and encourages ALL residents of our community to volunteer.

Volunteer

Volunteering for the City of Shakopee Parks and Recreation Department offers many opportunities to make a difference in our community and ensure a safe, welcoming, and attractive environment for residents and visitors.

Volunteering offers endless opportunities to engage with others who care about the same things you do, enrich city programs, learn new skills, and feel the satisfaction of contributing to your community.

We encourage individuals, families, organizations, and groups of all sizes to volunteer with the City of Shakopee Parks and Recreation Department.

Groups: Shakopee Parks and Recreation can accommodate large and small volunteer groups, depending on need and the season. Popular group outings include park clean-up and special event volunteering.

Business Groups: Many businesses are seeing the benefits of having employees volunteer together. We would be honored to help you design a volunteer experience for your staff.

Youth Volunteering (under 18): Our goal is to get children, youth, and teens excited about volunteering at a young age. We have a variety of opportunities available for those under the age of 18 at many programs and events. We welcome scouts, faith-based youth groups, athletic clubs, and high school students to volunteer with us. Please note that some volunteer positions are not available to children under 18.

Community Service (Mandated Volunteering): You will be required to fully perform your mandated volunteering before your service is validated.

Getting Started

Put your talents and interests to work by completing our online Volunteer Application. Once you have completed the application, you will be contacted by our Community Engagement

Shakopee Parks and Recreation partnerships add value to the community. Establishing and nurturing a partnership between the City and professional organizations provides opportunities to invest in the community and ensure Shakopee maintains its reputation as an innovative, entertaining, and thriving community.

Sponsorships

Sponsorship dollars help enhance programs and have a direct impact on people in our community. Some businesses choose to contribute sponsorship dollars at a particular level to receive certain marketing benefits. Other businesses choose to partner with one specific event that matches the mission of their business. 

Event packages are grouped to provide sponsors equal exposure and promotional opportunities at respective sponsorship levels.

For more information about sponsoring Parks and Recreation events and/or programs, see our 2024 Community Engagement Brochure

In-Kind Donations

Gift cards, raffle prizes, business merchandise, or trinkets with your logo add value to all of our programs and events.

The City's Adopt-a-Park program is open to community groups, businesses, churches, and individuals interested in volunteering for the care and enhancement of public parks and open spaces.

Adopt-a-Park participants agree to a minimum two-year commitment. Park adopters pick up litter at least three times per calendar year:

• April/May
• June/July
• August/September

In recognition of this service, groups will be named as adoptees on a personalized sign placed in the adopted park.

One-Time Clean-Up Opportunities                                                                                                                       

We welcome groups and individuals to participate in one-time clean-up events.

Trash bags are available upon request and can be picked up at the Shakopee Community Center.

For more information, email your Adopt-a-Park application to parks@ShakopeeMN.gov.

The City of Shakopee welcomes donations that help us enhance our parks and open spaces. Residents can honor the memory of a loved one by purchasing a tree or park bench to be placed in one of Shakopee’s beautiful parks. Residents can assist with the placement of the bench or help with planting.

Donations from the Heart Brochure 2024

Memorial Tree

A memorial tree planted in someone's memory is a living tribute that benefits present and future generations.

The cost of a memorial tree is $400. This includes a 1.5 - 2-inch diameter tree, planting of the tree, and mulch. (Plaque sold separately)

• Tree Selection: Staff can assist in identifying a suitable tree for the desired placement area.
• Placement location is at the sole discretion of city staff and is based on park use and maintenance. 

A tree planting permit is required if the tree is planted on private property, and may include an additional fee.

Permit Applications

Memorial Bench

Whether it's a place to rest along the trails or a spot overlooking the scenery that makes Shakopee a beautiful community to live in, you can choose where to place this sturdy, weather-resistant bench.

A memorial bench allows your loved one's memory to live on in an act of service to our city parks. Your contribution will be a great enhancement to our residents' quality of life.

The donation of a bench includes the concrete pad on which the bench will be secured, along with the engraved plaque with a custom-printed message.

Please contact Shakopee Parks and Recreation for the cost of each bench. This cost includes the bench, installation, and a commemorative plaque. Benches are installed at approved sites in the order requests are received.

The City has sole discretion regarding the placement of new benches.

• Bench Design: Memorial benches have a standard design. On occasion, the bench design may differ if it is a newly installed bench as part of a park redesign or planning project.
• Installation Season: Benches are installed between April and October, weather permitting.
• Bench Terms: Bench installation and maintenance will be handled by the Public Works Department staff.  
• Plaque (Additional Cost): This is a 4"x6" plaque where loved ones are able to design a memorable message.