Park Development • MN River Boat Launch & Archery Range

Minnesota River Boat Launch
The Minnesota River Boat Launch is a joint project with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District and the City. The Minnesota River boat launch was relocated and reconstructed on the north side of the Minnesota River, directly east of CSAH 101. The new launch features a modern ramp, dedicated parking and handicapped accessible parking.

Shakopee Archery Park
The city’s archery range, previously located in Lions Park, was removed from service due to safety concerns. The new range is located north of the Minnesota River and west of CSAH 101. This is a joint project with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Shakopee Downtown Partnership/Archer's Committee and the Minnesota River Valley Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunter's Association.

The purpose of the Shakopee Archery Park is to provide an archery facility that provides shooting opportunities for local and regional use. The park accommodates all types of shooting, including areas for beginners and advanced shooters as well as broadhead shooting areas for bowhunters. Local schools with archery physical education programs may utilize the park for after-school activities and competitions. It also gives the Parks and Recreation Department, 4-H, scouts and other local groups a site to conduct archery programs and competitions.

One of the strengths of the Archery Park is that it includes what we have termed a "traditional" range and an "enhanced" range. An Archery Park is a relatively new concept that provides different opportunities for both adults and youth to train for the sport of archery. In addition to the standard static traditional range, the Archery Park has interactive three-dimensional targets, separate youth and adult shooting areas, and support facilities like picnic tables for families.

Project Location
North of the Minnesota River on both sides of County Road 101

Plans/Design
Minnesota River Boat Launch and Archery Range Design

August 3, 2009 Project Update:
The boat launch and archery range projects are complete and open to the public. Improvements will continue to be implemented in order to enhance each site and to better serve users. The entrance, located on Hwy. 101, is scheduled for permanent sign installation in fall 2009.

City staff installed mooring posts at the boat launch in 2008 for boaters to secure their boats during launching and loading.

The archery range is continually changing and improving. The MN River Valley Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunter's Association helps to maintain, implement and enhance this City park through volunteer efforts and fundraising. Some examples of the Chapter's involvement include:  Mowing, building target stands, acquiring and maintaining targets, providing volunteers for youth archery programs, etc. The Chapter is currently working with the City to install a shelter in fall 2009. Future enhancement projects being considered include an informational kiosk and an elevated shooting platform.

March 31, 2008 Project Update:
Throughout the summer and fall of 2007, many aspects of the archery range project were completed.  Road access was established along with a parking area.  Brush removal and other site preparation took place early in the summer. Targets, both Block and Pacific Bow Butt brands, were installed into wooden frames and placed at varied distances.  Bow stands and picnic tables were put in place, along with some final turf establishment and a few landscaping improvements.  The majority of the work completed was done so by the MN River Valley Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. The City will continue to work with the MDHA and DNR to establish signage and to complete grant documentation to be submitted to the DNR in June 2008. 

June 1, 2007 Project Update:
The boat launch is complete with the installation of wear course asphalt on May 30. The parking lot will be striped shortly. The City Council has authorized construction of the archery range road, which is anticipated to be completed by mid-June. After that time, volunteers will begin work laying out the range and installing targets.

December 1, 2006 Project Update:
Construction of the Minnesota River Boat Launch is complete, and the launch is available for use. There will be a short period of time in 2007 when the launch will be closed for installing the final course of pavement.

Construction of the Archery Range has not started yet. The City has received a variance for constructing the gravel road and parking area, and we are waiting on a permit from MNDOT to pass under Bridge No. 4175 (Old Highway 169 Bridge). We also are finalizing the lease with DNR.

August 1, 2006 Project Update:
Both the boat launch and archery range are scheduled to be constructed this fall, concurrent with Huber Park. Design and funding for the Archery Range are currently being finalized.

Other Information:
Keep city parks clean and safe