Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Private Park

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Private Park is a four acre neighborhood park that repurposes an old farmstead site and provides a safe and natural environment for children and families to play, exercise, and relax within close proximity to their homes. Damon Farber collaborated with the SMSC Land Group to define and investigate the significant cultural, ecological, and social factors for the design of the new park. The team prepared multiple iterations to maximize the budget while protecting the existing conditions of a culturally significant site.
The park’s namesake references “The Village of Barrier of Stone,” and inspired the team to repurpose the boulders that were found on site for space making, play features, and wayfinding.
A modern playground with resilient surfacing and contemporary playground equipment is juxtaposed with natural elements around the site including a stream bed & water pump, an exercise trail, and a large nature based play area on the knoll nested below the site’s existing large canopy.
Outdoor exercise equipment surrounds the park to offer activities for all age groups and the park shelter provides the perfect gather space for birthday parties, a picnic lunch, or just relax in the shade close to the play area.