Shady Oak Beach Play Area Opens May 1

The will be open this year from May 1–Oct. 31, with the exception of two one-week periods: May 29–June 7 and August 27–September 3. These two one-week closings of the play area are necessary to open and close the season for the Shady Oak Beach swimming area. will be open from June 8–Aug. 26.

The new community play area, installed in 2011, offers multiple play areas for ages 1 through 12. The cities of Hopkins and Minnetonka received a $187,500 Hennepin Youth Sports Program grant to develop this new play area. Funding for the grant came from tax dollars collected for the new Minnesota Twins stadium and designated for youth sports/recreational enrichment.

A reminder: During the times when both the beach and play area are open (June 8–Aug. 26), visitors are welcome to enjoy both features—there is a fee to gain entrance into the beach and playground areas. When the play area is open but the beach is closed (May 1–June 7 and Aug. 27–Oct. 31), swimming and/or wading at Shady Oak Beach is not allowed—but entrance to the play area is free of charge.