Shakopee Schools to Host Same Day Ribbon Cuttings for Saber Fields and West Middle School
Wrestling & Multipurpose Room
Community fields history, Bill Farmer and Mark Neu to be honored on May 16
For Immediate Release, April 19, 2022
Shakopee Public Schools, in partnership with the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce and various community
stakeholders, will host two ribbon cuttings on Monday, May 16, 2022 for Saber Fields and the Bill Farmer (Farmer)
and Mark Neu (Neu) Wrestling & Multipurpose Room at West Middle School.
The ribbon cuttings will start at Saber Fields, located at 13190 Townline Avenue in Shakopee at 3:00pm followed
by a 3:45pm ribbon cutting at the Farmer and Neu Wrestling & Multipurpose Room at West Middle School,
located at 200 10th Avenue East; both ribbon cuttings are open to the public.
In late fall 2020/winter 2021, the district’s facilities committee reviewed community feedback on the use and
name of what is now Saber Fields. Saber Fields will offer various rental options for community members and
visitors such as athletics teams, sports organizations/tournament coordinators and outside organizations.
The Scott County Historical Society also supported a recent student project that will showcase the history and
importance of the land that is now Saber Fields, as well as the surrounding area. Visitor signs and history boards
will be added to the site, at a future date, in conjunction with various programs in the Academies of Shakopee
High School.
“The purpose of the land at Saber Fields is to serve our community as a recreational space until such time as
enrollment growth would dictate the need for an additional elementary or middle school. The recent
Community Facilities Task Force made the determination that almost certainly this area will serve as a
recreational space for at least five years, and likely for a longer period of time,” shared Shakopee Public Schools
Superintendent, Mike Redmond. “With the rising price of land in our area, it feels good to own this property and
have it available should our community continue to grow in the future.”
In January 2021, the Shakopee School Board approved a recommendation by the district’s Naming Committee,
which included select board members, community members and district staff, on the naming of the
multipurpose room at West Middle School to the Farmer and Neu Wrestling & Multipurpose Room. Students and
community members shared their gratitude for Farmer and Neu last year with a video. The room has since been
updated using funds donated to the district.
“It’s truly an honor when we can recognize individuals within the community that have not only made a positive
impact on our students, but have worked hard to support the evolution of our athletics programs and resources,”
shared Shakopee Public Schools Athletics Director, Matt Hanson.
For a press pass or photography needs, please contact tolson@shakopee.k12.mn.us. RSVPs for the event can be sent to
Communications@shakopee.k12.mn.us but are not required for attendance. Saber Fields is located off of County Road 78 and
County Road 79; the Farmer and Neu Wrestling & Multipurpose Room at West Middle School can be accessed through the main
middle school entrance off 10th Avenue and Spencer Street.
