beach umbrellas over tables at Shady Oak Beach

Shady Oak Beach

5200 Shady Oak Rd, Minnetonka

What's new at Shady Oak Beach?

POSTED 3/25/2011

Shady Oak play area artist renderingShady Oak artist rendering 2Come early June, young visitors to Shady Oak Beach will find an exciting new feature to enjoy­—the Shady Oak Beach Community Play Area.

Replacing the older water feature at the beach, the new community play area will offer multiple play areas suitable for ages 1-12. Just a few of the features include water tables, water misters, and a “fossil dig” for exploration. Unlike the previous water play area, which could be used only during the summer months, this area will be available for a longer period of time each year – from April through October. This year, the play area is slated for completion by early June.

The cities of Hopkins and Minnetonka received an $187,500 Hennepin Youth Sports Program grant to develop the 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.

2011 Hours

  • June 10–August 1: 10 am–9 pm
  • August 2–August 28: 10 am–8 pm

Swimming in the lake will end a half hour before sunset. A closing time will be posted at the beach. The beach will close at 7 pm on July 4.

Amenities

  • 76 feet of sandy beach shoreline
  • 2 sand play areas
  • Water play area
  • Sand volleyball court
  • Concession stand
  • Restroom/changing areas
  • Canoe rental
  • Fishing

Daily admission rates

$5 (ages 2 and under are free)
$3 Twilight (after 6 pm)
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Season passes

Information on season passes available from the City of Minnetonka.

Contacts

Aerial shows Shady Oak Beach and amenities