Jacobson Plaza in Sioux Falls officially opens Monday, June 30.
City officials say it’s one of the most unique and inclusive parks in both Sioux Falls and the region.
With a splash pad, a refrigerated ice-skating ribbon, a dog park and a 26,000 square foot playground, Jacobson Plaza is an area city officials say could transform the downtown area.
Mayor Paul TenHaken has been a supporter of the project. He said though he’s excited himself, he’s most excited for the community and donors who made this a reality.
“Half of the cost for this entire complex was paid for by the private sector. And that’s what Sioux Falls is so good at. I mean when they see a need they step up, and so this place
simply would not be happening without the philanthropic community. So I think that’s what makes it special," TenHaken said. "It’s also a place where you don’t have to spend a dime to come here: You can splash in the splash park, you can bring your dog, you can play in, now, the region’s largest all-accessible, all-abilities playground. So, anybody can utilize Jacobson Plaza and there’s going to be kids all over this place.”
Jacobson Plaza was made possible by the Garry and Jacobson Family, T. Denny Sanford, the Lloyd family and the Downtown Rotary Club.
Tory Miedema is a park development specialist with the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department. He said for this particular park they put an emphasis on inclusivity regardless of age and ability. He said it’s shown through the spread-out design of the park area.
“That’s just to provide access for all different disabilities, not just wheelchairs and
mobility, but also sensory. We have basically three different large pods [at the park]. Kind of the middle one, the tallest one is the biggest feature and for kind of those older kids, teens," Miedema said. "And then we also have for the younger, probably 5-12 years old, we have a lower playset over here. And then the smaller set is kind of for toddlers.”
Miedema added that Jacobson Plaza has a lot of new park features to the Sioux Falls area, such as ziplines, higher slides and more modern versions of the classic teeter totter.
