The state’s largest community is looking to change by upgrading it’s parks over the next year. Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Director spoke with area business leaders searching for their support.
2020 was a rough year for the parks and rec department in Sioux Falls. Director Don Kearney says they had to make changes on the fly just to keep the parks clean.
“You spend all winter gearing up for summer just to get the plug pulled…”
Kearney says there are plans in the works for a 4 million dollar park with an ice ribbon and all-inclusive playground in the downtown River Greenway and a redesign of Falls Park.
The Jacobson Plaza at Falls Park will include ice skating and an all-inclusive playground thanks to a donation from business owners Garry and Dianne Jacobson.
The Downtown River Greenway is a river walk like trail that runs between Falls Park and Fawick park on both sides of the river running through the downtown area. The Greenway will be part of the Sioux Steel Development area.
A competition for the redesign is currently underway according to Kearney. Six different firms across the country have submitted proposals. Kearney says the infrastructure has been outgrown and change is needed in order to keep the park for years to come.
The plans for all these changes are expected for the spring and summer of 2022. Kearney asks for the community to help by spreading the word and supporting the Parks and Rec department anyway they can.
“One thing we are trying to do is tell our story… there are plenty of groups and foundations out there that you can help support us.”
Other improvements include the Cherry Creek Trial leading to the bike path, Haywood Park remodel, a lion exhibit at the Great Plains Zoo, a new ski lift at Great Bear and a new club house at the Elmwood Golf Course.