In the coming decades, the Sioux Falls community could support as many as six indoor recreation centers — according to an analysis that’s part of the proposed plan for the city’s parks and recreation department.
“We really wanted this to be a community-driven plan,” said Will Younger, principal at Indianapolis-based Pros Consulting, which is facilitating the plan.
More than 1,500 people gave input in some way, including more than 440 kids.
“Continuing to upgrade neighborhood parks was really big,” Younger said. ”
“They really appreciate the diversity of parks and amenities … and types of experiences from large destination parks like Falls Park to neighborhood spaces they get to enjoy near their homes.”
In ranking priorities for facilities, residents opted for small neighborhood parks, walking/hiking trails, natural areas, indoor swimming and indoor playgrounds.
Adult fitness and wellness programs were ranked as the top priority for the parks system, followed by nature programs and special events.
It found residents place a heavy emphasis on year-round recreation, including indoor centers and outdoor recreation options for the winter.
“It’s indoor fitness, it’s wellness, it’s indoor swimming, it’s indoor running and walking opportunities, exercise facilities, community gathering,” said Mike Patten, park development manager. “That’s what the community is telling us recreation is today and what we’re looking to deliver on.”
Meeting that request would mean a significant investment in facilities.
The city’s westside recreation center and proposed recreation center at Frank Olson Park on the east side would still leave gaps in service areas. A proposed map shows adding a north-central recreation center in the next five years, in keeping with the city’s previously mentioned plan to convert part of the Sioux Falls Convention Center to recreation space, although no location is identified.
The vision then includes a recreation center in central Sioux Falls in less than 15 years and others in south and far northwest Sioux Falls in the next 25 years.
Any facility “should be flexible and multi-purpose, so it can grow and evolve with the always-changing trends in recreation,” Patten said.
Several city councilors questioned the concept, including budgeting for the north-central facility in the next five years and potentially competing with private fitness centers.
“If we’re just straightforward honest, the indoor rec thing is a point of contention and a point of disagreement,” city council member Rich Merkouris said.
Councilors also asked to see more in the plan about improvements to Falls Park and the future of the city’s golf course options. The plan recommends the city determine a policy for adjusting fees within the parks system so councilors aren’t approving every individual adjustment.
The overall master plan is based on five guiding initiatives:
- Long-term sustainability
- Exceptional customer experiences
- Year-round recreation
- Equitable access to parks and facilities
- Maintaining and growing infrastructure
“Take care of what you already own,” Younger said, suggesting making small ongoing improvements to existing facilities while looking to donors to help support larger more visionary projects.
The city should continue to strategically acquire land for additional parks and strive to maintain its goal of providing a park within a half-mile of every resident, he said.
“It is really, really good access that the city has as it relates to parks and trails and this is ensuring you’re following that as the city expands,” Younger said.
The Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation board is scheduled to consider the master plan at its Oct. 28 meeting, followed by the Sioux Falls City Council at its Nov. 4 meeting. The council still has not voted on the final plan for Frank Olson Park, which is expected in November.
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