McHardy Park Tower to receive upgrades, better stabilization

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - McHardy Tower, overlooking McHardy Park in Brandon, was originally built in 1983 by the National Guard and used for training exercises.

Since then, the 50-foot tower has remained a local landmark but has not had any major repairs.

“It was well constructed to begin with and other than fairly routine maintenance as far as replacing decking board and steps and things of that nature, it’s had very little repairs to it,” said Jeremy Risty, President of the Brandon Historical Society and Museum.

In need of better stabilizing, a decision had to be made whether to repair the structure or remove it entirely. Luckily, the structure will remain and over the next few weeks, a crew from Oakland Homes will be adding new wood to the tower.

“So, we are going to replace any and all rotten boards. There are steps, and then the deck landings as well, and then there’s some railing supports or railing posts that will get replaced as well at each landing site. Then, the big thing will be some cross-bracing that was recommended by an engineer. The goal is to stiffen the structure up with new lumber and cross-bracing and hopefully, it’s not as wobbly up top anymore,” said Justin Oakland, owner of Oakland Homes.

For Oakland, the project has special meaning.

“It means a lot to me. I’ve grown up in the Brandon area, graduated from Brandon, been here my entire life, and so I remember it growing up as a kid. When I heard there was a possibility of removing it, I didn’t want that. My kids have enjoyed it over the last few years. The Boy Scouts did an egg drop during Hometown Days, and so every time we drive by the kids say ‘Hey, that’s the egg drop tower!’ So, my kids think it’s a neat project. I do as well. Anytime we can help out in the community and preserve any of the park equipment, you know, any just quality of life in Brandon, we like to help with any of that,” said Oakland.