Sioux Falls updates parks master plan to keep residents active year-round

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - As temperatures drop, many people move their activities indoors. Sioux Falls’ Parks development manager Mike Patten said the city has been focusing on expanding indoor options to keep families moving through the colder months.

“Over the past 10 years, indoor recreation has been a big component of what the city would like to see,” Patten said.

“Our park system is really great for six months out of the year, but we live in South Dakota and winter is long, so how can we bolster the park’s system year-round? That’s been a common theme here for the past two cycles.”

The city’s updated master plan includes ideas like the potential of five new recreation centers, new wellness programs, and expanded indoor facilities - all shaped by community feedback.

“It’s a resident-driven master plan,” Patten said.

“This isn’t my plan, the mayor’s plan, or the park staff’s plan - it’s the residents’ plan. We engage with them, they tell us what they’d like to see, and then we work hard to implement it.”

But not everyone believes the solution to long winters is more time inside. Winter enthusiasts Laura Lang and her son Gunner Lang said outdoor activities should still be encouraged.

“I think they have plenty of indoor activities here, but let’s encourage getting people outside because there’s really no such thing as bad weather,” Laura said.

For Laura and Gunner, “too cold to play outside” isn’t a part of their vocabulary.

“Get outside if you’re near the area!” Gunner said, smiling.

“Anytime, right? Get outside, enjoy it!” Laura added.

“Yeah!” Gunner agreed with enthusiasm.

Whether under the sun or under a roof, Sioux Falls is aiming to make sure there is always a place to play - because a long winter shouldn’t mean a long break from fun, health, and wellness.

More information on the plan and how you can give your input and feedback can be found here.