Sioux Empire Today

$2.2 Million in Public-Private Partnership Enhances Neighborhood Park With Fitness, Aquatic Activities

Today, Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation completed $2.2 million in improvements.

City officials and community leaders celebrated the public-private partnership that brought a new playground, splash pad, turf dog park, and walking path to the northwestern Sioux Falls neighborhood with an opening ceremony.

The new spray park, with shade structures and restrooms, creates access to aquatic recreation for the neighborhood. The original playground was replaced by an obstacle course-style play feature that’s the first of its kind in the Sioux Falls parks system. The turf dog park allows residents to gather and let their dogs exercise. The construction of an internal walking loop connects the park elements. The park is located at 400 North Valley View Road and is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“Quality of life investments are what set a community apart, and it’s important they’re made across Sioux Falls for all residents to enjoy,” said Mayor Paul TenHaken. “These improvements to Hayward Park create a positive and energized community gathering space that didn’t exist before. This project was a true One Sioux Falls effort, and I look forward to watching this neighborhood make the most of this development.”

The project reflects the community’s desire for a safe and connected park and creates a true community gathering space. Hayward Park epitomizes how public-private partnerships can significantly benefit the Hayward neighborhood and Sioux Falls. Promising Futures, Leadership Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, and Sioux Falls School District worked with the City of Sioux Falls to create experiences for wellness and fitness in the city.

Speakers at the event included Don Kearney (Director of Parks and Recreation), Mayor Paul TenHaken, Greg Neitzert (City Councilor), Ann Nachtigal (Park Board Member), Steve Hildebrand (Founder of The Promising Futures Fund), Matt Paulson (Founder and CEO of MarketBeat and Leadership Sioux Falls Class of 2021 Member), and Principal of Hayward Elementary, Derek Maassen.

Hayward Elementary School students who achieved perfect attendance this year activated the new splash pad. The splash pad will remain open before opening day for the rest of the City pools on June 2.

Original source can be found here.