The Sioux Falls City Council in South Dakota has concluded a multiyear-long planning effort for a new community hub in Sioux Falls, voting to approve the design of a new recreation center.
The recreation center project, which seeks to develop a new Frank Olson Recreation Center within Frank Olson Park, falls in conjunction with a five-year master plan created by the city that outlines the needs and priorities for parks and recreation in the area. The master plan, which was approved at a previous city council meeting, outlines five key initiatives for the recreation department:
- Long-term sustainability.
- Exceptional customer experiences.
- Year-round recreation.
- Equitable access to parks and facilities.
- Maintaining and growing infrastructure.
The new Frank Olson Recreation Center, located at Frank Olson Park, will feature both indoor and outdoor attractions. The 75,000 square foot building will house a new fitness area as well as programming and party spaces to be used by the public and the parks department. The building will have an aquatics center with two pools. One being a six-lane, 25-yard fitness pool with diving boards. The second will be a leisure pool with a zero-depth entry and a water slide. The center of the building will include an over 40-foot-tall indoor playground. On the second floor, a walking and running track will be constructed to look over the entire facility. It will include views of the gymnasium area with room for two full-size basketball courts. The courts can be split up for pickleball and volleyball play. Outside the building, a parking lot with 220 spots, two softball fields, and a sledding hill will be made.
The recreation center project will be funded by a $68 million sales tax bond and is estimated to cost $47 million. Some amenities like the playground, pool, and gymnasium will be free to residents, while, it is planned, for the fitness center to cost a fee. Construction of the project is likely to start next spring, with an opening for the center likely in early 2029.
Rendering courtesy of the city of Sioux Falls
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