Simplified: Sioux Falls newest downtown destination is only a couple of months from opening, and we got a look this week at how construction is progressing on Jacobson Plaza.

Why it matters

  • The vision for Jacobson Plaza started as an outdoor ice ribbon several years ago, but since then it's grown to include a dog park, splash pad and what's going to be the largest playground in town.
  • This week also marked the grand opening for The Lodge Bar & Grill, a restaurant at the center of the plaza managed by the Washington Pavilion. It's also connected to a warming house with skate rentals and a party room that'll be available to rent.
  • The park is largely still under construction, but after a few delays, everything is on track to open late June. The goal is to even include Jacobson Plaza in part of the city's Fourth of July festivities, Recreation Manager Jackie Nelson said.
"This has the potential to be the signature park for our community," Mayor Paul TenHaken said. "It's truly something for everyone."

Show me the progress pics

Here's a look at the ice ribbon:

During the summer, Nelson said it could be used for roller skating, bumper cars, art walks and any number of other events.

There's also a section of turf outside the warming house that can be used for outdoor fitness classes, cornhole tournaments, etc.

Here's a look at the inclusive playground – you can kind of see a climbing structure being installed:

This playground will be the largest in the city, Nelson said – even bigger than Sertoma Park.

It's not much to see from this vantage point, but the green space here is the dog park:

There are also several areas for outdoor seating, including patio seating for the restaurant and an outdoor fire pit.

Jacobson Plaza will also connect to the walking paths to both the Steel District and Falls Park.

"Within a mile of here, you could spend a whole day," TenHaken said.

What happens next?

The plaza is set to open in late June. In the meantime, the Lodge Bar & Grill is already open.

"We've been working on this since pre-Covid," Nelson said. "To see it get to this stage is amazing."