Simplified: Sioux Falls City Council on Tuesday approved just under $11.8 million in spending for a variety of projects including a new downtown park, river greenway improvements and a new golf clubhouse.
Why it matters
- That funding will unlock an additional $3.25 million in donations from both the Lloyd family and T. Denny Sanford. That money will help fund Jacobson Plaza – a new park downtown – and the new Lloyd Landing on the River Greenway.
- In addition to the park improvements downtown, the money will be used to replace the clubhouse at the Elmwood Golf Course, upgrade the fire rescue alert system, acquire land and street improvements at 85th Street and Tallgrass.
- Councilors on Tuesday also accepted donations to accompany Jacobson Plaza and Lloyd Landing, and they approved a 30-year agreement to name the Pawsible Park, Lloyd Landing and the T. Denny Sanford Splash Pad.
"That partnership aspect is absolutely critical," Councilor Rich Merkouris said of the public-private partnerships approved. "What a great opportunity for our tax dollars that we've got individuals that are saying, 'Hey if you come in, we're gonna come in as well,' and it encourages that generosity throughout our city."
Tell me more about what's included
Here's a breakdown:
- $3 million for Jacobson Plaza (more on that project here)
- $3.5 million for the Elmwood Club House
- $3.5 million for arterial street improvements at 85th Street and Tallgrass
- $500,000 for a new fire rescue alert system
- $1.25 million for "opportune land acquisition" – essentially buying land the city expects it will need as it expands.
