Happy Monday! Megan here.

Weather check: Nice and mild

🎁 I have something coming for you. But I don't have your address. If you could reply to this email and tell me or send me one separately at megan@sfsimplified.com, I'll add you to my SFSimplified holiday card list. 📬

This week, it's a big week for parks news as the City Council preps for votes approving the schematic design for Frank Olson as well as the five-year master plan. Plus, I'll do my best to figure out the resources available for folks as SNAP benefits pause (as well as ways to help if you're able.)

Here's a look at what I'm watching:

Upcoming public meetings

Sioux Falls City Council

When: Work session at 4 p.m. Tuesday followed by a regular meeting at 6 p.m.

Where: Carnegie Town Hall

Full agendas here

Topics of interest: Councilors will vote on two big resolutions related to the park system. The first one is a resolution approving the five-year plan (background here), and the second is a resolution approving the schematic design of the indoor pool and rec center at Frank Olson Park (background here).

  • If the schematic design is approved by the council, the city will have the authority to bond for the funds required to finalize design and start building.

Minnehaha County Commission

When: 9 a.m. Tuesday

Where: Third floor of the county admin building

Full agenda here

Topics of interest: Commissioners will get an update on how the fair went this year, look at law enforcement agreements with various towns, and chat about liquor licenses.

Lincoln County Commission

When: 8:30 a.m. Tuesday

Where: Commission meeting room, Canton

Full agenda here

Topics of interest: Commissioners will hear a presentation on regional wastewater efforts, get a look at 2026 employee health benefits, talk about establishing a committee to look at emergency medical service districts and more.

Other stuff I'm watching

  • What's new in schools? The Sioux Falls School Board has a work session coming up on Wednesday. The agenda isn't yet posted, but these sessions are usually used to plan priorities for the district (and with legislative session coming up in January, it's not unheard of they'll be addressing that).
  • Help for hungry folks. With SNAP benefits on pause, I'll be looking at ways Sioux Fallsians are stepping up to make sure all are fed, as well as resources for those who need them.

ICYMI

What made headlines last week

Meet the newest addition to Sioux Falls parks
The city this week marked the opening of the Arrowhead Park house, a new facility for parks and recreation programming that’s also available to rent for private events.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa
Who’s enrolled in Sioux Falls’ public schools
The Sioux Falls School District saw slightly fewer students this year, but overall there’s an increase in diversity, an increase in the number of students receiving special education services, and about half of kids qualifying for free or reduced lunches.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa
Get a look at the latest plans for Frank Olson indoor rec center
The design for the new indoor pool and recreation center at Frank Olson Park is nearing completion.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

Questions about the week ahead?

Reply to this email, and I'll do my best to help you get the information you need.

Thank you!!