Happy Wednesday! Megan here.
First things first: This issue is brought to you by Wayne & Mary's Nutrition Center.
- Wayne & Mary's Nutrition Center is holding a Buy One Get One 1/2 off sale now through Aug. 22 on all Wayne & Mary's brand products. This is their best deal on these products, and you can mix-n-match to create your perfect stack. It's a great time to try out our Wayne & Mary's products or stock up on your favorites. Learn more and check out their two Sioux Falls locations here.
Weather check: Warm and sunny
This week, you'll get a closer look at what goes into the decision to close outdoor pools. Plus, learn more about improvements coming to the city bus system and find an absolutely jam-packed event guide to help you make the most of the last few weeks of summer.
And now, news:
CITY
How the city decides when pools close
Simplified: The city last week announced it'd close pools Aug. 9, and then, hours later, extended the date to Aug. 16. Here's a closer look at how pool closing dates are determined – including challenges with staffing, budget constraints and pool attendance.
Why it matters
- The pools will stay open later than initially planned this year thanks to a budget increase led by the late Councilor David Barranco, who urged the City Council to support a $75,000 increase to the pools budget for this year.
- That's enough money to cover pool operations for one week, taking into account the costs of staffing and operating the pools, said Brett Kollars, assistant director for the parks and recreation department.
- Pools are also closing earlier this year than in the last two years, which Kollars said is in an effort to be respectful of the city's resources – especially as the city is facing more budget cuts in the coming years.
"Pools aren't cheap," Kollars said. "It's our responsibility to be thoughtful with that equation."
So, why do pools close so early this year?
COMMUNITY
How the 'Better Bus' initiative is making public transit more appealing
Simplified: Nearly two years after reworking the city's bus routes, transit provider Via is teaming up with the city on a "Better Bus" initiative to improve rider experience and, hopefully, encourage more people to try the bus system.
Why it matters
- Via took over management of Sioux Area Metro in 2024, and soon after implemented new routes and citywide coverage with SAM on Demand. Since those changes, fixed-route ridership is up 37%, according to data shared by Via.
- The next phase of changes – dubbed the "Better Bus" initiative – involves improvements to the rider experience and an emphasis on community connection.
- That effort includes four new bus wraps designed by local artists, comfier seats, and even a new mascot – Sammy, the buffalo – who will make his debut during the downtown Open Streets event on Friday evening.
"We want to make sure that people think that the bus is a service that anyone can take advantage of – not just something that is for the people that have to take the bus," said Joe Martin, vice president of partnerships with Via.
Tell me more
EVENTS
Stuff to do: Aug. 5-11
- Wine + dogs. Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. is hosting its final Open Streets event of the summer with "Wags & Wine" a twist on the fan-favorite art & wine walk. You can find a full list of participating businesses and local artists on the DTSF website.
- Plus dancing. Cherapa Place is also hosting a street dance as part of the Open Streets event – bringing a little small-town charm to the big city. 😉
- Story time + piglet. Stockyards Ag Experience is bringing the cuteness with the return of Piglet Story Time on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. There'll be two chances to read with a cutie little piglet back-to-back. Find more details here.
- Local farms + local chefs. Try a variety of dishes featuring local ingredients at the Dakota Fresh Food Hub's Farm to Table event on Thursday, Aug. 13 at The Veranda at The Country Apple Orchard. Snag tickets here.
- Elsa + Anna. The Premiere Playhouse is putting on a production of "Frozen, Jr." as part of its artist development series and The Penguin Project, which aims to make theater accessible to kids of all abilities. You can find showtimes and tickets here.
- Beer + more beer. WoodGrain East is hosting "Lager Fest" on Sunday with food trucks, live music and featured beers from nine local and regional brewery partners. Details here.
- Kids + zoo. It's Kid's Day at the Great Plains Zoo on Saturday with a toy swap, lawn games, zookeeper chats and, rumor has it, a visit from a certain spider-themed superhero. Details here.
- Running + popsicles. Because why bother running if you don't end with a little treat? The Popsicle 5K/10K/Half Marathon is going down Saturday at Elmwood Park with proceeds benefitting The Foster Network. Details here.
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Tom A. Savage
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Thank you
Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including SafeSplash Swim School, Wayne & Mary's Nutrition Center, Startup Sioux Falls, Encompass Mental Health, the Sioux Falls YMCA, EmBe, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Barre3 Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium, the Washington Pavilion, The Premiere Playhouse, The Good Night Theatre Collective and the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. When you support them, you're also supporting Sioux Falls Simplified.
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Special thanks to Wayne & Mary's Nutrition Center!
Their BOGO 1/2-off sale is a great time to stock up on your favorite Wayne & Mary's products OR try something new for your wellness journey. Hear from one of their customers below, and learn more on their website.
