MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) The Mitchell City Council has set aside $500,000 in its preliminary 2026 budget for expanding the Corn Palace Plaza, though members are split on how much should be spent and what features to include. Options range from a simple greenspace to playgrounds, shaded structures, or even removing nearby parking lots. Some council members argued that cutting the budget to $250,000 would limit the project to little more than grass, while others pushed for features like a playground mound to make the plaza more family-friendly. The Mitchell Republic reports the final budget will be decided in November, with construction possible in 2026 or 2027.