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Sioux Falls Parks earns perfect national accreditation score as Falls Park master plan heads toward February vote

Sioux Falls Parks earns perfect national accreditation score as Falls Park master plan heads toward February vote

Photo: Metro Services


MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation has received a perfect score in its reaccreditation review by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, or CAPRA, the city announced.

City officials said CAPRA accreditation is awarded for five years and Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation also earned a perfect score during its 2020 review. The city said only about 1% of park and recreation agencies nationwide have earned a perfect score.

As the department highlights that recognition, it is also seeking public input on the Falls Park Master Plan — a long-term roadmap for improvements over the next 30 to 50 years. A public informational meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Falls Overlook Cafe, with a presentation planned for 5:15 p.m., according to the City of Sioux Falls.

The city’s Falls Park planning materials list key elements that include roadway realignments involving Falls Park Drive and Rice Street, along with other infrastructure and amenity concepts.

The plan is scheduled for Parks and Recreation Board consideration on Jan. 21, with City Council consideration on Feb. 3, the city said.

During a council discussion, Councilor Curt Soehl said he supports parts of the vision but wants detailed cost information before voting.

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