City seeks input on Family Park expansion

A popular park for fishing could be enhanced — and you have a chance to weigh in on it.

The city of Sioux Falls is looking for input that will help guide a master plan for Family Park, which is at 300 N. Ellis Road on the west side of Sioux Falls.

Future park improvements could build on the area’s success attracting visitors citywide.

Family Park opened in 2010, one-half mile north of 12th Street and Ellis Road. The 245-acre park includes two stocked fishing ponds, a boat ramp for nonmotorized craft, walking trails, access to the recreation trail and an off-leash dog park on 3 acres.

In 2018, the Unzelman family donated 154 acres to the park, which broadened the boundary of Family Park and will allow for expansion and future development of the park.

“Family Park is a hub for Sioux Falls families to enjoy nature, fish and exercise their dogs,” said Don Kearney, director of parks and recreation. “Public input is an important step in planning for the future of this popular park. We’re looking forward to seeing how the community wants to shape the space through this public input session.”

The public input session will begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 24, at Jefferson High School, 1600 N. Marion Road.

It will be an interactive session led by Stockwell Engineers where attendees will be asked to provide feedback on potential improvements through Mentimeter with their cellphones.