Collective effort helps revitalize Terrace Park neighborhood

They’re aiming to “rock the block” in Terrace Park this week, with a series of neighborhood improvement projects.

It’s an effort coordinated by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls, which brings its annual Rock the Block event to the northwest Sioux Falls neighborhood through Saturday, in partnership with the Terrace Park Neighborhood Association.

“Our neighborhood revitalization coordinator reached out to a few neighborhood associations to see if they’d have interest in Rock the Block. The Terrace Park Neighborhood Association responded saying they’d love to be part of the event,” said Jadeyn Sjaarda, marketing and communications coordinator.

“The association has worked with us to coordinate projects in the park and connect us with homeowners in the neighborhood.”

More than 70 volunteers from the community will be heading to Terrace Park throughout the week to help their neighbors with painting, tree planting, yard cleanup, minor home repairs and park improvements.

“Volunteers are made up of business groups, individuals and Habitat homebuyer partners. Each year, our volunteer coordinator gets requests from businesses who want to volunteer during Rock the Block, and then we also set aside shifts for individuals to fill,” Sjaarda said. “We’re grateful for all of the support the community gives to this event.”

The 11 projects scheduled to be completed during Rock the Block are free to homeowners thanks to support from Habitat donors.

Rock the Block is an annual neighborhood revitalization event that focuses on improving living conditions in a specific neighborhood. Homeowners in the neighborhood who fall within Habitat’s income guidelines may apply to be part of the event and are selected based on project suitability.

Last year’s effort in the Whittier neighborhood tackled 19 projects and was the largest ever. Since 2022, Rock the Block events have helped more than 150 people in the community.

“What makes Rock the Block special is the community-building that happens and the impact it has on the neighborhood as a whole. Homeowners who are physically able are out with volunteers working on their project, so people can get to know someone they wouldn’t otherwise meet,” Sjaarda said.

“By the end of the week, neighbors and volunteers can look around and see all the trees that were planted, homes that look brighter with a fresh coat of paint, and all the other projects that make the neighborhood a more beautiful place to call home.”

In addition to holding Rock the Block events, Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization program also offers year-round affordable home repairs to homeowners in Minnehaha, Lincoln and Turner counties. To learn more about the program and apply, visit siouxfallshabitat.org/nr.