Donation to fund upgrades to McKennan Park pool plan

Plans to replace the wading pool and warming house at McKennan Park will expand thanks to a generous donation.

A gift from Pierce and Barbara McDowell will fund enhancements to the McKennan Park Wading Pool replacement project. The gifting agreement, subject to City Council approval, allows up to $2.5 million for this portion of the project.

The donation will add to the existing plans with an expanded concessions area, architectural elements to the bath/warming house and operations building, shade structures, additional spray features in the pool and a variety of park amenities such as planters, benches and a sculpture.

“The enhancements to the McKennan Park plan will be a beautiful addition,” said Mary Kolsrud, chief philanthropy officer for the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. “We are so grateful to the McDowell family for their generosity. Pairing generosity with the vision of our community leaders is part of the mission of the Sioux Falls Parks Foundation.”

Construction for the project is expected to begin in June. The city of Sioux Falls already has approved a $4.7 million plan to build a replacement wading pool and warming house at McKennan Park as part of its capital improvement plan. The pool and warming house were opened in 1971.

The enhanced plans include a sculpture inspired by the original benefactor of the park, Helen McKennan.

Residents of the McKennan Park neighborhood for 35 years, the McDowell family is grateful to continue to be part of the philanthropic story of preserving the park for future generations to enjoy.

The Sioux Falls Parks Foundation, an affiliate of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, seeks to align philanthropic investment in the city parks system with community vision.

“Gifts like this from the McDowell family allow us to elevate planned projects and create even better park amenities for the community,” said Don Kearney, director of parks and recreation for the city.

The Sioux Falls City Council is scheduled to review the agreement at its meeting Feb. 11.