Get wet at hydrant block parties. Here’s where to find them

When the hydrants open up, it’s like unleashing a flood of fun for kids in Sioux Falls neighborhoods.

The popular hydrant block parties visit a different neighborhood each Thursday through Aug. 19.

From 1 to 3 p.m., Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, Sioux Falls Police and Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation workers treat kids to two hours of water activities, games and music.

The first hydrant block party was last week at Frank Olson Park. Here are upcoming dates and locations:

• July 15, Whittier Park. 
• July 22, Prairie Trail Park.
• July 29, Hayward Park.
• Aug. 5, Jefferson Park.
• Aug. 12, Linwood Park.
• Aug. 19, Bakker Park.

The Parks and Recreation Department has appreciated its partnership with the fire and police departments to help host these fun community events, said Eric Saathoff, recreation program coordinator. 

“It’s a great way for those departments to interact with the neighborhood community,” Saathoff said. 

Many of the neighborhoods chosen aren’t as close to city pools, so summer water fun can be limited.

The city chooses neighborhoods based on factors that include location of the hydrants in relation to parks as well as barriers that exist for kids accessing the nearest swimming pool.

“When developing this program in 2019, we visited a wide variety of parks throughout the city to determine suitable locations.  At the end of each summer, we examine how the events went and adjust accordingly for the next year,” Saathoff said.

“Each year has looked a little different in terms of locations.  For example, with the current closure of Frank Olson Pool due to staffing, it was determined the Frank Olson neighborhood would be a great addition to this year’s locations and we held first hydrant party of the season there on July 8.”

Last year, the department hired a DJ to play music during the parties and lead kids in dance activities — a feature that will return this year. 

Saathoff said the parties have been well-received over the past two years, and he’s excited to help bring them back for a third. 

“It’s just a great chance for neighborhoods throughout the city to have a water-related activity come directly to their neighborhood,” he said.