TenHaken in State of the City: ‘The future is calling’

Mayor Paul TenHaken called on Sioux Falls to think big and bold in making investments for the city’s future in his annual “State of the City” address today.

TenHaken touched on multiple major projects in various stages of development, including the proposed Riverline District redevelopment downtown and efforts to increase indoor recreation and improve the Great Plains Zoo.

“They’re like pieces of a puzzle, slowly coming together over time, defining what Sioux Falls is and can be, and shaping how the world views our community,” TenHaken said. “This progress will continue to draw people here to live, to work, to raise a family and to stay and play for generations to follow.”

Photo by Michael Woolheater

Over the past five years, Sioux Falls has added a population equivalent to that of the city of Aberdeen, he added.

“As we transition from the unprecedented growth of the past several years and our continued focus on strategic planning and financial stewardship, we anticipate another significant year ahead for Sioux Falls,” TenHaken said. “We are in the midst of incredible investments being made in this city.”

At the same time, he acknowledged the pressures of growth and the household-level effect it has had.

“The pandemic threw a very bright spotlight on what a great place South Dakota is to live, the incredible job opportunities here and the beautiful quality of life that comes along with all of it,” TenHaken said.

“As a result, the cost of living has increased to a point that it’s had noticeable impact on families, individuals and community resources. As we look toward the future, it’s imperative that we continue to approach our growth with wisdom, foresight, caution and optimism.”

The “State of the City” address balanced updates on infrastructure, including major transportation, water and wastewater improvements, with social services and quality-of-life improvements.

One of the most significant developments in addressing at-risk populations is a city partnership with Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership for the Bright Futures program, which provides support to families in danger of becoming homeless, especially single mothers.

“Utilizing our federal funding, we were able to offer education, case management services and rental assistance to 75 families, impacting the lives of 240 individuals,” TenHaken said. “I am pleased to share that this is an annual program, reaffirming our ongoing dedication to supporting vulnerable families in our community.”

Quality-of-life initiatives

Multiple public facilities mark milestones this year, which TenHaken used as a framework to talk about the need for future investments.

The Washington Pavilion marks 25 years of operation. TenHaken quoted founding Pavilion board member Dan Kirby, who said after a public vote to support its creation: “The future called tonight, and Sioux Falls answered.”

“What a great line,” TenHaken said.

“Millions have visited since, bringing with them energy and economic impact that is hard to fully define.”

This year, the Washington Pavilion will add a privately funded, interactive outdoor art installation, TenHaken announced.

Called Cyclicality, “it will symbolize the continued contribution to the cultural vibrancy and economic vitality of our growing community (and) is indicative of the value this visionary investment has had on Sioux Falls,” TenHaken said.

At night, the installation will transform into interactive colors. As infinity mirrors, each crystal will project interplay of light and rock.

The Denny Sanford Premier Center also will mark its first decade, prompting TenHaken to praise its financial performance and the destination it has become.

These aren’t just buildings; they’re investments in our community’s economic vitality and overall well-being,” he said. “I can’t imagine a Sioux Falls without the Premier Center or the Washington Pavilion. And neither can many of the individuals and families that now call Sioux Falls home.”

TenHaken also offered a look at updated designs for replacements to the city’s two oldest pools: Frank Olson and Kuehn, which are planned to be replaced with an indoor recreation center and an outdoor pool, respectively.

It’s part of the largest package of projects in the history of the Parks and Recreation Department, up to $77 million, which also includes $12 million to purchase and renovate the west-side Sanford Wellness Center, which would give the city a third public indoor pool.

Kuehn Park

The wading pool at McKennan Park also will be replaced with a more modern version later this year.

The Great Plains Zoo holds similar potential to enhance the city’s quality of life through a recently proposed estimated $150 million master plan.

“This plan is the result of years of research, planning and dreaming big about improvements that will transform the 45-acre campus into a regional destination. Plans for phase one include the construction of a world-class aquarium, which will feature a full shark tank, a jellyfish gallery, coral and more, and a raised walkway to better view all of what is inside,” TenHaken said.

“Like so many other long-term investments being made in this community, this too is coming together thanks to the bold vision and philanthropic contributions of community leaders.”

Finally, TenHaken again reminded the city that it lags behind in both indoor recreation space and the capacity of the Sioux Falls Convention Center, driving home his desire to retrofit the current building into flexible recreation space and build a new Convention Center downtown.

Best practices suggest 320,000 square feet of public indoor recreation space for a city the size of Sioux Falls, not counting pools. Sioux Falls has 20,000 square feet.

“Now imagine no walls and instead of meetings like this,” TenHaken said to the crowd at the Convention Center for his speech, “coming here with your kids, grandkids or even your spouse to play pickleball, use a climbing wall, basketball courts, a walking track, turfed soccer fields and indoor play spaces.”

At the same time, the annual “State of the City” address would become one of many events to be held at a downtown Riverline Center, he said.

“Positioned on the east side of downtown and along a critical transportation corridor, this potential future investment, when realized, will undoubtedly become an anchor for community events, exhibitions, conferences and conventions,” he said.

“We envision the Riverline Center investment serving as a catalyst for urban revitalization, spurring further development and investment in the surrounding areas. Such a dynamic addition to Sioux Falls’ vibrant downtown skyline would enhance our reputation as a destination for both leisure and business.”

Later this year, a feasibility and economic impact study is expected to be finalized, and the purchase of the land at 10th Street and Franklin Avenue will be discussed during the city’s budget process.

Funding that or other city projects and services could become a bigger challenge, though.

TenHaken expressed concern about an effort in November to repeal the statewide tax on consumable products. If that revenue is lost to the city, it could lead “to decreased funding for essential services like street repair, snow removal, parks and libraries programming and critical staffing for public safety,” he said.

“In the face of such uncertainty, we must be prudent in our fiscal decisions, holding the line while continuing to provide high-quality services, ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely and every plan meticulously crafted. That’s how we will be approaching the budget ahead.”

But, in the midst of caution, he continued to call on the city to believe in its collective future.

“We’ve got a great thing going here in Sioux Falls,” TenHaken said.

“But the future is calling. How will we answer that call? Let’s continue to dream big, to invest boldly and build a future that we can all be proud of.”