SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A new date for voting on new recreational and aquatics facilities in Sioux Falls is tentatively set for next year. City councilors say there’s a reason for the delay.
The $68 million bond would upgrade Frank Olson and Kuehn Parks and a westside recreation center. Five percent of that is for flexibility purposes.
Councilors say the reason for the delay in voting is so they can determine every option.
“We’ve had conversations around getting more insight on things like, ‘hey, for indoor recreation, how many facilities? What is the strategy for this? Are these microsites? Are these regional sites? So, we’re expecting some updates and information on that,” council member Miranda Bayse said.
Councilors said it’s a 50-year decision, and improvements must fit the future needs of Sioux Falls.
“If it takes three or four or five years to build something, have we already outgrown it?” council member Jennifer Sigette said. “That’s why Councilor Bayse touched on it a little earlier. That’s why we’re really challenging the Parks Department before we pass anything. We want to know what the long-range vision is.”
Councilors said the bond cost will be backed by existing sales tax revenues, meaning taxpayers won’t see any changes to their current taxes.
“We’ve had a lot of conversation with the Parks Department and staff since we passed these resolutions to collaborate on what does that programming planning look like and how can we cut that vision a little bit bigger for indoor recreation for our parks system as a whole,” Bayse said.
The Parks and Recreation Department is presenting their plan during Tuesday evening’s city council meeting. Council members are tentatively looking to vote on the bond starting January 7th.
