06/13/2026
FINAL DAYS FOR PARKS & REC MASTER PLAN PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD BEFORE CITY COUNCIL REVIEW
RAPID CITY, SD—A few days remain in the public comment period on the Rapid City Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which is in the final stage of development prior to introduction to the Rapid City Common Council for consideration and possible adoption.
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan will guide the direction of future improvements and growth for the next 10-15 years. The plan defines development priorities, aligns recommendations with the goals of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and suggests strategies to utilize facilities, partnerships, funding and staff most efficiently.
Deadline to submit comments on the Master Plan is this Wednesday, June 17. During the comment period, the public is invited to visit the project website, review the draft plan and provide comments and feedback. Please include specific page numbers if relevant to comments. The plan can be viewed at Rapid City Parks and Recreation Master Plan | Engage RDG .
After the public comment period closes, this information will be reviewed and used to update the final plan document. Parks and Recreation officials will send the plan to the City Council for possible adoption at the July 6th Council meeting.
“The process of developing this master plan has been energizing for our department,” said Parks and Recreation Project Manager Melissa Petersen. “We’ve heard so many great ideas from community members, City staff, and RDG, the project consultant.
“With Rapid City continuing to grow, so does the need for parks and recreation opportunities. Our community really values the outdoors and we are lucky to have the parks system we have today. However, there is room for improvement too, making parks more accessible and inviting, maintaining and replacing aging facilities, and developing parks and trails where access is lacking today. This master plan will help us align our budget and staff resources with the community’s priorities and to look for additional ways to fund important upgrades.”
Petersen said ideas and recommendations in the draft plan are the result of public engagement and community feedback sessions. A needs assessment survey was conducted last summer with 519 responses collected. Survey respondents across all parts of Rapid City listed the following amenities as top priorities: neighborhood parks, paved connectivity trails for bikes and pedestrians, restrooms, unpaved hiking trails, natural areas and greenways, large community parks and indoor fitness/wellness spaces.
Contact [email protected] with questions.
(Sioux Park’s Noordermeer Gardens/City file photo)
