Founders Park Slated for Changes
Additions to portions of the bike trail within the park along Rapid Creek are on the city docket as well as the master planning underway for areas outside the park.
Preliminary designs for trail extensions to SDSM&T and the Central States Fairgrounds will be ready for public meetings some time in July, with a projected early fall decision by the City Council.
Using federal and city matching funds, the Department of Parks & Recreation is planning to complete a bridge over Rapid Creek at Founders Park, extend existing bike path north to Anamosa Street, continue the bike path east to the Central States Fairgrounds, and complete a leg that will connect to the campus of the School of Mines.
CETEC Engineering Services, Inc. is designing the project that will include the path, pedestrian bridge, bike path lighting, landscaping and interpretive areas, Founder’s Park restroom facilities, and parking at Founders Park and Anamosa Street.
Friends of Rapid City Parks has indicated support of the trail improvements, but continues to talk with city officials and project designers about concerns related to paving over the greenway for parking.