Go out and play!

Not every student is able to participate in school sports programs, but studies tell us that outdoor play and exercise help not only with physical health, but creativity, teamwork, and other skills. This is an argument made in support of team sports. But not all students get picked for organized sports, or even want to try out for teams. How … Read More

What value, green space?

Studies have shown that parks and open space increase values for adjacent property by 20 percent. Open space is the number one consideration for small, hi-tech companies looking to relocate, because their highly educated work force is willing to sacrifice high income for high quality of life. Can Rapid City tap the economic growth potential of its parks and open … Read More

Arboretum Designed to Demo Conservation Trees and Shrubs

Editor’s Note:  This article was written at the request of the Black Hills Knowledge Network, where information on the Arboretum, its plants, and rangeland scientist Ralph Cole will be archived with other local history. On a spring day, the swath of trees north of the intersection of Mountain View Road and Jackson Boulevard is dappled by a pastel cloud of … Read More

Commemoration events begin Friday at The Journey Museum

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The 1972 Black Hills Flood – Remembrance & Renewal committee has adopted and ratified an official schedule of events for the community-wide 40th anniversary memorial June 8-10. The memorial will honor the 238 lives lost in the Black Hills Flood – as well as educate the public about flood safety. Friends of Rapid City Parks participated … Read More

Be a Friend of Rapid City Parks

Dear Friend, I was riding my bike on the path that runs through the city last week, my mind reflecting on the wonderful revitalization of our downtown area and the preservation of our green spaces we have worked so hard to prioritize. I think you will agree with me that there is no place like Rapid City, and our outstanding … Read More

Anniversary offers chance to look forward as well as back

The 1972 Flood 40th Anniversary provides an opportunity to increase education and awareness of the source of Rapid City’s abundant park space and the need to be vigilant in preserving it. While Friends is participating with city government and other civic organizations to plan events to commemorate the flood, we also want to take the opportunity to educate citizens who … Read More

Remembering 1972

During the night of June 9, 1972 a stalled storm system dumped more than 10 inches of rain in the Rapid Creek basin—more than enough total rainfall to fill Pactola Lake 14 times before it was over. The crest of the flash flood and the debris it carried hit Canyon Lake around 10 p.m., tearing out the dam and adding … Read More