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