What’s the flap about the tennis courts?

The problem is that this “solution” cuts out a public process called for by state law: namely a vote of the people to decide whether stewards of public land can give it away to private interests who can afford to throw considerable money on the table.

Parks to Parking Lots, Don’t it always seem to go?

The mission statement of Friends of Rapid City Parks is “To ensure that Rapid City area parks are managed in a way that preserves, protects and promotes this legacy for future generations.” Future generations won’t thank us for a legacy of striped asphalt. And Friends has been opposing turning sacred ground into parking spaces since its founding in 2005. We … Read More

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

Central footprint in the park gets smaller

The proposed expansion of Central High School will take a smaller bite out of the greenway thanks to actions Friends of Rapid City Parks have pressed on school and city officials. Since learning that initial plans for a new science wing, gym and parking would encroach on park land set aside after the 1972 flood, FRCP members have successfully advocated … Read More

Steve McCarthy on KEVN

The following story appeared on KEVN on November 18, 2009 after the school board changed the plans for the Central High School science building. You can view the interview with FRCP President Steve McCarthy here. They came with their game face on ready to put up a fight but instead members of the local organization Friends of the Parks walked … Read More

Reflections on the year past

The year has been a busy one for Friends of Rapid City Parks. In addition to our biennial city election forum to hear what candidates think about the parks and greenway, we helped sponsor the Fat Tire Fest, supported construction of the new Vicki Powers Memorial Park, staffed a booth at a city forum on Green/Sustainable, supported the Lions Club … Read More