Candidates praise parks, criticize how opponents manage them
In a sometimes intense and acrimonious exchange of views over issues as varied as low income housing, government accountability, and city infrastructure, candidates for mayor and city council took the opportunity to talk about Rapid City’s parks, including the potential for including requirements for park land and open space in a new comprehensive plan that will guide the city’s growth. … Read More
Questions Submitted to Candidates by Friends of Rapid City Parks
Studies have shown that parkland increases values for adjacent property by 20 percent. Even more studies have shown that people will trade off income for quality of life, and that open space is the number one consideration for small, hi-tech companies looking to relocate. At a public forum last year, a panel of local and national experts on parks and … 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
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
2013 Candidate Forum May 30 at The Journey Museum
Friends of Rapid City Parks, in conjunction with Democracy in Action, will hold a forum for candidates seeking office in the upcoming school and municipal election on June 4. The forum will take place on Thursday, May 30, 2013, at The Journey Museum’s theater, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Journey Museum is located at 222 New York Street in Rapid … Read More
Let’s put some vision back into the Vision Fund process
Have you ever waited in line and put up with people who cut in front of you? Annoying, isn’t it? What if the line was an opportunity to queue up and make the case for your favorite sport, or most creative idea, or a chance to do something for the entire community? And someone cut in ahead. And foreclosed not … Read More
Friends Supports Development of Policy on Public Art
8 November 2012 Jeff Schild, Chairman Rapid City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Dear Mr. Schild, Thank you for the opportunity to offer comments on policies to be discussed at the advisory board meeting today. Friends of Rapid City parks endorses the draft Public Art Policy, with one recommended revision. In addition to the Community Planning & Development Office, the … Read More
Friends presses for park and trail connections in land trade
The Hon. Sam Kooiker Mayor City of Rapid City 300 Sixth Street Rapid City, SD 57702 2 November 2012 Dear Mayor Kooiker, Thank you for asking Friends of Rapid City Parks to comment on the proposed land trade between the city and Dream Design International, Inc. to exchange acreage in the Wally Byam Property for acreage near the airport. We … Read More