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

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

Parks News Roundup

Our second annual “31 Parks in 31 Days” challenge on Facebook was a big success this year. At the high point of the contest we reached more than 570 people. If you think you’d like to try the challenge, don’t peek at Facebook (because the answers are there), but you can take the test questions in the post below. We … 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

Memorial Park Promenade first step on the path, not the final destination

Statement of Friends of Rapid City Parks to Rapid City Council, May 7, 2012. Friends was founded in 2005 to advocate for our parks.  We have more than 100 members and have mobilized up to 300 supporters on issues affecting the parks. Tonight we are speaking in support of the proposal by Destination Rapid City to create the Memorial Park … 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