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
Memory Walk Elicits Recollections of 1972
The best part of the walk along Rapid Creek last Sunday was not the gorgeous weather or even the snazzy, high tech QR codes. The best part of the Memory Walk along Rapid Creek was listening to the memories of people who experienced the tragedy of the flood on June 9, 1972. Thanks to Keith Johnson, Bonnie Newnum, Del Beck, … Read More
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
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
Native Plant List for Trinity Eco Prayer Park
TEPP Plant List – public (2012-03-22)
Remembering 1972 with $19.72
Join Friends of Rapid City Parks in our efforts to educate the community on the Legacy of the 1972 Flood.
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