South Dakota’s outdoor recreation is set for a transformation with the launch of a $10 million campaign aimed at enhancing state parks and recreation projects. This initiative is a collaborative effort between state officials and the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting outdoor recreation in the state.
The campaign’s focus is to support 28 diverse projects across South Dakota, addressing needs for infrastructure improvements such as hiking trails, playgrounds, bridges, and visitor centers. According to an article published by SDPB Radio on August 6, Game, Fish, and Parks officials emphasized that without this support, many of these projects would be long delayed.
Kristina Coby, executive development director of the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation, underscored the impact of private donations on state projects.
“Our donor dollars, your donor dollars, are passed over to Game, Fish, and Parks to help fund their priority projects. For instance, right now, we are at the tail end of a $3 million fundraising campaign to help expand the outdoor campus in Sioux Falls,” Coby explained.
Jeff VanMeeteren, director of parks and recreation, also elaborated on the diverse range of projects encompassed by the campaign. These include a proposed $1 million welcome center at Custer State Park.
VanMeeteren explained, “We’ve purposefully put together a laundry list of probably over two dozen projects here across the state – with the idea that if somebody wants to come up and write the big check and do them all, we would love that.”
The campaign’s potential impact extends beyond mere infrastructure improvements. It aims to enhance the outdoor recreation experience for residents and visitors alike. Economic impact studies indicate that outdoor recreation managed by South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks plays a role in the state’s economy. Activities such as fishing, and state park visitation contribute to job creation and revenue generation.
Kevin Nyberg, president of the South Dakota Retailers Association, emphasized the role of private donations in the continued growth of outdoor recreation.
“I like to say, and we have kind of embraced it, that great places don’t just happen. We need to give those places, the Outdoor Campus, Palisades, Good Earth, Bison Centennial, we need to give them support. More than they can get on the public side,” Nyberg said.
