Falls Park is known for the large falls, but there could be a new attraction.
Right now, the Big Sioux River is mostly ice, but a portion of the river could be soon have a new look. Mitchell Joldersma, President of Sioux Falls Whitewater Park, points out where the park would go. He says he's been working on this plan for years.
"It originally happened because I got sick of driving four hours to go to Iowa to go to a whitewater park," Joldersma said.
Here's his vision. It will be around 500 feet and will have a wave, rock garden and slalom course. The big change to the river would be modifying the water around the current dam. Right now the water swells down, but the change would have the water splash up into a wave where people can ride. The area would be used for recreation, as well as educational classes about kayak safety. Joldersma says this attraction would add to the overall feel of Falls Park.
"Well a lot of people just go to the main event the large waterfall and sometimes they walk back. Well now they have the chance to walk down here. They can see small rapids, they'll be boulder steps and everything where you can sit and picnics and watch other people use the water," Joldersma said.
To get this park up and running, it's going to some fundraising. Right now, Joldersma is looking to raise $30,000 for additional testing here along the Big Sioux River.
The hydrology studies will look at how the water is going to flow. Joldersma says it's part of the information the City Parks and Recreation is requesting before moving on to the next stage of the project.
"We're doing raffles and fundraisers right now so that should hopefully help our cause and help get the word out and everything so we can get those studies done," Joldersma said.
He estimates it will still be a few years before the transformation is complete, but he's excited to potentially bring a new attraction to Sioux Falls.
Sun 'N Fun is selling raffle tickets for a Kayak, with the proceeds going towards Sioux Falls Whitewater Park.
Click here for more information.
Right now, the Big Sioux River is mostly ice, but a portion of the river could be soon have a new look. Mitchell Joldersma, President of Sioux Falls Whitewater Park, points out where the park would go. He says he's been working on this plan for years.
"It originally happened because I got sick of driving four hours to go to Iowa to go to a whitewater park," Joldersma said.
Here's his vision. It will be around 500 feet and will have a wave, rock garden and slalom course. The big change to the river would be modifying the water around the current dam. Right now the water swells down, but the change would have the water splash up into a wave where people can ride. The area would be used for recreation, as well as educational classes about kayak safety. Joldersma says this attraction would add to the overall feel of Falls Park.
"Well a lot of people just go to the main event the large waterfall and sometimes they walk back. Well now they have the chance to walk down here. They can see small rapids, they'll be boulder steps and everything where you can sit and picnics and watch other people use the water," Joldersma said.
To get this park up and running, it's going to some fundraising. Right now, Joldersma is looking to raise $30,000 for additional testing here along the Big Sioux River.
The hydrology studies will look at how the water is going to flow. Joldersma says it's part of the information the City Parks and Recreation is requesting before moving on to the next stage of the project.
"We're doing raffles and fundraisers right now so that should hopefully help our cause and help get the word out and everything so we can get those studies done," Joldersma said.
He estimates it will still be a few years before the transformation is complete, but he's excited to potentially bring a new attraction to Sioux Falls.
Sun 'N Fun is selling raffle tickets for a Kayak, with the proceeds going towards Sioux Falls Whitewater Park.
Click here for more information.