Sioux Falls, SD – The McKennan Park Neighborhood Association has taken another step toward making its historic district safer and more walkable. After applying for a city‑wide grant, the association received funding to install a new crosswalk on 26th Street, a corridor that sees heavy traffic from daily commuters and the many concerts, plays, and community events held at the park.
Neighborhood leaders praise the upgrade
Co‑President Anne Mantz, who described McKennan Park as “the city’s best neighborhood,” said the crosswalk addresses a long‑standing safety concern. “The park is such an anchor for everything here, and it’s such a beautiful place to walk around in,” she explained. “When we have events in the park like the plays or the concerts, or even just people that live over here that want to come, there’s not a whole lot of parking. You see people having an issue crossing the street.”
City planner recalls past hazards
Neighborhood and Preservation Planner Diane Dekoeyer, who lived near 26th Street two decades ago, recalled the difficulty of crossing the street with her dog. “You had to race between cars to avoid getting hit, so this adds another level of safety,” she said, underscoring why the project was a priority for both longtime residents and newer families moving into the area.
Grant process and future plans
Each year Sioux Falls allocates a portion of its budget to registered neighborhoods for projects that enhance community life. Neighborhood associations must submit proposals outlining the intended use of the funds. The McKennan Park Neighborhood’s successful application covered the design, signage, and installation of the crosswalk, though the painted stripes have yet to be laid down.
Residents have already reported positive feedback. “We’ve had good feedback from neighbors about how much this was needed and how much they appreciate it,” Mantz noted.
Neighborhood associations as a model of civic engagement
Dekoeyer works closely with all 24 of Sioux Falls’ registered neighborhood associations. She highlighted that four neighborhoods submitted grant applications in the past year alone, reflecting a growing trend of grassroots involvement in city improvement projects.
Beyond crosswalks, these associations have spearheaded a variety of initiatives: historical plaques, tree planting after severe storms, neighborhood clean‑ups, new traffic circles, basketball courts, and signage marking neighborhood boundaries. Social events such as National Night Out further strengthen ties among neighbors.
“There’s a sense of stability and security within a neighborhood if you know each other,” Dekoeyer said, emphasizing the broader impact of these collaborative efforts.
Looking ahead to 2027
The city has opened its 2027 neighborhood project grant application, inviting communities to propose new ideas. The McKennan Park Neighborhood plans to use future funding to install a sculpture in the sunken gardens, inspired by a beloved Hansel‑and‑Gretel piece that once stood there for decades.
By securing the crosswalk grant and continuing to engage residents, the McKennan Park Neighborhood demonstrates how local associations can effectively partner with municipal officials to create safer, more vibrant public spaces for families and faith‑centered communities alike.
Original reporting: Dakota News Now KSFY Sioux Falls (local) — read the source article.
