Falls Park Redevelopment Gift

At a glance

What: A conditional gifting agreement under which the Sioux Falls Community Foundation, acting for the Bezos Earth Fund, will give the City a future cash gift to redevelop part of Falls Park, plus a matching amendment to the capital program.
Where it stands: Resolution 79-26 (the agreement) and Resolution 78-26 (the capital program amendment) both adopted August 5, 2026, 8-0.
Amount: $15,000,000 added in 2026 to Capital Improvements Program Project No. 14001, Falls Park Development.

Resolution 79-26, authorizing the Mayor to enter into the Conditional Gifting Agreement for the Redevelopment of a Portion of Falls Park. Moved by Basye, seconded by Pankonin; roll call 8-0. The recitals say the Bezos Earth Fund (created to award grants to projects that restore and protect the natural world) has a grant agreement with the Sioux Falls Community Foundation, which will administer the funds, and that the Parks and Recreation Board considered the agreement on July 15, 2026 and recommended Council approval. The Mayor may sign only after the Foundation has ratified and executed the agreement.
Resolution 78-26, amending the 2026-2030 Capital Program. Moved by Sigette, seconded by Spellerberg; roll call 8-0. It raises funding for design and construction of amenities and remediation in the quarry area of Falls Park by $15,000,000 in 2026; the extra appropriation is to be funded by the Bezos Earth Fund grant.
On the regular agenda, Item 30 (this agreement) was moved ahead of Item 28 on a motion by Merkouris, seconded by Basye, 8-0, and heard right after the Western Hills rezoning ordinance.
The related supplemental appropriation ordinance, which carries a Parks and Recreation transfer restriction, is at Parks Supplemental Appropriation Limit. The minutes do not state that the ordinance funds the gift.
The minutes record no discussion and no public comment on this item.

Resolutions 79-26 and 78-26 adopted, each 8-0 (Items 30 and 29).