McKennan Park Sunken Garden

McKennan Park Sunken Garden Information and Rules

Planning an event at the beautiful McKennan Park Sunken Garden? Here's what you need to know to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Reservation Details

• Reservations must be made at least 5 business days in advance.
• Reservations can be made no more than 120 days in advance.
• No reservations are scheduled on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or Christmas.
• Only one time block reservation per name/event.
• Reservations are made through the Parks and Recreation reservation system.
• Reservations are first-come, first-served, except for Parks and Recreation or special events.
• The reservation fee is $75 and is non-refundable.

Reservation & Event Timing

• Time Block Adherence: All activities, including setup, decorating, photos, and cleanup, must occur within your reserved time block.
  • Events at McKennan Sunken Garden are scheduled into two four-hour time blocks.
    • 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    • 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Park Closing Time: The park closes at 10:00 p.m. Your event must conclude, and all participants must exit the park by this time, regardless of your start time.

Park Regulations

• No Alcohol: Alcohol is strictly prohibited in McKennan Park, as per city ordinance (Section 95.029).
• Amplified Sound: If your event uses amplified sound for more than one hour, a permit is required. Please contact the Health Department at 605-367-8760 to obtain one (Section 93.007 of the Code of Ordinances).
• Electrical Outlets: We offer 110-volt/20-amp electrical outlets in the garden area. You must request electrical power for your event.
Vehicle Access: No vehicles are allowed on grass or sidewalks without a permit. To request a vehicle permit, call the Park Office at 605-367-8222.

Amenities & Setup

• Canopies: Canopies are only permitted in a designated area adjacent to the garden. A permit is required to use a canopy in this area. Call the Park Office at 605-367-8222 to request a canopy permit.
• Seating: The Sunken Garden does not provide benches for seating.
• Chairs: You are welcome to bring your own chairs or rent them from vendors.
  • Chairs cannot be delivered the day before your event or left overnight. They must be delivered and set up within your reserved time block.
  • Do not place chairs or benches in flower or plant beds.
• Flowers: The garden's flowers are maintained from mid-May through mid-October, weather permitting.
• Decorations: Garlands and other decorations can be tied or wired. Do not staple or tack anything to park structures.

Parking & Cleanup

• Parking: Approximately 20 parking spaces are available in the McKennan Park lot, with additional street parking nearby.
• Cleanup: Please help keep the park beautiful! We kindly ask that you clean up all litter and dispose of trash in the provided containers.

Responsibility for Damages

• The reserving party is responsible for any damages caused during their access to the property.

We hope this makes planning your event easier! If you have any further questions, please contact our Parks & Recreation team at 605-367-8222 or email us at parksandrec@siouxfalls.gov.