Park Madness 2026

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Park Madness Tournament!

Get ready, Sioux Falls! It is time for Parks & Recreation’s biggest competition of the year. Park Madness 2026 is officially here. We are so excited to bring this tournament back for its second year to celebrate the amazing outdoor green spaces in our city.

Park Madness is just like the NCAA tournament, but instead of teams, 64 of our local parks are facing off in a head-to-head battle. Only one park can be Sioux Falls' favorite!

Can Tuthill Park Win Back-to-Back?

Last year, the competition was fierce, but Tuthill Park took home the gold. As our first-ever champion, Tuthill has a target on its back this year. Will it win again, or will a new park take the trophy? It’s all up to your votes!

How the 64 Parks Were Chosen

You might notice that the parks in the running this year are a bit different than last year. To keep things exciting, our Parks Department held an official "Park Madness Draft!" Our team members, the people who work in and care for our parks every day, hand-picked this year's contenders. We looked at many different things to pick the best lineup, including:

• Attendance Data: Which parks do you visit the most
• Unique Amenities: Who has the best playgrounds, basketball courts, and pools
• Wildlife & Nature: Which spots have the best trees & river views
• Beauty: Which parks are the most beautiful for a family photo

Big News for 2026

For the first time ever, the Recreation Trail has been drafted into the bracket! Keep an eye on the trail to see if it can go all the way to the championship.

Meet the "Conferences"

We have divided our 64 drafted parks into four groups. To give it a real tournament feel, each group has its own theme song:

• The "Enter Sandman": High-energy parks ready for a big win.
• The "Whoomp! There It Is": Classic family favorites.
• The "I Wanna Dance with Somebody": Parks full of spirit and sunshine.
• The "Thunderstruck": Heavy hitters that are tough to beat.
  
  Download the Bracket

How to Play and Vote

You are the referee! Your votes decide which parks move to the next round and which ones go home.

Make Sure to do Your Homework

During February, check our Parks & Recreation Instagram and Facebook accounts. We will post "Scouting Reports" for the parks.

You’ll learn cool facts, like which parks have the newest inclusive playgrounds or the best spots to see a sunset.

Cast Your Vote

Starting March 1, the voting begins!

• Online: Look for voting links in our social media Stories or right here on our website.
• In Person: Pick up a paper bracket at Midco Aquatic Center, Jacobson Plaza, or WSR (Westside Recreation). Fill it out and play along at home

Important Dates to Remember

The Grand Prize

The winning park receives a 2026 Championship Sign to display proudly at its entrance.

Are you ready to champion your favorite park? Follow us on social media and get ready to vote!