New Skate Plaza Celebrates Beginning Skatepark Build

Published on September 21, 2023

Today, the City of Sioux Falls, Let’s Skate, and community leaders formally celebrated the beginning of construction for a new state-of-the-art skatepark.

The Barb Iverson Skate Plaza, named in memory of a popular middle school teacher who died from cancer in 2021, is a partnership between the City and the nonprofit Let’s Skate (formerly Sioux Falls Skatepark Association). The City contributed $800,000 to the project, with Let’s Skate raising $1.7 million.

“We are grateful for the support of the City of Sioux Falls and our community in bringing this skatepark to life,” said Alix Johnson, secretary of skate for Let’s Skate. “The Barb Iverson Skate Plaza will be a place where skateboarders can come together to learn, grow, and have fun. We can’t wait to see it completed next year.”

At 20,000 square feet, the park will be one of the largest in the country. It will feature a flow bowl area with spaces designed for skateboarders of all abilities, including an advanced section, a rock terrace feature, a street plaza lane, and grind rails.

New Line Skateparks will design and build the new amenity. Site grading and utilities have been completed, with parking lot expansion, lighting, and sidewalks to be completed next spring.

The skatepark is expected to be completed in June 2024.

“We are excited to break ground on this state-of-the-art skatepark that will provide a place for skateboarders of all ages and skill levels to enjoy,” said Don Kearney, Director of Parks and Recreation. “The Barb Iverson Skate Plaza is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships and the community’s commitment to providing our youth with safe recreational opportunities.”

Speakers at the event included Don Kearney (Director of Parks and Recreation), Alex Jensen (City Councilor), Rick Kiley (former City Councilor), Karla Santi (Sioux Falls Development Foundation board member), and Xavier Pastrano (Let’s Skate board member).