Agreement Approved for Food and Beverage Services at Jacobson Plaza
New Skate Ribbon, Gathering Hall, and Recreation Amenities Coming to Downtown Sioux Falls
At Tuesday night's City Council meeting, the Sioux Falls City Council unanimously approved several items that support the opening of Jacobson Plaza at The Falls. This development will transform downtown Sioux Falls with new, signature year-round amenities and enhance access to family-friendly activities for locals and visitors alike
"Jacobson Plaza will elevate Falls Park as a dynamic and vibrant downtown destination. This investment will attract visitors, create year-round recreational opportunities for all, and enhance the quality of life for our community," said Don Kearney, Director of Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation. "We deeply appreciate the generous donors who made this vision a reality."
Jacobson Plaza at The Falls' main feature is a 14,000-square-foot outdoor skate ribbon for year-round use. It also includes a warming house, a gathering hall with food and beverage services, fire pits, and rentable gathering spaces. When fully complete, it will include a playground that's universally designed for all abilities, a splash pad, and an off-leash dog park. The splash pad is named the "T. Denny Sanford Splash Pad at Jacobson Plaza." The dog park is named "Pawsible Park at Jacobson Plaza."
City Council approved an agreement to allow the City to partner with Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. to manage food and beverage services at Jacobson Plaza's gathering hall and adjacent spaces. This collaboration will create a unique experience for visitors to Jacobson Plaza. The gathering hall will be branded "The Lodge at Jacobson Plaza," and will serve a variety of hot food, adult beverages, hot cocoa in winter, Parlour ice cream, and small bites. The Lodge will also be available to rent for private events throughout the year.
"This new venture aligns perfectly with the Washington Pavilion's mission to entertain, educate, and enrich our community," said Darrin Smith, president and CEO of the Washington Pavilion. "The Lodge at Jacobson Plaza will extend our offerings and management expertise beyond our facility, providing opportunities for birthday parties, corporate team-building events, live entertainment, and so much more. We can't wait for you to join us in this exciting new chapter.
City Council also approved fees for ice skate rentals and reservation slots on the skate ribbon. It will cost individuals $3 to rent skates and $5 to reserve 45 minutes on the refrigerated ice skating ribbon.
"We look forward to another fantastic partnership with the Washington Pavilion to create unique experiences for kids and families. We are confident their expertise in this space will help make Jacobson Plaza at The Falls a signature park not only in Sioux Falls but the region," said Jackie Nelson, Recreation Manager for Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation. "Thank you to City Council for helping us continue to move this project forward with accessible and affordable fees that will ensure everyone can enjoy all that Jacobson Plaza has to offer."
Jacobson Plaza at The Falls is funded through a public-private partnership. The lead gift was the $5.5 million donation from the Garry and Dianne Jacobson family. Donations also came from T. Denny Sanford, the Lloyd family, and the Downtown Rotary Club. The project broke ground in October 2023 and is on track to open in 2025.
Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation will continue to update the project’s progress at siouxfalls.gov/parksandrec.