Ground Breaks on Major Renovation for McKennan Park Wading Pool

Published on May 20, 2025

The City of Sioux Falls officially broke ground on a significant investment in the future of McKennan Park with a renovation project for the park’s beloved wading pool.

Originally built in 1971, the McKennan Park Wading Pool has been a recreational destination for families for over 50 years. McKennan Park is one of the oldest parks in Sioux Falls, established in 1906 through a donation from Helen McKennan. This project will modernize the space, ensuring accessibility, safety, and enjoyment for the next 50 years and beyond.

“McKennan Park holds a special place in the hearts of Sioux Falls residents,” said Director Don Kearney, Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation. “This project honors Helen McKennan’s legacy and ensures that this space continues to be a source of joy and recreation for generations to come.”

The renovation project will include a completely new bathhouse, a re-imagined wading pool, and new zero-depth entry and spray features. The plans also include shade structures and new landscaping, including a sculpture that will recognize Helen McKennan.

“We are so grateful for the support and generosity of Pierce and Barbara McDowell. Their donation has been instrumental in elevating this project, allowing us to create something even more special than was initially envisioned at McKennan Park,” said Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken. “Our community is incredibly fortunate to have philanthropic community members, like the McDowell family, who have helped shape our city to what it is today.”

A donation from Pierce and Barbara McDowell will fund some of the enhancements, including an expanded concessions area, architectural elements to the bath and warming house and operations building, shade structures, additional spray features in the pool, and a variety of park amenities such as planters, benches, and a sculpture.

“Our family has loved McKennan Park for generations, and even today, we consider it a magical place,” said Pierce McDowell. “We know so many others do, too. We are thrilled to help support the park and the many families and visitors who cherish it as much as we do.”

The Sioux Falls Parks Foundation, an affiliate of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, seeks to align philanthropic investment in the city park system with community vision.

“We are so grateful to the McDowell family for their generosity,” said Mary Kolsrud, chief philanthropy officer for the Community Foundation. “This is a great example of giving close to home and making meaningful improvements to all areas of our city.”

Mayor Paul TenHaken, Don Kearney (director of Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation), Mike Begeman (president of the Park Board), Pierce McDowell (donor), Mary Kolsrud (chief philanthropy officer of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation), and representatives from the Sioux Falls Development Foundation were speakers at the event.

The McKennan Park Wading Pool will be closed for the duration of the renovation. It is anticipated to reopen free of charge for the 2026 summer swim season.