Donors for Jacobson Plaza Celebrate with Official Ribbon Cutting
Published on July 23, 2025
Sioux Falls, South Dakota: The City of Sioux Falls, along with project donors and the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, celebrated the official ribbon cutting of Jacobson Plaza, Sioux Falls’ newest addition to Falls Park, during a ceremony hosted by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.
“Projects like Jacobson Plaza simply would not happen without the support of the generous donations led by Garry and Dianne Jacobson. This public-private partnership is so special for our community and not something we should take for granted,” said Mayor Paul TenHaken. “Watching this signature park come to life since opening has been incredible, and I look forward to ice skating this winter in downtown!”
This historic project was funded by a mix of public and private funds, totaling $18.5 million, to transform an underutilized space into a regional, year-round destination for all ages. Jacobson Plaza is named after the Garry and Dianne Jacobson Family, who provided an initial gift of $5.5 million through the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. Their donation served as a catalyst, inspiring contributions from T. Denny Sanford, the Craig and Pat Lloyd Family, and the Downtown Rotary Club.
Andy Patterson, CEO of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, said philanthropy can truly change a community. “When Garry Jacobson approached the foundation and said he wanted to do something big, we knew we were in for something special,” Patterson said. “His leadership inspired others to give, and because of that, we are able to celebrate this remarkable park in the heart of Sioux Falls.”
Jacobson Plaza has some of the biggest and most unique attractions in the Sioux Falls park system, designed for enjoyment in every season. Amenities include:
- The Skate Ribbon: A 14,000-square-foot skating facility with refrigerated ice in winter and concrete for warm seasons.
- The Region’s Largest Inclusive Playground: Spanning over 26,000 square feet, featuring specialized equipment like wheelchair-accessible swings, sensory-rich play structures, and widened ramp access. Downtown Rotary Club made contributions to this feature.
- A Splash Pad: Thanks to a donation from Denny Sanford.
- Pawsible Park: A dedicated dog park, funded by the Craig and Pat Lloyd Family.
- The Lodge Restaurant and Warming House: Offering food, beverages, and a cozy gathering space managed by the Washington Pavilion.
“Based on the first few weeks of operations, Jacobson Plaza has exceeded our already high expectations,” said Don Kearney, Director of Parks and Recreation. “With an average of 2,800 people using the facility each day, we have seen non-stop use of this signature park. The level of use we are seeing rivals any other park in the city, and we can’t be more thankful to the donors that turned the vision into reality.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony featured remarks from the Jacobson Family, Mayor Paul TenHaken, Director Kearney, other key donors, and representatives from the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. Following the remarks, attendees explored Jacobson Plaza’s many amenities and enjoyed food from The Lodge.
Jacobson Plaza hours are from 5 a.m. to 12 midnight daily. The splash pad operates from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. To learn more about Jacobson Plaza and the rest of The Falls, visit explorethefalls.org.