Kirby Family Donates to Future Frank Olson Recreation Center

Joe and Jennifer Kirby, community philanthropists and avid supporters of the Sioux Falls parks and recreation system, will donate $1 million to name the pool at the future Frank Olson Recreation Center. “The Kirby Pool” will be a cornerstone of the project intended to bring year-round recreational opportunities to Sioux Falls’ east side. The pool area in the new facility will feature a lap pool and activity/leisure pool with zero-edge entry and water play features. The proposed naming is subject to Sioux Falls City Council approval, and the Kirbys’ gift will be used for the construction of the Frank Olson Recreation Center.  

“The Kirbys are the gold standard when it comes to giving back, and I thank them for this generous gift,” said Brett Kollars, assistant director of the city’s parks and recreation department. “Through their generosity, leadership, and advocacy for public/private partnerships, they’ve touched countless lives who use and depend on our system every day and helped transform our parks system into one of the top-ranked systems in the country.” 

Jennifer Kirby currently serves as chair of the Sioux Falls Parks Foundation and was instrumental in bringing the foundation to life when it was established in 2021. The Kirbys have donated to the creation or expansion of several projects across the parks system, including the Kirby Dog Park at Fort Sod downtown, the renovation and expansion of the Midco Aquatic Center’s locker rooms, bringing the Levitt outdoor concert venue to Sioux Falls, and now the donation to the future Frank Olson Recreation Center.  

“Joe and I are proud to support Sioux Falls’ parks and recreation system,” Jennifer Kirby said. “Our parks and facilities are more than green spaces and buildings; they are places where people connect, maintain their health and wellness and make memories. Investing in our parks and public spaces is investing in our community, and we’re honored to help ensure they thrive for generations to come.”  

The Sioux Falls Parks Foundation works collaboratively with the City of Sioux Falls and the parks and recreation department to generate philanthropic interest and gifting to the parks and recreation system. Together, the foundation and city identify parks system needs and priorities to match with corporate and individual donor interest and giving capacity.  

“The Kirbys have been instrumental in driving and shaping how philanthropy can amplify investments to the parks system,” said Don Kearney, director of parks and recreation. “My hope is that their generosity, leadership and vision inspires other individuals and corporations that have thrived in this community to consider how they can be part of continuing to grow and enhance our parks system for everyone to enjoy.” 

The future Frank Olson Recreation Center is a $47 million project that will replace the aging outdoor pool and other amenities currently at Frank Olson Park. The center will provide access to year-round recreation, community wellness, and amenities designed for people of all ages and abilities. Following years of public input and planning, the 75,000-square foot project is moving toward its final design phase next year and will begin construction in early 2027. The project is estimated to be complete in 2029. For more information on the project, visit siouxfalls.gov/frankolsonproject.