New McKennan Park Wading Pool, Bath House Opens Tomorrow
Published on May 28, 2026
Following a year of construction, the new McKennan Park wading pool and bathhouse will open just in time for summer swim season. The City of Sioux Falls’ outdoor pools, including the new wading pool, are set to open Friday, May 29, at 1 p.m., weather permitting. Entry to the wading pool remains free to the public.
The McKennan Park project started in spring 2025 and included the complete reconstruction of the park’s wading pool and bathhouse to improve accessibility, safety, and family amenities. The redesigned wading pool includes a zero-depth entry with a 2-foot maximum depth, a two-person slide, and multiple spray features. The renovated bathhouse has additional restrooms, an indoor gathering space, and a concessions area.
“This project preserves one of Sioux Falls’ most cherished summer traditions while creating a safer, more accessible and engaging experience for families to enjoy,” said Brett Kollars, assistant director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. “Every element of the renovation was designed to better serve children and families while honoring the history and character of McKennan Park.”
Originally built in 1971, the McKennan Park wading pool served families as a free amenity for more than 50 years. The wading pool and bath house replacements were identified by the city as part of its quality-of-life aquatics bond that aimed to replace aging aquatic facilities at McKennan Park, Kuehn Park, and Frank Olson Park.
A financial contribution from Pierce and Barbara McDowell helped fund a portion of the $4.4 million project total. Their donation supported 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 recognizing Helen McKennan, who donated the parkland in 1906.
The McDowells’ donation was gifted through the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, a local nonprofit that, in partnership with donors, seeks to enrich the quality of life in the area through philanthropy.
“Gifts like this one from the McDowell family help strengthen projects that benefit our community for generations to come," said Mary Kolsrud, chief philanthropy officer of the Community Foundation. "We are so grateful for our donors, who continue to enhance our community.”
“Our family has lived in this neighborhood for more than 35 years, and we know how important this park is to the community,” Pierce McDowell III said. “We are grateful to play a small part in preserving the park for future generations."
Open swim hours at all city pools, including the McKennan Park wading pool, run daily from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information on pool hours, swim passes, and aquatic facilities, visit siouxfalls.gov/aquatics.