The City of Sioux Falls and Midco are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Midco Aquatic Center, Sioux Falls’ first indoor, year-round public aquatic facility.
Since opening in October 2016, the center has recorded more than 2 million visits. It remains one of only two city-operated indoor pool facilities in Sioux Falls, along with the Westside Recreation Center.
“The Midco Aquatic Center filled a clear community need when it opened, and it continues to provide residents with year-round opportunities to learn, exercise, compete and spend time with family and friends,” said Brett Kollars, assistant director of Parks and Recreation for the city. “The partnership between the city and Midco helped turn that community vision into a facility that serves people of all ages and abilities.”
The center offers recreational, fitness and competitive swimming opportunities. Amenities include three pools, meeting and party rooms, locker and changing rooms, a mezzanine, concessions, an outdoor splash pad and an outdoor sundeck.
Since opening, the center has provided more than 20,000 swimming lessons, sold more than 8,350 annual passes, offered more than 980 fitness classes, supported 354 lifeguard classes and hosted 170 swim meets.
The center has also hosted birthday parties, family celebrations and other community gatherings. Nearly 40% of its passes are offered at a discounted rate, and the facility has welcomed users from more than 30 states.
The Midco Aquatic Center supports local and regional competition and training. Over the years, it has hosted Special Olympics events, Prairie Masters meets, age-group competitions, Sioux Falls Swim Team events and championships for the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and Summit League. These events support collegiate swimming programs at Augustana University, the University of Sioux Falls, South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota.
The facility has also hosted water safety and rescue training for the South Dakota Air National Guard, Minnehaha County Emergency Management, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue and the Sioux Falls Police Department.
“For 10 years, Midco has been proud to have our name on a place that brings so much joy, opportunity and connection to our community,” said Paige Pearson Meyer, vice president of corporate communications for Midco. “This milestone is really about the people and the memories made here: a first swim lesson, a state meet, a birthday celebration or simply time spent together as a family. Those moments add up to something lasting, and they are part of what makes the Midco Aquatic Center so special.”
To mark the anniversary, Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation and Midco will host themed activities Oct. 15-22 at the Midco Aquatic Center, 1601 S. Western Ave. Activities are included with daily admission unless otherwise noted.
- Oct. 15: Log Roll Challenge, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Oct. 16: Fitness Try-It Day, 7:30 a.m.-7:45 p.m. Free trial classes; daily admission is not required.
- Oct. 17: Inflatable obstacle course and Rubber Ducky Races, noon-1:30 p.m.
- Oct. 18: Inflatable obstacle course during operating hours.
- Oct. 19: Toddler Treasure Hunt, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
- Oct. 20: Birthday Cupcake Decorating, 2-4:30 p.m. This lobby event is free.
- Oct. 21: Water Walking Relays, 7-11 a.m.
- Oct. 22: Distance Lap Challenge, where participants compete to swim the farthest distance.