Tried to jump start my Christmas Spirit last night by taking my bride for a ride to check out the lights; especially those at Falls Park. I know Mayor Dave Munson took a lot of heat for his persistence in developing the Phillips to the Falls project but, honestly, as one who remembers when that area was nothing but a thicket with greasy old buildings surrounding our still impressive but much neglected Big Sioux River Falls, to see its transformation is pure joy and worth every penny spent on rehabbing the area.
Keloland Photo
It is wonder to behold any time of year but especially around Christmas when the park trees are aglow with tens of thousands of bluish white lights while many of the conifers are illuminated in red or green. As Linda and I, along with hundreds of others, drove slowly through this glittering wonderland, we both said simultaneously, “classy.”
Oh, I’m sure there are those who grumble about how that money could have gone for more practical things like cutting taxes or upgrading sewer pipes.. something less flashy. But, I for one am proud that my town has not always pursued the strictly sensible approach to things. The Washington Pavilion, for example. Oh, man I remember reporting so many news stories about the heated battles between those for and against the Pavilion/Convention center projects yet when they were finally completed, one couldn’t help but be in awe at the beauty of the place..especially the Great Hall. Not only was it a sight to behold but it didn’t take long for audiences and performers to truly appreciate the acoustical quality of the room be they for theatrical or musical performances. It was so cool to have an I-Max theater, science center, and art galleries right there downtown. Not to mention, a brand new convention center cleverly attached to the Arena with banquet facilities and adequate room to finally accommodate large groups that had before passed the city by. I know they’re not big money makers but, like Falls Park, I’m glad they are there. I don’t use the bike trail or visit the zoo or most city parks very often but I’m glad they’re here. I don’t ski or snowboard but I’m glad for Great Bear.
Maybe I’ll even say that about the new Events Center some day. But, for now, that thing makes about as much sense to me as those big cement ball planters scattered around downtown Sioux Falls.
See, there I go. Just when I thought I’d been dumbstruck into seasonal serenity.
8 Responses
Doug: I feel a lot the same way about how we are moving ahead as a city…………..and yet maintain our small town/city thoughts and beliefs……….holding onto the past while moving into the future. Great city that we have as you say…..But you are right those planters look like a bucket of eyeballs were poured downhill at 14th & Phillips. Mayor Munson was a quite a bit smarter than he was given credit for.
Doug, I wonder about the dictionary you consulted to use the word “Developing”. What we got for what we spent are two lanes through the EMPTY lots. Each lane is too narrow for one car to pass another which is disabled on the side. Wouldn’t it look more like “developing,” with buildings on each side, containing businesses, which would generate sales tax, as well as real estate taxes on their structures? How many dollars come from the huge vacant lots on each side of Munson Trail? How many people find the vacant lots encouraging for the future of Sioux Falls? This is a boondoggle, which for a little town, is nearly first class. SELL the lots to people who would build buildings and open stores. Until that happens, this is a total waste of time for everybody within a hundred miles of it. — Bill McKean
Is that the moon in the upper edge of photo ? If so that is picturesque also ! Thanks. Yay, SFalls ! ~fsl.
Hey Bill McKean, the Grinch called and needs you to pull his sled this Christmas! Unless your too busy working for Ebenezer Scrooge!!!!!!!!
Your picture belong in a brochure for Sioux Falls–great job!!
Unfortunately, for me anyway, the photo in my blog was NOT taken by either Linda or me because I forgot the camera at home. It was a Keloland picture which I credited. I bet the Falls are extra beautiful now with all the snow. Perhaps I’ll return and bring along the Kodak for an update.
Doug, I really enjoyed your post! I agree, Sioux Falls is a nice city….our economy is strong, and the people are good folks! Love your thoughts on the Falls lights….makes me feel proud to live here! Merry Christmas!
I really have to respectfully disagree with Mr. McKean on this. A nice drive through some green space on the way to the Falls is the perfect introduction to the landmark. We’ve got all the strip malls, bars, casinos, fast food joints, sports bars, high priced condos, retail outlets and office buildings this city will need for decades to come. If Mr. McKean has his way, the profits for turning this green space into all of the above will go to the same suspects that are now reaping huge gains from every available bit of land. First they sell it to homeowners…and then, a few years later demand that everyone join hands and welcome a brand new WalMart or some other minimum wage enterprise. That space needs to be kept green….Or, in keeping with our pioneer heritage, this space could be turned into a historical farm….Horse powered cultivation, man powered harvesting etc. etc. Folks would come from miles around to watch. History leading to history…Now it’s not going to make a lot of money….but the green space and/or history would be preserved.