More than 80 South Dakota State Park managers and leaders gathered in northeast South Dakota last week for their annual meeting, taking time to prepare for the busy summer season while exploring several area parks.
The meeting included visits to Pickerel Lake, Roy Lake, Sica Hollow and Fort Sisseton, giving attendees from across the state a chance to experience parks that many had not previously visited.
Regional Park Supervisor for the northeast corner of the state, Willy Collignon said the annual gathering provides an opportunity for park leaders to connect and plan for the year ahead.
“Our theme this year is Outdoor Engagement, and we’re interested in how to recruit, retain and reactivate park goers,” Collignon said.
He noted that participants traveled from as far as Rapid City and Spearfish and showed strong interest in the northeast region’s parks.
“When we decide where to hold this meeting, we ask park managers, and many said they had not been to these parks,” Collignon said. “You could really see their interest when they walked around Fort Sisseton.”
During the multi day visit, the group toured a new modern cabin at Pickerel Lake State Park, made a stop at Sica Hollow State Park and later visited Roy Lake State Park to view the lodge and cabins. The group also gathered at Fort Sisseton for lunch and a tour of the historic site.
At Fort Sisseton, attendees learned about the Fort Sisseton Commission, a 15 member board appointed by the governor to oversee operations. Commission president Bruce Prins spoke about the role of the group and the expertise its members bring to the site.
Park Manager Ali Tonsfeldt also shared plans for the fort’s future as it marks its 160th anniversary this year. In partnership with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, the commission has developed a long term plan focused on preserving the historic site while enhancing visitor experiences through recreation, education and community engagement.
A key part of that plan is a proposed 5 million dollar visitor center. (See below for a rendering of the center.) The facility would include expanded and updated exhibits highlighting a broader range of history, along with classroom space, a research library, modern work areas and improved climate control to protect artifacts. The project also calls for additional parking to better accommodate events and tour buses.
As the meeting concluded, Collignon said the visit left a strong impression on those in attendance.
“I like to say we have world class state parks in this corner of the state,” he said. “We are excited to continue building on that as we look to the future.”
