Mayor Huether wants seven new parks in five years

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The mayor of Sioux Falls says there should be a city park within a half-mile of every resident.

     Mike Heuther and the Parks Department today unveiled plans for seven new parks in five years.

     Huether says when a recent city-wide survey asked where to put taxpayer’s dollars, one of the top answers was parks.  He wants young and old alike, rich and poor alike outside.  He wants residents  getting sweaty and dirty and their hearts pumping.     

     Huether says parks are a great way for neighbors to meet neighbors and get to know one another.  He says parks help build neighborhoods and are a great investment. 

     Park’s Director Don Kearney says the average park can cost between two-hundred and four-hundred thousand dollars.

     Three parks are under construction now.