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Park & Cemetery Board
The Park Board is tasked with the oversight of City parks and park policies within the city limits. The board consists of five members, each appointed for a two-year term by the Mayor and confirmed by the Common Council. A president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer are selected annually. Park Board members must be a resident of the City of Hill City.
Info
The Park Board is a division of the City of Hill City Public Works Department, and there are approximately 30 acres of parks in Hill City that are maintained by Public Works. Follow the link above for more information from this department.
Our Mission Statement
A Heart for the Parks is dedicated to enhancing, preserving and
promoting our community parks and green spaces.
We strive to provide safe, accessible and enjoyable outdoor environments
that foster recreation, community connection and
respect for the natural beauty of the Black Hills.
Ongoing Initiatives
Community Amenities
Development of the new shaded picnic pavilion at Ponderosa Park, and modernized, clean restroom facilities.
Dog Park
To the South of the Central Zone a new fenced in dog park shall be included. It is recommended that a 4-5’ fence wrap this part of the park to allow dogs to run freely within the fenced area. Pedestrian seating, trash cans, doggy bags, new trees, and dog obstacle course elements should be included within this new park amenity. The dog park area should be well signed with new way fi nding signage and rules. Shade, Seating, and open running area is essential for the success of a dog park. Having and area large enough to play fetch, and safely run a dog will create a great asset to Memorial Park and the Community.
Environmental Restoration
Funding for native plantings, habitat restoration to protect local ecosystems.
Football Practice Zone
Will be getting re-worked to sustain a more usable practice field.
Soccer Fields
Starting on the east side of the park the Soccer Zone will encompass the area between the Railroad and Spring Creek. This area contains enough space to locate two U6 Soccer fi elds and one U12 Soccer Field. Bleachers should be installed on both sides of the U12 soccer fi eld and it would be recommended to install lights on the U12 fi eld as well to utilize the full potential of the fi eld. To the South East of the U12 Field a New concession/restroom building has been identi fi ed. This building will serve as storage for the soccer facility as well as a secondary concession location and restrooms for the soccer complex. The current road from the main entry to the Northwest should be abandoned and access to the Soccer Facility will be served by the main parking lot or from overfl ow parking to the north of Spring Creek. A new park shelter has been located on the East side of the soccer facility. This will be 1 of three new shelters included within the Memorial Park Master Pla
Circulation Walking Trail
Circulation identifies recommendations for bicycles, pedestrians, transit and private automobiles. Circulation around and within any park facility is key to the success of the complex. Starting with vehicular circulation. We have eliminated the right or left “V” at the Main Entry to the Park off of Hill City Keystone Road. The park will be signified by a new Monument sign welcoming everyone to Memorial Park. Vehicles will be required to turn to the right and continue down the hill to the parking facility. The parking facility will accommodate twoway traffic and vehicles will exit the park along the same route. There will be overflow parking to the north of the park along smokey Drive. This car park can assist in serving the Soccer Facility and Baseball Complex. The football field will include its own parking with access off of Smokey Drive. Pedestrian, circulation around the park will be priority. A new Memorial Park Trail System will encompass the entire park and will be accessible in multiple locations throughout the park. The main connection to the Memorial Park Trail will be directly off of Smokey Drive. This trail access will tie the overall Hill City Trails System to Memorial Park. A new trail head location will be identified at the east side of the park near the new football practice facility. This trail head should be identified via a citywide way finding system and will connect to a future mountain biking single track trail that will head toward the east toward Mitchell Lake. This trail has been identified on the Hill City Trails Master Plan Completed in 2021
Safety & Security
Installation of energy-efficient lighting along pathways and funding for enhanced security and maintenance.
Joint Ventures
with different entities. Expanding connectivity and links to adjoining trails and paths.
Baseball Zones
The baseball zone within the Master plan includes two different areas organized around the two existing baseball fields within the park. Starting with the western with the tournament field. It is recommended that this field include an out field fence with a standard little league warning track. A new sponsored score board is located just beyond the center field fence area. The Dug outs should be enclosed on 3 sides providing for player safety and a transition space between spectators and players. A new park shelter should be installed to the east of this facility. This 1 of 3 new shelters for the park should be an open air shelter that includes picnic benches, seating, and shade directly adjacent to the baseball field. The eastern baseball zone will include many improvements to allow the park to serve as both a baseball destination and host tournament play. It is recommended to move the entire field complex to the northeast. This will push the out field to the already arc shaped path of spring creek. This will allow for a larger more usable area directly off the parking lot and near the existing park shelter. A new sponsored out field score board should be installed just beyond center field. Similar to the other baseball field new little league style dug outs should be installed. Along the 3rd base line a new batting shed facility has been located. Within this should include baseball equipment storage, batting machines with safety nets, and pitching mounds. It is recommended that this facility include a heating source and accessible year-round.
Accessibility Upgrades
Installation of walking paths and sensory gardens to ensure everyone can enjoy the park's natural beauty.
Track & Field Meets
Shot-Put, discus, and javelin, will find a home!
Flooding Mitigation & Parking
All new buldings and shelters should be located in high points to minimize damage when floods do occur. The new Parking facility will provide 2-way traffic and multiply the existing parking capacity drastically.
A Heart for the Parks Sub-Committee Board
Leslie Larsen, Board President
Chuck Klafka, Vice President
Sherry Liddell, Secretary
Sandra Harens, Treasurer
Lori Comer
These parks are the heart of our community--places where children play, where families gather, and where we all find a moment of peace in nature. But to keep that heart beating strong, we need your help.
Central Park Zone
Future Soccer Zone
Baseball Field & Dugouts
Circulation Walking Path
A Heart for the Parks is dedicated to bridging the gap between current maintenance budgets and the necessary enhancements that will make our parks truly exceptional. Your involvement today will directly fund essential improvements. You can donate to our Community Projects via Check - Written out to "A Heart for the Parks" and mailed to PO Box 14.
How to Donate
THANK YOU!
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