Parks and Outdoor Facilities

The City's park system, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, consists of over 170 acres of parkland in ten different locations and along Marne Creek cared for by seven full-time employees and 12 seasonal employees. In addition, responsibilities for the care of the 38 acres of play areas at the Summit Activities Center is shared with the Yankton School District. The size of Yankton's parks range from 1.25 acres at Crockett Park to 50 acres along Marne Creek. In addition to park care, the division is responsible for annual tree planting. Yankton is designated as a Tree City, USA, by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The planting and care of flower beds in medians, parks, and right-of-way, and the planning and development of new park areas are examples of our many responsibilities..

The development of our City’s parks is an annual responsibility. Whether it be renovation to existing facilities or new developments, there is always progress being made. In 1998, tennis courts at Memorial Park were resurfaced, irrigation was installed on the new Highway 81 medians, the pedestrian path was extended into Morgen Park, shelters were relocated at Sertoma Park and Riverside Park, a new lighting system was installed at the Riverside Park softball field, and the island at Westside Park was completely rebuilt complete with an attractive retaining wall. Rentals of the Dakota Territorial Capitol Replica and picnic shelters in all the parks continue to be popular choices for weddings, reunions and special get-togethers.

Yankton's parks offer everything for enjoyment. Picnic shelters, open spaces, trees, playgrounds, swimming pool, trails, tennis and basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, ball fields, are just some of the facilities providing for a better quality of life.

For more park or cemetery information, contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 668-5231.

Staff:

Jim Snook, Park Superintendant

Brian Frick, Sr. Grounds Maintenance

Bob Wubben, Grounds Maintenance

John Gleich, Grounds Maintenance

Bob Snyder, Grounds Maintenance

Mike Van Winkle, Grounds Maintenance

Stan Hoffart, Urban Forestry Specialist

Dan Otteman, Sr. Grounds Maintenance (Marne Creek)