In-stream improvements to Rapid Creek
Rapid Creek Recreation Corridor aims to provide a unique, and exciting outdoor recreational attraction that improves fish habitat, accessibility, and the safety of Rapid Creek.
About us
Rapid Creek Recreation Corridor Inc is a South Dakota Non-Profit Organization that was created with the purpose of creating in-stream improvements in Rapid Creek within the City Limits with four specific goals:Goal #1: Create a safe designated in-stream recreational corridor in the Creek for multiple users (tubers, fishing, wading, kayaking, paddleboarding, etc) during the warm weather months.Goal #2: Improve the fishery, habitat, and fishery access for the substantial number of people who fish Rapid Creek.Goal #3: Mitigate the in-stream hazards to reduce the potential for the loss of life of an in- stream recreational user of Rapid Creek within City Limits.Goal #4: Educate and inform potential and active users of the Creek within City Limits regarding the history of the 1972 flood, recreational safety measures and needs (lifejacket & helmet usage), and the importance of and the ecosystem of riparian corridors in the Mountain West.
| Project Milestones |
|---|
| 1 - Feasibility & Concept |
| 2 - Design & Permitting |
| 3 - Site 1 Construction |
| 4 - Site 2 Construction |
This proposed project has the potential to attract and serve many user groups, including:
• Kids coming to play in the stream
• Beginner kayakers
• Intermediate and advanced kayakers (at higher flows)
• Stand-Up paddlers, **body boarders, and surfers
• Tubers
• Fishing Enthusiasts
• Spectators visiting the park to watch paddlers or simply spend time beside the creek
• Swiftwater rescue training squads
Rapid City's Greenway & Bike Path
One of the positive outcomes from the incredible tragedy that was Rapid City's flood of 1972 was the creation of Rapid City's Greenway.This unique allocation of land that flows through the heart of Rapid City is an absolute gem of recreational opportunity that is deeply underutilized.The bike path that follows the creek creates an excellent access opportunity BUT ingress and egress to the creek for in-stream recreation is problematic.In many places within the creek there are multiple in-stream hazards (natural and man-made) that constitute life-safety hazards for recreational users of Rapid Creek within City Limits.
Typical Economic Impacts of In-Stream Recreational Parks
In-stream parks that have been built in similar Towns and Cities in the United States have become significant attractions.
They bring enthusiasts and spectators alike to the residing communities and hav significant economic impacts through increased property values, direct spending at the site, tourism dollars, and dollars spent at local restaurants, shops, and businesses.
In-stream parks located in Colorado have had impacts as high as $7-9 million dollars per year.
Regionally in-stream parks & water trails exist or are being built in:
- Ames, Iowa (2020)
- Cedar Falls, Iowa (2025)
- Central City, Iowa (under construction)
- Charles City, Iowa (2011)
- Elkader, Iowa (2014)
- Manchester, Iowa (2015)
- Norfolk, Nebraska (2024)
- Kearney, Nebraska (2022)Colorado has more than 15 of in-stream parks completed and 2 currently under construction.
Bringing the Vision to Life
S2O designs, the premier design engineering firm in the United States for these types of projects, was engaged in February of 2024 and conducted a site visit on April 3, 2024.Multiple sites along 6.7 miles of Rapid Creek within Rapid City limits were visited to determine the ideal location for an in-stream recreational park. The sites visited extended from the Dam at Canyon Lake downstream through Rapid City, ending at Campbell St.Creating an in-stream recreational park is a large undertaking and typically takes 2-4 years from concept to ground breaking.Projects typically follow a pattern of:
1) Feasibility Study & Conceptual Design (complete)
2) Preliminary Design (funding request made for 2025 Vision Funds)
3) Permitting (funding request made for 2025 Vision Funds)
4) Detailed Design (funding request made for 2025 Vision Funds)
5) Construction Documentation
6) Project Bidding & Construction
7) Construction Oversight & Inspection
8) Course CommissioningThe completed Feasibility Investigation & Conceptual Design report is available for review by interested parties. Please email us for details.