Aquatic park in Sturgis moves one step closer to reality on Monday

STURGIS, S.D.(KBHB) – After years of work, the Sturgis Aquatics Committee presented their plan for the Sturgis Lakeside Adventure Park to the City Council Monday night.

With an initial cost of $3.55 million dollars, a lot still needs to be considered before any work begins on the project, which will be located at the Sturgis Fairgrounds property.

The council unanimously approved the committee’s request to hire a design consultant to complete preliminary design for the project.

Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen says this is a transition point between the Aquatics Committee and the city council.

Carstensen says as they move forward, a look at the true cost of the project will be part of the plan.

The Aquatics Committee has said a majority of the cost of the project, or approximately $2 million dollars, could be made up by setting up a Tax Increment District on homes that could be built on the property. Fundraising efforts would account for another $365,000.

Committee members also believe the Adventure Park’s operating costs will be covered by revenue made by ticket sales, concession sales and equipment rental fees.