Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The McKennan Park Pond & Wading Pool

— McKennan Park —

November 17, 2023

1. The McKennan Park Pond & Wading Pool Marker

Inscription. The original McKennan Park pond was constructed as a small lake in 1908 by E. A. Sherman to beautify the park. It served as a "swimming hole" until 1929 when a permanent concrete wading pool was built south and west of the Sunken Gardens. This McKennan Park wading pool introduced many children to swimming and included a fountain. It was replaced with a new wading pool in 1971 carrying on the tradition of having a pool in the park.

McKennan Park Wading Pool, circa 1917. Image courtesy Siouxland Heritage Museums.

As a fixture in the park, the McKennan pool holds multigenerational memories for families in Sioux Falls. "Growing up in the 1950-60's, the wading pool was always overflowing with children playing for hours until their skin looked like 'prunes'. Even though the pool was shallow with a rough bottom, we loved creating new water games and enjoyed endless summer fun."

Erected by Friends of McKennan Park Neighborhood Association with grants by City of Sioux Falls Neighborhood Association Program and Mary Chilton Chapter NSDAR Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location. 43° 31.884′ N, 96° 43.373′ W. Marker

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is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. Marker can be reached from South 2nd Avenue north of East 24th Street, on the right when traveling north. Located in McKennan Park, west of the wading pool. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 E 26th St, Sioux Falls SD 57105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Formal Gardens, Caretaker's Lodge & Greenhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); McKennan Park World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); A Park Born in Controversy / McKennan Park Zoo (within shouting distance of this marker); Lady Liberty (within shouting distance of this marker); The Playgrounds & Baseball Field (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Miniature Village (about 400 feet away); Helen Gale McKennan (about 400 feet away); The Sunken Garden (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.

November 17, 2023

2. The McKennan Park Pond & Wading Pool Marker

The McKennan Park Pond & Wading Pool Marker, from the east image. Click for full size.

November 17, 2023

3. The McKennan Park Pond & Wading Pool Marker, from the east

Today's Wading Pool in McKennan Park image. Click for full size.

November 17, 2023

4. Today's Wading Pool in McKennan Park

Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2023. This page has been viewed 116 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 26, 2023.