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

The Playgrounds & Baseball Field

— McKennan Park —

November 17, 2023

1. The Playgrounds & Baseball Field Marker

Inscription. The ball diamond was built shortly after the park opened. It served as the city's sole baseball field and home to both local amateur and professional teams. 'Fly balls', however, proved to be dangerous to the public in the adjacent wooded picnic grounds, requiring relocation of the professional teams. In the years since, the field remains a favorite spot for summer all-day baseball games held by neighborhood kids and youth sports teams.

Baseball Game at McKennan Park, circa 1920.
McKennan Park Playground, circa 1920. Image courtesy Center for Western Studies.

The thrill of children's laughter and the squeak of swings have been part of the park since its opening in 1908. The children's playground has had several locations within the park over the years. Many lifelong friendships and multigenerational memories have been forged on the McKennan Park playgrounds. Horseshoe pits, installed in 1921, are also a memorable park experience.

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 these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location.

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43° 31.836′ N, 96° 43.367′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. Marker can be reached from South 2nd Avenue north of East 26th Street, on the right when traveling north. Located in McKennan Park, east of the horseshoe pits. 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. Helen Gale McKennan (within shouting distance of this marker); The McKennan Park Pond & Wading Pool (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sioux Falls Municipal Band (about 300 feet away); The Formal Gardens, Caretaker's Lodge & Greenhouse (about 400 feet away); McKennan Park World War I Memorial (about 500 feet away); A Park Born in Controversy / McKennan Park Zoo (about 500 feet away); Lady Liberty (about 500 feet away); The Miniature Village (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.

The Playgrounds & Baseball Field Marker, from the south image. Click for full size.

November 17, 2023

2. The Playgrounds & Baseball Field Marker, from the south

The Playgrounds & Baseball Field Marker, from the west image. Click for full size.

November 17, 2023

3. The Playgrounds & Baseball Field Marker, from the west

The Playgrounds & Baseball Field Marker, from the east image. Click for full size.

November 17, 2023

4. The Playgrounds & Baseball Field Marker, from the east

The horseshoe pits can be seen in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2023. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 26, 2023.