Scherschligt leads efforts to complete vision for element of Downtown River Greenway

More than two decades ago, a city master plan showed an amphitheater along the Big Sioux River as part of the future Downtown River Greenway development.

It was built but never finished as originally envisioned — until now.

“I went back in the original master plan and it had the shade structure on that amphitheater, and it was cut off for budget purposes, 15 or 17 years ago,” said Jeff Scherschlight, founder of Pendar Properties and developer of the adjacent development Cherapa Place.

After talking with performers, “they said they don’t really use it that much because later in the day is so intense. For people sitting there, it’s one thing, but when you’re playing and moving, it was too hot, and it got me thinking — it’s stupid we have this beautiful space and it’s not getting used.”

He pulled out the original drawings, met with landscape architecture firm Confluence and began contemplating how to make it happen.

It turned out the cost was less than when the project originally was bid — because at that the time the thought was a structure would need to be up all year.

“With Jacobson Plaza, they figured out how to build one you can take down in the winter, and you don’t have to build as big of a structure because you don’t have the snow load,” he said.

“What was a $270,000 project without lighting years ago is $150,000 today with a nice lighting package.”

Then, he began talking with others.

Pendar Properties launched the effort with a $50,000 gift, and other Cherapa Place tenants contributed, along with a nonprofit foundation.

“It’s going to look cool at night and really help through the day with the performers, and it doesn’t hurt to have a little alternative music scene and start using that space,” Scherschligt said. “It’s also going to provide a nice structure for people running or on the bike trail or gathering where they want to get a little shade.”

From the city’s standpoint, “it’s a really cool amenity we wanted for some time that just was never realized,” said Mike Patten, park development manager. “It’s just a really good partnership to make an improvement we probably wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.”

Shaded areas are a frequent request in parks, he added.

The riverfront amphitheater is “a popular gathering place to pull off the trail and check things out,” he said. “People sit and eat lunch, and we get requests for shade and gathering space pretty regularly — not just downtown but in neighborhood parks, so it checks a box of what the community is looking for.”

Construction is preparing to start, and the project will flow through the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, which also assisted with the donation process.

“We are always excited to help our donors move a project forward,” said Mary Kolsrud, the foundation’s chief philanthropy officer. “Creating a refuge along the Big Sioux River for people to gather and reflect adds to our beautiful downtown. It’s another great example of how philanthropy improves the quality of life in the community.”

The hope is to have the project ready by Riverfest on Sept. 19. Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. will program the amphitheater beyond that.

“Enhancements like this make downtown more walkable, welcoming and vibrant for everyone who uses it,” DTSF CEO Brandon Hanson said.

“We are especially excited about the opportunities this creates for musicians, events and everyday gathering in the heart of our city.”

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