In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the development of Aspen Ridge and the pressing need for additional parking at Aspen Park. The meeting highlighted plans for the construction of four standalone pickleball courts at Aspen Ridge, with expectations for construction to commence within the next month. The development team has been proactive, ordering materials for a splash pad and planning further infrastructure phases this summer.

However, the meeting also revealed significant concerns regarding parking at Aspen Park, particularly during tournament weekends. Stuart Bessel, President of Valley Baseball, reported that the park faced severe parking shortages during a recent tournament that hosted 83 teams. Attendees were forced to park in grassy areas, leading to complaints about accessibility and safety.

Bessel proposed several solutions, including repurposing the old racetrack area to create an additional 60 to 80 parking spots and moving the parking area along the park road back to allow for gravel parking. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues, especially with the upcoming South Dakota State Amateur Tournament scheduled for August 2025, which could be jeopardized by inadequate parking facilities.

Concerns were also raised about the park's single exit, which poses safety risks during emergencies. Bessel noted that during a recent storm, it took over 45 minutes for attendees to exit the park, raising alarms about potential liability issues.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to explore parking solutions and improve access to Aspen Park, recognizing the importance of these developments for community events and safety.