The Sioux Falls City Council voted unanimously July 15 to add Phillips Avenue Plaza and the Barb Iverson Skate Park to the list of city parks where alcohol is prohibited, and separately adopted an amendment to prohibit drinking in unauthorized public spaces such as green spaces and other city‑owned areas.
Parks and Recreation staff said the additions increase to 14 the number of city parks where alcohol is banned, leaving 69 parks where consumption is allowed or subject to permit. Brett Collars, Parks and Recreation, told council the change stems from concerns about safety and uses in high‑activity downtown locations; the companion amendment to the alcoholic‑beverage ordinance closes a loophole so areas that are not technically classified as parks but are city property will be covered.
A public speaker urged the council to address the broader downtown drinking culture, saying people who consume alcohol downtown often move into parks; another commenter at the hearing said enforcement must be evenhanded. City staff said the change complements permitting and licensing that allow alcohol for special events where authorized.
Councilors said the additions were narrowly targeted to two high‑traffic downtown locations and that the park board had recommended the change. The measures passed on second reading with a 7‑0 roll‑call vote.