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Commission approves open‑concept dugouts at Steele Avenue Park in floodplain
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a major amendment Feb. 6 to allow open‑concept dugouts at Steele Avenue Park (260 E. Main St. N.) in the Flood Hazard District; staff said a flood‑plain development permit has been issued and the design is intended to improve visibility and flood flows.
The Rapid City Planning Commission on Feb. 6 approved a major amendment to a conditional use permit to allow open‑concept dugouts at Steele Avenue Park (260 East Main Street North) located in the Flood Hazard District.
Morgan Twombly, environmental planner, told commissioners the park’s previous cinder block dugouts were demolished in 2023 and that the new open‑concept dugouts are designed to improve functionality, lower maintenance, increase visibility and facilitate flood flows. Twombly said one dugout will sit to the right of the bleachers and the park’s future appearance will be similar to dugouts installed at Robbinsdale Park but with an evergreen‑colored roof to complement existing trees and structures. Rapid Creek runs along the east side of the property.
Twombly said the applicant had already obtained a flood‑plain development permit; staff and Todd (city staff) noted the site is in the flood plain but not in the floodway, and that FEMA map details and base flood elevations are documented in the permit file. Parks Division Manager Scott Anderson told commissioners the leagues that use similar dugouts sometimes add temporary backings; those backings are typically installed and maintained by leagues and are not proposed as part of this work. Anderson said the city had discouraged permanent enclosed backings to avoid maintenance, graffiti and visibility issues.
Commissioners asked whether a separate emergency evacuation plan applies; staff said evacuation plans are required for large events with unique event attendees (for example Hills Alive), but are not required for these permanent park structures because users are regular park occupants and the dugouts are not in the floodway. Several commissioners commented that the replacement dugouts are an improvement for park safety and maintenance.
Commissioner Eric Hicus moved to approve the amendment with the stipulations noted in the staff report; the motion was seconded (second not identified in transcript) and the commission approved the motion by voice vote. The recorded transcript shows no public opposition during the hearing.
