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Planning commission approves Storybook Island updates including Smokey Bear tower and Pooh treehouse
Summary
The Rapid City Planning Commission approved a major amendment to a conditional use permit allowing three new and replacement play structures at Storybook Island, pending a floodplain development permit and standard staff stipulations.
The Rapid City Planning Commission on Aug. 21 approved a major amendment to the conditional use permit for Storybook Island that will allow three new or replacement play structures, including a Smokey Bear observation tower, a two‑story Winnie the Pooh treehouse and a “Little House on the Prairie” replacement structure.
The amendment, requested by the Storybook Island board and presented by Dana Foreman of DGR Engineering, covers three separate improvements at the park. Foreman described “the Smokey Bear Structure…an elevated structure that’s kind of a tower,” and said the items are intended to “revitalize a few things out there and have more activities for the kids.”
Board members said the work has local financial support. “The projects are gonna be roughly just under $800,000,” said John Caffs, identified as a board member with Storybook Island, and Jean Klein, board president, urged commissioners to approve the updates to replace aging or unsafe features.
City planning staff noted a floodplain requirement. A staff representative told the commission that “a floodplain development permit will be secured prior to the start of any construction at Storybook Island since parts of the property are in the 100‑year floodplain.” The staff recommendation—approval with the stipulations listed in the staff report—was repeated by staff before the vote.
Commission discussion was brief. Commissioner Karen Bolman made the motion to approve the amendment with the staff stipulations; Vince seconded. The commission voted in favor; the motion carried.
The commission’s action is a recommendation to the Rapid City Council, which makes the final decision except where local code gives final authority to the planning commission. The staff‑required floodplain permit and the other stipulations in the staff report must be satisfied before work begins.
Speakers who addressed this item included Dana Foreman (DGR Engineering), John Caffs (Storybook Island board member), Jean Klein (Storybook Island board president) and Planning Department staff. The board indicated funds have been raised to support the work and that the changes replace or update existing attractions.
Votes at a glance: Motion to approve the Storybook Island conditional use permit amendment with staff stipulations — moved by Commissioner Karen Bolman; seconded by Commissioner Vince; outcome: approved.
