Chris Larsen Park in Sioux City officially opened on Thursday

“It’s been really impressive to see the public enjoying the park’s amenities, especially the basketball courts, playground equipment and wading pool,” Wallace said as she stood at the Floyd Shelter, near fountains and water sprayers that rise from the ground at the push of a button.

Last summer, after about three years and $12 million in construction, the finishing touches were put on the scenic, linear park that runs along the Missouri River and is the centerpiece of the trail system.

Additions to the riverfront include a playground, red bench-style swing, dog park, overlooks, great lawn and exercise equipment. This spring, MOVMNT, a new interactive video game, was installed on the lawn for active recreation.

Back in 2015, the city submitted a “request for proposal” for a riverfront master plan. Since then, numerous people, including donors, have worked to make the improvements a reality. Groundbreaking for the first phase of the project took place in June 2020. Construction began west of Virginia Street and ended at the Floyd River.

“It’s been a long time coming, but as you can see, it’s been worth the wait,” said Mayor Bob Scott, who read a long list of names that made the redesign possible. “As you remember, this was once just a parking lot for the riverboat. Everything was concrete. It wasn’t very appealing. But with all these additions, this park can now be used by families. I drove by. It’s already being used very well.”

Scott said the city invested $6 million in the project, while the other $6 million came from various grants and donors.

Parks and Recreation Director Matt Salvatore said Wallace had secured “over seven figures” in funding for the project. He asked the dozens of people in attendance to give a big round of applause to everyone who helped redesign the park.

“Together we have created something truly special that will be enjoyed for generations to come. We ask the public to respect it and help us preserve it,” he said.

Before Thursday’s inauguration, the public was invited to attend a free yoga session, try out the lawn games offered on the grassy area, play a game of basketball and try out one of the new workout features. Food trucks were also on site.

Following the park opening, a time capsule was unveiled at the South Bottoms Memorial. The time capsule was assembled and dedicated 27 years ago at an annual South Side Reunion. Reunion attendees collected old photos, letters, newspaper articles and memorabilia that reflect their lives.

Sioux City businessman Dave Bernstein, who served on the redevelopment project’s design committee, said he was at the park at 10:45 p.m. Wednesday and “the place was packed.”

“The fountain was running. It was foggy. It looks a little like a Van Halen concert,” he said of the water feature named in honor of the late businessman and philanthropist Irving Jensen Jr. “There’s a really great vibe down here.”