Good Earth State Park Fees Proposed
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed facility use fees for special events occurring in Good Earth State Park earlier this week.
The fees, which range from picnic shelter rentals to wedding events, take into consideration facility expenses, staff time and clean-up costs and are comparable with similar facility rentals in the Sioux Falls area. Other state parks have similar rules and fees in place to allow for special events.
“We anticipate Good Earth State Park will be a popular place for special events,” said regional supervisor, Jeff VanMeeteren. “We are happy to provide accommodations and to balance these special events with the park’s primary mission of interpretation and education, in addition to offering outdoor opportunities that happen on a day to day basis.”
A grand opening for the state park’s new visitor center will be held May 19, 2017. This event coincides with the department’s annual open house weekend May 19-21, 2017, which offers free entrance to all state parks and recreation areas during that time. The park entrance license requirement will go into effect for Good Earth State Park beginning May 22, 2017.
The Commission will finalize this fee proposal April 6-7 at the Ramkota Convention Center in Watertown. Written comments can be sent to wildinfo@state.sd.us. To be part of the public record, comments must be received by 12 p.m. CST on April 6. Please include a full name along with the city and state of residence. To comment in person, the public hearing will be held April 6, at 2 p.m. CST at the Ramkota Convention Center in Watertown.
