The Quarry

The words The Quarry at the Falls superimposed on an aerial photo showing the quarry with partner logos.

A New Future for a Historic Place

A major new project is beginning in Sioux Falls. The City of Sioux Falls and the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation announced on July 7, 2026, that the city will receive $15 million from the Bezos Earth Fund to help improve the old quarry site next to Falls Park. 

The quarry land, located east of Falls Park across north Weber Avenue, was once an active quarry that helped build many important Sioux Falls buildings, but it has not been used for decades. Now, the goal is to turn it into The Quarry at The Falls, a natural space with trails, green areas, and places to explore outdoors.

About the Project

The Quarry at The Falls is part of the Bezos Earth Fund’s Greening America’s Cities initiative. This initiative supports new parks and green spaces in communities across the country. Sioux Falls is one of only eight cities chosen to receive funding as part of the organization’s second round of funding for the initiative.

The grant will help:

  • Gather ideas and feedback from the community
  • Plan and design the site
  • Clean up and restore the site
  • Create a new outdoor space that honors nature and local history
  • Support the long-term vision in the Falls Park Master Plan

The project is a collaboration between the Bezos Earth Fund, City of Sioux Falls and the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, with extensive public engagement planned for residents within the Whittier and downtown neighborhoods and the community at-large to help design the site.

aerial drone photo of the existing quarry site at falls park

Why the Quarry?

The quarry has a long history. Stone from the site helped build major Sioux Falls landmarks, including the Old Courthouse Museum and parts of the state penitentiary. Over time, the area fell into disrepair and stayed that way until the city began restoring land around Falls Park in the 1990s.

The quarry property was identified within the City’s Falls Park Master Plan as a priority revitalization area.

Revitalizing the quarry will:

  • Transform an industrial site into green, natural space
  • Strengthen connections to Falls Park and the Whittier neighborhood
  • Celebrate Sioux Falls history
  • Add new outdoor recreation options
  • Create a welcoming space for residents and visitors
  • Build on many years of investment in local parks

Next Steps

In the summer of 2026, the project is in the very early stages. The grant was announced on July 7, 2026, but planning and design are just beginning.

Over the next few months, the project partners will:

  • Begin the approval process for the site agreement
  • Prepare for a major public engagement phase this fall, including a public launch event held in partnership with the Bezos Earth Fund
  • Invite the community to help shape the design and future of the site

Community feedback will play a huge role in deciding what The Quarry at The Falls will look like. Updates and future engagement events will be shared as the project moves forward. In the meantime, sign up for the Parks and Recreation e-newsletter.

Location

1110 N. Weber Ave., Sioux Falls 57103  View Map

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Features

  • Green Space
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