Happy Friday! Megan here.
First things first: This issue is sponsored by Dakota Adventure Supply.
- Dakota Adventure Supply creates South Dakota-made adventuring gear that's high quality enough to last a lifetime. Today, they're launching a brand-new, waxed canvas version of their beloved Adventure Tote 44 that's designed with waterproof, ready-for-anything materials. Learn more and snag your bag here. (P.S. They're offering a limited-time introductory price through the end of the month.)
Weather check: A warm, sunny weekend ahead
This week, listen, I know it's tempting to skip a story about the city's "comprehensive plan" for 2050. Like, what does that even mean? But here's the thing – this plan is the framework for how the city will make decisions about everything from where parks go, to where houses are built, to how the city looks at redeveloping core neighborhoods. And this is your once-in-a-decade shot to weigh in on that framework.
- You'll also get smart about pick-your-own flower farms and meet the zoo's newest tenants. Plus, catch some Super Simplified Stories and a reminder of events happening this weekend.
And now, news:
CITY
This is your chance to weigh in on what Sioux Falls looks like in 2050
Simplified: The City of Sioux Falls is working on a comprehensive plan for what the city will look like in 2050, and a big part of that process is listening to what Sioux Fallsians want.
Why it matters
- The city's had a comprehensive plan since 1950. Now called "Shape Sioux Falls," the plan was last updated in 2016 with an eye toward 2040, according to city Planning Director Jeff Eckhoff. Now, eight years later, the city is looking even further out to 2050.
- The plan is a high-level look at land-use, infrastructure, housing, technology, transit and more. It sets the tone for future developments – and re-developments, as the city reaches its physical boundaries. It's also a document frequently referenced as the city looks at any changes to zoning ordinances.
- But before any of the planning gets too far along, the city wants to hear from residents. With the help of third-party firm Confluence, the city will be hosting public feedback listening sessions, workshops, open houses and conducting surveys over the next several months.
"I know we have a national election coming up, but there’s no level of government that affects you more than your local government," Eckhoff said. "So this is your chance to be involved."
What is a comprehensive plan?
GET SMART
Get smart about flower farms with Emmalie Holt
Simplified: Emmalie Holt and her husband opened Lavender Lane Flower Farm earlier this month northeast of Sioux Falls near Brandon and Corson. She chatted with Sioux Falls Simplified about how a "you-pick" flower farm works, her dream garden and what to grow if you want to make your own bouquets.
Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Let's start with your background. How did you 'get smart' about flowers, and what led you to start Lavender Lane Flower Farm?
A couple of years ago I visited a flower farm near my hometown in Minnesota, and I was kind of just blown away and inspired by everything that I saw.
There was a moment of clarity, of, OK I know what I want to do. It just felt so good to be there.
- I wanted to create a space that gives other people that same feeling and also just something for me to do that brings joy.
I went home and told my husband about the idea, and last year we just started looking for acreages. We moved in November, and here we are.
We’re all about simplicity here. Can you describe Lavender Lane Flower Farm in 10 words or fewer?
It’s a space to decompress from the hustle and bustle.
How does the "you-pick" flower farm work?
We have a space for parking, and then you just walk over to where the flowers are.
- There’s a farm stand set up, so we have buckets and scissors set out there for everyone.
You can go and cut whatever calls to you and then put it in that bucket as you're going around the field cutting flowers. We have vases at the farm stand as well, and you can arrange the vases yourself.
It's really self-serve once you're out there. It's $30 per vase, and there's a cash box out there – otherwise we have Venmo and PayPal.
See the full interview here
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Sioux Falls? There's an app for that. The City of Sioux Falls launched an upgraded app that'll make it easier for residents to make requests to fill potholes, remove snow, fix traffic signals and more. You can also apply for city jobs and pay your utility bill. Learn more here.
- Chat with a councilor. Councilor David Barranco will be hanging out at the WP Cafe in the Washington Pavilion on Saturday morning. Stop by from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. to grab a coffee and discuss city-related issues. Barranco has most recently been pushing to move quickly on getting a south-side public pool – so you could always ask him about that if that's important to you. Plus, it's budget season.
COMMUNITY
Meet the new animals at the zoo
Simplified: The Great Plains Zoo welcomed six new animals, including five meerkats and a 2-year-old giraffe named Mario.
Why it matters
- Mario's arrival this week comes about four months after the death of Chioke, a reticulated giraffe who came to the zoo back in 2007 as just a one-year-old. The Great Plains Zoo is also home to another reticulated giraffe, 17-year-old Olivia Dee.
- The meerkats are joining a brand new habitat as part of the African lion building that opened this summer. The two meerkats who are in the giraffe barn – Biff and Clementine – will stay put in their existing home.
- The zoo would like to remind visitors to take particular care around the new arrivals, including remaining calm, keeping voices low and refraining from tapping on the glass.
Tell me more
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
WANT TO FEEL THIS SMART ALL THE TIME?
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Reach out
What story do you want to see simplified? Falling for something local? Send any news tips, attaboys, missed typos or six more weeks of summer to megan@sfsimplified.com.
Thank you
Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including Dakota Adventure Supply, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, Panther Premier Print Solutions, Barre3 Sioux Falls, the Great Plains Zoo, and the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. When you support them, you're also supporting Sioux Falls Simplified.
Special thanks to Dakota Adventure Supply!
Learn more here about their South Dakota-made, high quality adventure gear, and make sure to sign up for their email list to stay up-to-date on new products and releases. Oh, and don't miss your chance to get a discounted rate on the new Waxed Canvas Adventure Tote here.
