Photos by Niki: Falls Park

One of my favorite destinations in Sioux Falls whether it is for a fun family outing, quiet sunrise or sunset walk or just to capture a few photos of the magnificent scenery is Falls Park. I would like to thank Niki for sharing these two photos of the falls with us. I absolutely love the perspective in both photos.

Summer Sights

Pulling from my archives I would like to share some of the summer things around Sioux Falls that I have been missing since moving to Virginia. 

 Driving a short five minutes to photograph open pasture lands and beautiful horses.

 Spending a quiet afternoon at Arrowhead park.

Wild daisy's and long photo walks along the Big Sioux River.

Last but not least beautiful sunsets undisturbed by the city skyline.

To all my friends and family in Sioux Falls; I miss you all.

Open Invite: If you have a photo of the Sioux Falls area you would like shared here please email me with the photo and any description you would like included with the photo. Be sure to include your name so I can properly credit you.

Fawick Park Controversy

The other day Ms. Solitaire mentioned our outing to Fawick Park and reminded me of these photos. Tomorrow is her birthday and since I can not be there to help her celebrate I would like to share this as a sort of toast to my dear friend. I hope you enjoy these photos taken last June. 

View of down town from center of Fawick Park

Fawick Park sits on the edge of the Big Sioux River in down town. Although small the park has become home to a number of fun events especially throughout the summer months. Moonlit movies, Big Band and Jazz concerts are just a few of the event to be enjoyed at Fawick park. 

View of the Big Sioux River from the edge of Fawick Park

This park however was at the center of a great art controversy for a number of years. The cause of the controversy, a full size replica of Michelangelo's Statue of David. Donated by inventor Thomas Fawick to the city of Sioux Falls and Augstana College the statue was placed in Fawick park. Click here to learn more of this controversy. If you happen to be in Sioux Falls I just discovered that there is an exhibit of the first car invented by Thomas Fawick at the Old Court House Museum. Check out their Facebook page here for more info.

View of the 10th St overpass from the edge of the park along the Big Sioux River

Many felt that although this statue is a magnificent piece of artwork it did not belong in a public park near one of the busiest streets connecting down town to the east side of the city. The statue was actually removed for three years while the park was undergoing a needed clean up and renovation and many did not want it to return to the park but placed in a less conspicuous place. After much debate the statue was finally returned to Fawick park in 2000 where it still stands today.

My dear friend enjoying a lovely afternoon at Fawick Park

 Since this blog must abide by blogger TOS I have censored the next few photos.

 The size of this fabulous replica is staggering as you can see in this last photo.

I personally am not offended by the statue but understand that it does cause discomfort to some. What do you think?

Falls Park 2002

Photos taken in 2002-3 with a my first digital camera.

This beautiful old building is now home to the Overlook Cafe.

I hope you have enjoyed today's look back.

Over the next few weeks I will be digging deep into my archives and sharing some of my first digital shots of the Sioux Falls area.
May your week ahead be blessed!

Nita

Ice on the Big Sioux River - Part 2

I took these a while back and not wanting them to waste away in the archives I have decided to show them today. Sitting at the falls one warm winter afternoon I enjoyed watching a number of different groups as they explored the semi-frozen falls.

 I do have to say though I half expected the two on the far left above to slip and tumble down the falls.

Watching these two young men I couldn't help but think it looked as if they were preforming a dance on the ice, so I took some rapid fire shots. Here is a look at the series of photos taken of these two young men.

Weekend Reflections: Big Sioux River

 

Winter has finally come to Sioux Falls with frigid temperatures and yes finally snow. I had planned on taking today to go out and about with my camera and get some shots to share but with the winds kicking up I became a big chicken and decided to stay indoors. So instead today I am pulling from my archives. This reflection has been just waiting patiently for me to post it. It was taken in late fall at the Big Sioux Recreation Area. 

Be sure to visit Jame's blog for more fantastic Weekend Reflections.

Ice on the Big Sioux River

Generally by this time of year the Big Sioux River is frozen solid, but with our mild winter there are only patches of ice.

My daughter couldn't resist tossing a rock onto the ice. As the rock slid across the ice and landed in the rivers current with a splash I thought, 'oh cool I want a shot of that'. So at my request she tossed a few more rocks. This is what I managed to get.