Dedication Held for Chris Larsen Park
On June 20, 2024, a dedication was held to celebrate the completion of the Chris Larsen Park Riverfront Redevelopment Project. The official opening and ribbon cutting event was held at the Floyd Shelter in Chris Larsen Park at 700 S. Floyd Blvd. The dedication ceremony marks the multiple years and millions of dollars spent redeveloping this historic area of Sioux City. The entire project cost $12 million, with $6 million coming from the City of Sioux City and the other $6 million from grants and donations, including awards from the Gilchrist Foundation.
Planning for the project began in 2016. In 2019, the Foundation awarded the Parks and Recreation department a $100,000 project grant for Phase 1 of the project and another $100,000 in 2021 for Phase 2. Construction was completed in 2023.
Located on the former site of the Argosy Casino along the Missouri River, the renovations included improved park spaces for small and large family/community gatherings, event spaces, native plantings, active recreation areas, fitness stations, three park shelters, restroom facilities, two basketball courts, a dog park for both small and large dogs, play equipment for ages 2-12 and enhancements to the recreational trail system. According to the City, this transformational project will fully activate the area with access from Interstate 29 and Downtown Sioux City.
Giving the Riverfront a New Life
While the newly renovated Chris Larsen Park will be an oasis for enjoying the outdoors in Sioux City, its history goes back nearly as far as Sioux City’s. Originally known as the South Bottoms, the area was home to Sioux City’s earliest pioneers, immigrants and families who made it their home. The South Bottoms was bordered by Third Street on the north, the Missouri River on the south, the Floyd River on the east and Nebraska Street on the west. Many of the homes were destroyed during the construction of I-29 and others during the new Floyd River Channel in 1962, which relocated nearly 500 families.
In 1997, the South Bottoms Memorial was created to honor those who made the South Bottoms their home. A time capsule was assembled and dedicated at an annual South Side Reunion 27 years ago. The capsule held old photographs, letters, newspaper articles and memorabilia from reunion participants. Immediately after the park dedication on June 20, the capsule at the memorial was opened and its contents went to the Sioux City Public Museum.
As a wildlife conservationist and supporter of her community, Jocelyn Gilchrist would have loved to see how the area not only encourages native greenspaces but supports the City’s plans to revitalize the riverfront and downtown areas.
About the Gilchrist Foundation
Jocelyn created the Gilchrist Foundation in honor of her family. She used the wealth accumulated by her family to give back to the community, especially in the areas that were her biggest passions, one of which was wildlife. After her death in 2008, the Gilchrist Foundation continued to support these philanthropic interests.
The mission of the Gilchrist Foundation is to carry out the philanthropy established by the Gilchrist family. The emphasis is on fostering the long-term viability of the charity and enabling special projects rather than supplying short-term operating funds. The Foundation provides incentives and funds to pre-selected non-profit organizations, with a preference for the Sioux City area. Interests considered for funding include Wildlife & Conservation, Arts & Public Broadcasting and Disaster Relief.
Visit the Applications page to learn more about the process.