Sioux Falls Park Madness Tournament Kicks Off In March 2026

Kickoff of Sioux Falls Park Madness

You've heard of March Madness, and of course, Downtown Sioux Falls' Mash Madness, but what about Sioux Falls Park Madness?

The 2026 Park Madness Tournament kicks off on Sunday, March 1, and goes on through March. Dakota News Now is reporting that last year, 3200 people voted in the competition, and the city is hoping for even more people this year.

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This year, the Parks and Recreation staff selected the parks through a fantasy-style draft. The parks are divided into four themed teams, each with its own song, adding a new layer of fun and friendly competition to the tournament.

The Parks Department held a "Park Madness Draft" and hand-picked this year's contenders.

Key Factors in Park Selection

To pick the best lineup, they looked at many factors:

Attendance Data: Which parks do you visit the most
Unique Amenities: Who has the best playgrounds, basketball courts, and pools
Wildlife & Nature: Which spots have the best trees & river views
Beauty: Which parks are the most beautiful for a family photo

For the first time this year, the Recreation Trail has been drafted into the bracket.

Themed Songs for Each Park Team

Each of the four groups has its own song too:

The "Enter Sandman": High-energy parks ready for a big win.
The "Whoomp! There It Is": Classic family favorites.
The "I Wanna Dance with Somebody": Parks full of spirit and sunshine.
The "Thunderstruck": Heavy hitters that are tough to beat.

Voting will take place on the City of Sioux Falls’ website and social media platforms from March 1 through March 15. The winning park receives a 2026 Championship Sign to display proudly at its entrance.

For more information on the tournament and where to vote, go to the Park Madness page at the City of Sioux Falls website.

Source: Dakota News Now and City of Sioux Falls

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