SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- The City of Sioux Falls has issued a statement saying that it is working to release a 2016 safety report on Falls Park.
Various media outlets, including KELO.com News, have requested a copy of the report from the South Dakota Public Assurance Alliance.
Safety at Falls Park has been top of mind because of the death March 18 of five-year old Maggie Zaiger of Audobon, Iowa. She fell into the Big Sioux River while on an outing with her family.
Earlier today, City Councilor Theresa Stehly circulated a resolution to require the City to release the report.
Below is the City's statement.
Statement Regarding the2016 SDPAA Safety Assessment
Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Recent media reports regarding a 2016 safety assessment at Falls Park are misleading. The City has communicated with the South Dakota Public Assurance Alliance (SDPAA) regarding the risk management information compiled by the SDPAA in 2016 that included Falls Park. It is our understanding that the SDPAA is working diligently to respond to the media requests and is making plans to release the portion of the assessment that relates to Falls Park. The City of Sioux Falls has encouraged them to do so. It is the SDPAA’s decision to release and not a decision the City of Sioux Falls can make. As stated last week, any documents would be in the custody of the SDPAA, not the City. The results of the work conducted by the SDPAA in 2016 were conveyed only generally at the time of the review. The SDPAA has not disseminated a report to the City.