June 18, 2025:
Hyde County Parks and Recreation officially received its Acts of Excellence award from the South Dakota Hall of Fame during a public ceremony Friday (June 13, 2025) in Highmore.
The South Dakota Hall of Fame first announced the list of 2025 Acts of Excellence recipients in April 2025, and has been honoring individuals and organizations throughout South Dakota with award ceremonies in each act’s hometown.
Hyde Country Parks and Recreation was awarded for their work to raise $1 million to build a new public pool.
During the ceremony, Hyde County Parks and Recreation Board Member, Mary Knox, shared, “We weren’t just dreaming big- we were dreaming together.” She continued, “This journey wasn’t just about building a pool. It was about building connections. Resilience. Community. And if excellence is measured in grit, teamwork, and the ability to sell raffle tickets in your sleep… then I’d say Hyde County earned this award the hard way, and the heart way.”
About the Hyde County Parks and Recreation’s Acts of Excellence
In the heart of rural South Dakota, Hyde County Parks and Recreation (Hyde CPR) is proving just how powerful a small town can be when it comes together with purpose. Fueled by the belief that recreation strengthens community, this volunteer-driven nonprofit raised an astonishing $1 million in just two years, all to build something that would ripple joy through generations: a new public swimming pool for Highmore.
More than just a place to swim, the pool is a symbol of what’s possible through unity, consistency, and care. Hyde CPR’s weekly fundraisers—centered around food, fun, and fellowship—became much more than money-making events. They were touchstones of connection, building momentum, pride, and purpose, one gathering at a time.
Their approach wasn’t flashy—it was focused. While many groups scatter their efforts across multiple projects, Hyde CPR rallied the community around a single, high-impact goal. And in doing so, they delivered more than a pool—they delivered a message: when neighbors support neighbors, big dreams are absolutely achievable.
The new pool offers a safe, supervised space for children to learn, play, and build confidence. It boosts local quality of life, attracts visitors, and even strengthens the local economy. In a rural community where recreation options are limited, this project is transformative.
What distinguishes Hyde CPR is not just the money they raised—it’s how they raised it. Every dollar represents a shared hotdog, a raffle ticket, or a volunteer hour. Every contribution strengthened bonds, built resilience, and inspired hope.
Hyde County Parks and Recreation’s unwavering commitment to collective joy and well-being makes them a model for rural revitalization—and a shining example of excellence rooted in service, sustainability, and heart.
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June 12, 2025:
The nonprofit Hyde County Parks and Recreation organization is one of the six recipients of the 2025 Acts of Excellence Awards from the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
The recognition honors individuals and organizations across the state who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to community, compassion and having a positive impact.
Hyde County Parks and Recreation volunteers raised $1-million in two years to build a new public swimming pool in Highmore. The new pool offers a safe, supervised space for children to learn, play and build confidence.
An award presentation for Hyde County Parks and Recreation will be held Friday (June 13, 2025) at 2pm at the Highmore City Offices in Highmore.
Read more about Hyde County Parks and Recreation’s public swimming pool project in Highmore, as well as the other Acts of Excellence honorees, by using the website links above or by reading the information below.
Hyde County Parks and Recreation: Diving into Community with Heart
Through consistent weekly fundraisers and grassroots involvement, Hyde CPR raised $1 million in two years to build a new public swimming pool in Highmore. Their focus on food, fun, and fellowship created not only a recreational hub but a deeper sense of community pride.
Coteau Prairie Master Gardeners: Cultivating Community, One Seed at a Time
In Watertown, these SDSU-trained volunteers partner with the Boys & Girls Club to teach gardening to over 50 children each summer. Youth learn to grow, harvest, compost, and share food through a free produce stand, building healthy habits and leadership along the way.
Country Tractor Run: Turning Horsepower into Hope
This annual 50-mile tractor ride in New Effington, led by Mike Ceroll and volunteers, has raised over $500,000 for Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana. The event brings together rural neighbors to grant wishes for critically ill children, turning community spirit into life-changing support.
Promising Futures Fund: Transforming Poverty into Possibility
Founded by Steve Hildebrand, this Sioux Falls-based initiative supports students in 19 high-poverty schools through book programs, summer camps, college visits, and more. The organization has helped thousands of children dream bigger and build pathways toward a better future.
Rapid City Central High School Class of 1977: Reunions with Purpose, Legacy with Heart
Instead of simply celebrating milestones, this alumni group has built a Habitat home, planted community gardens, and constructed over 200 beds for children in need. Their ongoing acts of service have inspired other alumni classes to give back in meaningful ways.
Volunteers of America, Dakotas: Camp POSTCARD: Building Bridges, One Badge at a Time
Launched in 2022 in partnership with the Sioux Falls Police Department and Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Camp POSTCARD (Peace Officers Striving To Create and Reinforce Dreams) is a free, weeklong summer camp designed to build trust between law enforcement and middle school students facing adversity. Through shared activities, leadership development, and quarterly reunions, the program fosters lasting trust between youth and police, strengthening community relationships in Sioux Falls.
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