SPEARFISH, SD – The rocket ship structure in Evans Park is closed until further notice, following an inspection report from Safety Benefits, Inc.
“While the report does not take a position as to whether the rocket ship can/should be updated or replaced, the report does identify aspects of the rocket ship that need to be addressed,
” City Administrator Steve McFarland said, describing that after discussions with the Mayor and department heads, it is the City’s decision to close the structure for use until the next steps can be assessed.
“I want to make clear that closing the rocket ship doesn’t mean that we are either going to repair it or remove it,
” City Administrator McFarland said. “We simply want to ensure the safety of the end user while we decide what steps to take next.
”
Mayor John Senden notified Dr. Jeff Parker, whose family donated the structure in memory of their son, of the action prior to the closing of the structure.
Snow fence will be placed around the rocket ship structure, with signage alerting people to its closure until further notice.
The inspection report will be made available to the public in the City Council Packet, available online at https://www.cityofspearfish.com/agendacenter, for its next regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, November 7.
“We appreciate everyone’s understanding during this time of assessment and ask for the public’s help in staying off of the rocket ship structure in the interim,
” Mayor Senden said.