RAPID CITY, S.D. – The City of Rapid City celebrated the groundbreaking of a new fire station, police substation, and city park on Monday. The new station and city park will be located near the intersection of Homestead Street and Neel Street and will provide expanded fire, ambulance and police services to one of Rapid City’s fastest growing areas.

Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun, Police Chief Don Hedrick, Fire Chief Jason Culberson, and Park and Recreation Director Jeff Biegler were joined by city staff, first responders and community members for the groundbreaking ceremony.

The area surrounding Homestead and Neel Streets represents a high call volume for both the Rapid City Fire Department and Rapid City Police Department, according to a statement. The new station will improve response times and provide additional public safety resources to the surrounding community as development continues along Rapid City’s east corridor.

“Having both fire and police services in one facility is a tremendous benefit for this growing area of Rapid City,” said Fire Chief Jason Culberson. “This station will put additional public safety resources closer to the people who live, work and travel in this part of our community. It also demonstrates the strong partnership between our fire and police departments and our commitment to working together to provide the best possible service.”

Police Chief Don Hedrick said the new station will strengthen the City’s ability to provide police services as the east corridor continues to grow.

“Station 9 marks a historic milestone in our partnership with the Rapid City Fire Department, and I am thrilled to see it take shape,” said Police Chief Don Hedrick. “As our city grows, we must be proactive about how we protect and serve. Co-locating our public safety resources allows us to collaborate more effectively with our fire partners while placing officers right in the heart of our neighborhoods, ensuring faster responses and stronger, proactive community connections.”

New City Park

The new station will be developed alongside a new city park as part of the City’s Homestead Street Overlay initiative. The park will provide green space, walking paths and recreational areas that will connect surrounding housing developments and create additional opportunities for residents to enjoy the area.

“The new city park will provide great opportunities for relaxation and recreation for one of Rapid City’s fastest-growing areas,” said City Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Biegler. “Parks staff are very excited to be working on this project and look forward to adding a new City Park into our parks system.”

This city park will be the newest addition to Rapid City’s Park system, which includes nearly three dozen parks, recreational areas and off-leash dog parks.

The combined development of the new fire station, the police substation and city park represent a significant investment in the future of the surrounding community, providing public safety services, green space and recreational opportunities in an area experiencing continued residential growth.

Earlier this year, the Rapid City Common Council approved $9.1 million for the new station and adjacent city park and also approved a design amendment last month. Construction of the new public safety facility and park is expected to begin August 2026, with completion anticipated in December of 2027.

Photos courtesy of Rapid City Fire Department