On June 5th, 1934, as the use of automobiles was becoming more common, the Argus Leader published a warning to drivers with romantic intentions. They reported that “law enforcement officers are on the lookout for couples engaging in inappropriate behavior while parked in cars at Terrace Park and Sherman Park in Sioux Falls.”
Terrace Park, historically known as Covell Lake Park on the shores of the Lake, was founded in 1916, with its modern name taken from the steep terraces on the east side. Sherman Park was founded in 1910 on the initiative of Mrs. Helen
McKennan. She wanted to donate land to the city for a park, and her attorney E.A. Sherman helped her prepare her will to comply with her wishes. She left to the city the land that would become McKennan Park. Mr. Sherman was also a park advocate. He not only devoted the rest of his life to promoting parks for the city. He offered 52 acres of land to the city for what would become Sherman Park. The land between 12th and 26th Street includes a high bluff overlooking the Sioux River, the Great Plains Zoo, ball diamonds, and the battleship memorial.
Back to the concerns of how some people might use the parks. The police concerns about parked cars in 1934 are present today. If couples “engage in inappropriate behavior while parked in cars” in public spaces, they could be charged with “Public indecency”, a Class 2 misdemeanor. Or “Indecent exposure” which could be a misdemeanor or raise to a felony if a person is convicted of a third or subsequent indecent exposure violation.
If caught under the same circumstances on private land, it could include an additional charge of trespass.
This was all brought to the public's attention on June 5th 1934 when the Argus Leader reported that “police were on the lookout for couples engaging in inappropriate behavior while parked in cars at Terrace Park and Sherman Park in Sioux Falls.”
Production help is provided by Doctor Brad Tennant, Professor of History at Presentation College.