The Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park (HLMP)

The land popularly known as “M Hill” and “Cowboy Hill” has undergone a total transformation since its purchase by the Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park Foundation. The private, non-profit Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park Foundation has built over 12 miles of world class biking, hiking and running recreational trails on 300 acres of pristine Black Hills wilderness near the heart of Rapid City’s historic downtown district. The trails in the Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park have offerings for hikers, mountain bikers and runners of all skill levels, from gentle-graded, wide single track for beginners and families, to more advanced and technical rock strewn terrain for serious downhillers. With majestic views of Mt. Rushmore, Harney Peak, The Badlands and Bear Butte, the Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park has already garnered local and national media attention. HLMP has been featured in stories in the South Dakota Magazine and the September 2009 issues of Men’s Journal and Mountain Bike Magazine; comparing the trails at HLMP to some of the “best mountain bike meccas of the west”.

A GIFT TO THE CITIZENS OF THE BLACK HILLS REGION

No tax dollars or public funds were used to pay for the Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park. Edna Marie “Eddie” Larsen, a lifelong Hermosa area ranch owner and resident of Rapid City, who passed away in 2004, had the vision to memorialize her parents, Ed Larsen and Etta Hanson-Larsen, by establishing a trust to build a park in their honor. According to Jeffry Denison, US Bank Trust Officer and treasurer for the Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park Foundation, the park is about more than just honoring the memory of Edna Larson’s parents. “This Park will protect a significant green space in an urban setting and preserve the land for the public to enjoy and use for many generations,” he said.

HLMP has contracted the services of IMBA (The International Mountain Bike Association) and Trail Arts to design and construct the park and trail system. Joey Klein of IMBA, who designed much of the trail system at HLMP, is excited about the diverse usage of the Park, “It is exciting to help create a trail system that will serve so many people in the middle of a city. We see more users every day, young and old.” Many biking enthusiasts, local volunteers and members of the BHMBA (Black Hills Mountain Bike Association) have contributed their time and efforts to assist in the development of this park. Rapid City bike shop owner and avid rider, Tim Rangitsch, sees the HLMP as a “cultural changing gift that will forever change the outdoor mentality of runners, riders and active families in our community”. Future development plans include the establishment of temporary and permanent signage, a permanent trailhead and further trail expansion.
Although the HLMP is privately owned and funded, it is free and open to all hikers, bicycle riders, runners, outdoor enthusiasts and pedestrians. Motorized vehicles, horses and overnight camping are strictly prohibited in the park.

The HLMP Foundation is a 501 (c) (3), South Dakota non-profit corporation. Board members are Michael Diedrich – President, Steve Flanery – Vice-President and Jeffry Denison – Secretary/Treasurer, all of Rapid City, SD.