Hyde County Parks and Recreation Receive Acts of Excellence Award
Pictured from Left to Right: Randy Houdek, SDHoF Board Director, Laurie Becvar, CEO of the SDHoF, HCPR members Kris Rittel, Danika Busse, Beth Simonson, Beth Simonson, Carrie Stephenson, Mary Knox, HCPR President, Tara Buchholz, City Finance Officer, Vikki Day, Mayor, Mary Ann Morford, owner of the Highmore-Harrold (newspaper), and volunteer extraordinaire!
On June 13, 2025, Hyde County Parks and Recreation officially received its Acts of Excellence award in a public ceremony in Highmore, South Dakota.
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.