Our collective roadmap

Building on decades of momentum, we developed a plan that enriches our community.

While rodeo and 4-H will always be the core activities out here, we are dreaming big about what else we can do on these special grounds. Music and culture, reunions and weddings, community events; it's all on the table!

Take a little time to review our plans below, and drop us a line to let us know what you think!

Arial View

Grandstand from Parking Area

Grandstand & VIP Area

Arial View

1/10

Our phased approach

Phase 1: The groundwork
$250,000

Phase 1 is all about getting things off the ground. Site prep, electrical, and dirtwork account for a portion of the costs, while the arena back pens take up the majority of the phase 1 budget. The 4-H livestock barn was completed in 2025, setting the momentum for what’s next.

Key elements include:

Arena back pens
Electrical & plumbing
Dirtwork
4-H Livestock barn (completed)

Phase 2: A reimagined arena
$275,000

This is a big change you can really see! As the centerpiece of the grounds, we’re starting from the ground up — literally — by reorienting the existing arena. With fans facing the bucking chutes (and away from the setting sun) and moving the timed events entry to the south, this is an improvement we hope to celebrate with you all at the 2027 Stampede!

Key elements include:

Demo & construction of arena
Move existing structures
Grading and road work

Phase 3: Room to grow

$800,000

Our community will benefit from a brand new, 13,000 square foot building to house everything from shooting sports, community events, weddings, and so much more. This beautiful, expansive building is a longtime dream of many community members, and we’re excited to start swinging hammers.

Key elements include:

4-H Building
Site work

Phase 4: Isn't it grand?
$1,500,000

This is what we’ve been wanting since…well, the beginning! With the current bleachers outdated with poor accessibility, this improvement is necessary. A 2,500 seat shaded grandstand will stand proud on the prairie, offering space to stretch for our ever-growing Stampede Rodeo, concerts, and other events. To the west, you’ll see additional livestock barns and a brand new washrack.

Key elements include:

Grandstand
Small livestock building
Wash rack
Concrete

Phase 5: Coming together
$420,000

Bookended by the grandstand and 4-H building, the space in the middle is all about community. It’s where you grab a seat to catch up with your neighbors, dance to some live music, and make the most out of a South Dakota summer.

Key elements include:

Bandshell
Dirtwork and landscaping
Restrooms

Phase 6: Let's celebrate

$1,100,000

Capping off this multi-year investment is a real show-stopper: A catwalk extending from the grandstand and beyond the bucking chutes, wide enough to enjoy a cold one during our events. With comfy furniture and refreshment facilities at the ready, our fans will have a world-class experience, right here in Burke, South Dakota.

Key elements include:

VIP Deck

Furniture

ADA Ramp

Driven by hometown ideas

What’s taken shape on these grounds is nothing short of incredible. Take the Burke Stampede Rodeo, a central South Dakota staple for more than 35 years. What started as neighbors coming together became something much bigger: A tradition, a destination, a point of pride. That spirit is exactly what carries us forward.

Frequently asked questions

How much will the total project cost?

We've broken the project into six phases with a total cost of around $5MM.

When do you plan on starting?

With the addition of the 4-H livestock barn and new bucking chutes in 2025, we've already got things moving!

How long will the project take?

Depending on funding, we anticipate this will take around 10 years to be fully realized.

Who is doing the work necessary, such as construction and plumbing?

We will work primarily with local contractors wherever possible. After over thirty years of collaboration, we trust and respect our local partners!

Will there be more than rodeos on the grounds?

Absolutely. Both Burke Riding Club and Gregory County 4-H have programming throughout the year. In addition, we are planning for a music festival and other arts and culture events. We think this will be a great place for a wedding, too!

By and for our community

As we continue developing this beautiful stretch of land just southwest of Burke, we’re certainly not creating something new from scratch: We’re building on decades of momentum, and with people who believe that if you create something for your own community first, others will come.

We need your support in order to bring this dream to life

Make a one-time gift

Your donation of any amount will help us create an extraordinary community space right here in Gregory County.

MAKE A ONE-TIME DONATION

Make a recurring gift

Help us stay financially solid and set up a monthly, quarterly, or yearly donation at any amount.

MAKE A RECURRING GIFT

Make a pledge

Want to make a bigger impact? A pledge spreads your gift over time while helping move this work forward today.

MAKE A PLEDGE

Send a check

Your tax-deductible gift helps create a beautiful gathering place where generations of our community can come together.

SEND A CHECK

Plan a legacy gift

Legacy gifts honor your commitment to our community. We work with your financial advisor to ensure your wishes are fulfilled.

PLAN A LEGACY GIFT

Memorial gifts

Honor someone by making a gift in their memory or in celebration of their life. We’re grateful to help carry their legacy forward.

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Contact Us

Wide Open Spaces Foundation

34347 291st St, Burke, SD 57523

hello@wideopenspacesfoundation.org

605-775-2420