Derby Downs upgrades approved by Watertown City Council (Audio)

May 17, 2022
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–The Watertown City Council approved an agreement for facility updates at Derby Downs at their meeting last night.

The changes are being proposed by Mackenzie Blais. They’ll be done over a five year period, with the first improvements coming this summer with an eye toward bringing a pro rodeo to Waterotwn.

Here’s what Blais told the council about phase one improvements last night…

City Attorney Matt Roby says this is NOT a lease agreement. He says the city will maintain authority over who can use Derby Downs, and for what purpose, and will not pay for any of the improvements…

Councilman Mike Danforth believes each phase of Derby Downs improvements should come before city officials for approval…

The Derby Downs improvements were first approved by the Park and Rec Board at their April 26th meeting.