Announcing the Metli Plaza

SculptureWalk’s Arc of Dreams Unveils Tribute to Steve Metli

Metli Plaza to honor public servant and visionary

Sioux Falls, SD  “Always leave wherever you are better than how you found it.”  This is a quote of Steve Metli’s that so many of his friends fondly recall.  To honor that belief and the man behind it, SculptureWalk’s Arc of Dreams today announced the addition of the Metli Plaza to the Arc of Dreams sculpture to be unveiled in the summer of 2018.

During his thirty years of public service Steve Metli had a hand in some of the city's most prominent and enduring construction projects.  In his last capacity as Sioux Falls Director of Planning and Building, he maintained oversight on monumental projects like the Washington Pavilion, the Sioux Falls Arena, Phillips to the Falls, Riverfront development and the Sanford Convention Center. 

"Steve was a dreamer of magnificent proportions, and more importantly, he dreamt for all of us" said SculptureWalk Director Jim Clark.  "It’s only right that a lasting recognition to South Dakota dreamers must include a tribute to Steve Metli who was unafraid to take that leap of faith and work tirelessly to make the dream of a great Sioux Falls a reality.”

The new Metli Plaza at the Arc of Dreams site will be a peaceful prairie garden setting looking out over a vast expanse of the Sioux Falls Riverfront which Steve labored at and loved so much.  The Metli Plaza will be situated at the West side visitor area of the Arc of Dreams.

Longtime friends of Steve and the Metli family, Craig and Pat Lloyd are spearheading the project to honor his legacy of service to Sioux Falls. Paul & Koni Schiller along with Tom & Kathy Walsh will be assisting the Lloyds.

In conjunction with the announcement of the Metli Plaza, SculptureWalk announced the addition of a “Community Dreamer” wall at the plaza that will annually honor everyday citizens who have made an impact on Sioux Falls and the ongoing dream of a better tomorrow. 

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