PIERRE — The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is preparing for another summer in our state parks and want to recognize staff for their dedication to the state park system in 2022. Several awards were shared with staff for their operational excellence this past year as GFP looks forward to the 2023 summer season.

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Steve Papendick. Steve served as the park manager at Angostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs for the majority of his 43 years of service.

“The words that come to mind to best describe Steve are steady, even-keeled, relaxed, and has a great passion for planting and caring for trees,” said Matt Snyder, regional park supervisor.

“It has been a joy to work with Steve,” added Andrew Kathman, district park supervisor. “His dedication to the park has made a positive impact at both Angostura and Sheps Canyon.”

Award of Appreciation

The Award of Appreciation was presented to Dan Richards, park manager at Indian Creek Recreation Area near Mobridge. District park supervisor, Ryan Raynor applauded Dan for his exceptional work on re-opening the Lake Hiddenwood Recreation Area near Selby. In the spring of 2018, a flood event washed out the Lake Hiddenwood Recreation Area spillway and park entrance road.

Richards organized a re-opening and open house celebration on Aug.3, 2022.

“The event was well attended, and many passionate people spoke highly of Dan and his staff,” regional park supervisor, Pat Buscher said.

Teamwork Awards

A Teamwork Award was presented to employees from three parks for their efforts to clean up May 12 storm damage. John Bame, Melissa Ziegenhagen-Riedesel, and Walker Ruhd were recognized from Herman State Park. Becky Graff, Derek Meshke, Katie Bratberg, Isaac Rubendall, Brock Nothem, David Shepherd, and Stan Scubelek were recognized from Oakwood Lakes State Park. Shawn Hendricks and Jeffery Seehafer were recognized from Hartford Beach State Park. Additionally, wildlife and fisheries staff from the southeast region and Watertown conservation officer district staff were recognized.

“These teams put in countless hours and effort to get their parks cleaned up and ready for users within a week,” said regional park supervisor, Willy Collignon.

Newton Hills State Park staff Jason Baumann, Brent Downs, Jay Flynn, Cass Pierce, and Caleb Wyniac were also presented with a Teamwork Award for their successful renovation of a former Boy Scout residence into an ADA-compliant state park lodge.

“This group of staff came together to take on a major initiative last winter and spring in remodeling the lodge to be ready to rent this summer,” said state park director, Jeff VanMeeteren. “Extensive work was made to the layout to be more practical including: turning the garage area into a family room, creating an ADA bathroom, adding an additional bedroom, opening up the kitchen to accommodate a large family, and adding two horse corrals to the lodge site.”

Seasonal of the Year

The 2022 Seasonal of the Year award was presented to Don Overholt. Don has worked seasonally at Center Lake Campground in Custer State Park for 19 years. He has also spent time helping at Mt. Coolidge Communication Center and the park office answering phones and helping guests.

“Don has a deep passion for providing a great experience to each guest,” said district park supervisor, Lance Catron. “Don has built lifelong friendships with guests who stay at Center Lake Campground and has had the opportunity to see families grow camping and enjoying the outdoors.”

Volunteer of the Year

Marvin Spath was presented the Volunteer of the Year Award for his dedication at West Bend Recreation. “We were not able to fill all seasonal positions due to lack of applicants. Marvin really stepped up and filled in on many levels,” said park manager, Forrest Chapman. “He went way above what we would ask of a volunteer. Many days he worked sun-up to sun-down and answered the after-hours calls.”

Program Innovation Awards

Two Program Innovation Awards were presented to staff.

Ali Tonsfeldt, park manager at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, was recognized with the Program Innovation Award for creating the Ghost Hunter Investigation event and a Murder Mystery Dinner that raised money for improvements of the historic fort. “Ali’s new style of events is reaching new user groups and keeping them interested in the Fort’s history,” said district supervisor, Lori Skadsen.

Heather Berg, the park GIS and asset management program specialist, was also recognized with the Program Innovation Award. “Heather has been innovating Cartegraph, maps, inspections, ADA assessments, and other items by utilizing her skills with GIS,” said deputy director of parks, Al Nedved. “Her ability to come up with innovative solutions has proven valuable in many of our updated systems and will provide value for decades to come.”