Ribbon-cutting Ralph Cole Arboretum & Memory Lane

RAPID CITY, SD – JOIN US on Saturday, April 25, 9:00 am for the City of Rapid City and the Rapid City Garden Club to Ribbon-Cut new signage at the Ralph Coe Arboretum and Memory Lane, a public Arboretum established in 1981. This space has been dedicated for over 45 years and contributes to Rapid City's recognition as a USA Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation. 

WHERE: 1111 Mt. View Rd. (Behind Monument Behavior Health Hospital - Mt. View Rd & Jackson Blvd.)

The collaboration between the Rapid City Garden Club and the City of Rapid City features over 100 trees in an Arboretum aimed at education, beauty, and reflection. Ralph Coe, a long-time west-river resident who worked for the Soil Conservation Service, envisioned this Arboretum in the 1960s. The Rapid City Garden Club is celebrating its 79th year, and Memory Lane was dedicated in 1981 with a granite wall and trees honoring the club’s Honorary and Deceased Members.

Throughout the years, the area has been used to mark important events for families, groups, and individuals. Rapid City has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for 44 years in a row. This acknowledgment reflects the city's dedication to urban forest management and fulfilling the four criteria of the Tree City USA program: maintaining a tree board or department, implementing a tree care ordinance, allocating an annual community forestry budget, and holding an Arbor Day Observance. 

About the Arboretum and Rapid City Garden Club at this link https://www.rapidcitygardenclub.org/arboretum-memory-lane that includes how to sponsor a memorial tree. 

WHAT: Ralph Cole Arboretum & Memory Lane Memorial Dedication

WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 9:00 AM

WHERE: 1111 Mt. View Rd. (Behind Monument Behavior Health Hospital - Mt. View Rd & Jackson Blvd.)

Event Logistics & Visuals

• Location: The ceremony will take place at the Arboretum, with Memory Lane located nearby behind Regional West.

• Parking: * Primary: Sioux Park (access the event via the pedestrian bridge).

  • Secondary: The small lot located behind Regional West.

• Photo/Video Ops: Memorial unveiling, scenic views of conservation-focused tree species, and interviews with Rapid City Garden Club members. 

Background

In the wake of the 1972 Black Hills flood, the Ralph Cole Arboretum was established in 1979 to demonstrate the power of nature in recovery. By highlighting trees that prevent erosion and provide shelter for local wildlife, the site remains a cornerstone of Rapid City’s commitment to land stewardship and historical remembrance.

About The Rapid City Garden Club

Founded in 1947, the Rapid City Garden Club has promoted gardening through education, conservation, and community projects for over 75 years. Highlights include contributions to the National Christmas Tree, local beautification efforts, and a time capsule set to open in 2036.

Projects include the Noordermeer Gardens Sundial, Storybook Island flowerbeds, roses at The Monument, school grants, and tree planting that helped Rapid City earn “Tree City, USA.” The Memory Lane Tree Arboretum, with over 100 labeled trees, honors deceased members.

Anniversary projects include a Butterfly Garden (50th), the diverse Education Garden (60th), and a Bee Pollinator Garden (75th), all showcasing the beauty and challenges of gardening in the Black Hills’ five ecosystems.

The Club also supports future horticulturists through an annual scholarship for students in South Dakota State University’s Horticulture and Landscape Design program.

RCGC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Event sponsorships and donations are tax deductible and support the ongoing mission of education, advocacy, and community celebration. For memorial trees in the City of Rapid City Parks sponsorship opportunities of the gardens contact the organization at rapidcitygardenclub@gmail.com