Mayor Salamun Appoints Scott Anderson Parks Director

The Rapid City Common Council will consider the appointment of Scott Anderson to lead the city's parks department on Nov. 2.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in People

Mayor Salamun Appoints Scott Anderson Parks Director

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Mayor Jason Salamun has selected Scott Anderson to serve as the new director of the Rapid City Parks and Recreation Department. Anderson, a longtime city employee, is expected to replace former director Jeff Biegler if the appointment gains final approval.

Why it matters

The appointment fills a leadership vacancy created by the retirement of Jeff Biegler, who left the position in September. The decision rests with the city's leadership to ensure continued oversight of local recreational assets.

Scott Anderson has been with the City of Rapid City for 17 years and holds more than 30 years of total supervisory experience. He has managed the city's Parks Division since 2017.

The players

Jason Salamun

Jason Salamun is the Mayor of Rapid City who is responsible for selecting the head of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Scott Anderson

Scott Anderson is a longtime municipal employee with over 17 years of service in Rapid City and 30 years of total supervisory experience.

Jeff Biegler

Jeff Biegler is the former director of the Parks and Recreation Department who retired from the city in September.

Rapid City Common Council

The Rapid City Common Council is the local legislative body tasked with reviewing and providing final approval for city appointments.

The details

Mayor Jason Salamun chose Anderson for the role, which requires final approval from the Rapid City Common Council. Anderson has been employed by the city since 2009 and would step into the role previously held by Jeff Biegler.

Timeline

  1. Scott Anderson began working for the city in 2009.

  2. Anderson started managing the Parks Division in 2017.

  3. Jeff Biegler retired from the director position in September 2026.

  4. The Common Council will consider the appointment on November 2, 2026.

Market Landscape

This appointment follows the standard procedure mandated by the City of Rapid City municipal administrative appointment protocols for filling executive department vacancies. It marks a transition in local government leadership following the departure of a long-term department head.

Residents may see changes in department management or oversight priorities depending on the confirmation of the new director. The shift ensures that the Parks and Recreation Department continues its day-to-day operations under a new leader.

The takeaway

The selection of an internal candidate like Anderson reflects a trend of promoting experienced city staff to executive roles. Residents can expect consistent management of local park resources following the upcoming confirmation vote.

What happens next

The Rapid City Common Council is scheduled to meet on November 2, 2026, to consider and vote on the appointment of Scott Anderson.

Further reading

For more information on local government leadership changes, visit People.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Kotatv.

Live Poll

Should city departments prioritize promoting long-term internal employees to leadership roles?