The City of Watertown is proud to announce that the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena has been named the 2025 Project of the Year in the “Structures” category by the American Public Works Association (APWA), under its Small Cities/Rural Communities program. To the City’s knowledge, this is the first time a South Dakota project has received this national honor.
Staff from Public Works and the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department were notified of the award by APWA on April 17. The announcement stated: ‘Your selection puts you in a very elite group of winners. APWA is proud to have those on this project epitomize the public works profession and our association.’
The $36 million Prairie Lakes Ice Arena stands as Watertown’s largest public works project to date. Near the main entrance, visitors will find the $10 Million Donation Wall, recognizing the many individuals, businesses, and organizations who helped make the project possible.
The APWA award recognizes outstanding public works projects in communities with populations under 50,000. Projects must be publicly funded, owned, and maintained, and must demonstrate excellence, creativity, and a lasting community impact. Winners are honored at APWA’s annual PWX Conference and featured nationally and internationally in APWA publications. Watertown has been a member of the American Public Works Association since 2022. Founded in 1937, APWA supports over 32,000 public works professionals worldwide.
This recognition comes just ahead of National Public Works Week, May 18–24. A short presentation on the facility and award will be held at the May 19 City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers (23 2nd St NE). The public is invited to attend in person or watch a recording the following day at www.youtube.com/@CityofWatertown/videos.