By: Downtown Rapid City
Photos: Kyler Hagen, Downtown Rapid City
A new year always brings the same familiar pull. People want to try something different, learn a new skill, meet new people, or restart a part of themselves that has been on pause.
In Rapid City, one of the newest places helping people do exactly that is Aqua and Acre Market, a community space built around creativity, sustainability, and genuine human connection. Aqua and Acre Market is a community hub where local food, makers, classes, and book clubs come together to create meaningful experiences for the Rapid City
community.
Owner Kelsey Murray says the idea took root long before the doors
opened. She taught in the Environmental Engineering Technician and Controlled Environment Agriculture programs at Western Dakota Technical College, where she worked closely with growers, makers, and creators who had the talent and products but not always the consistent opportunities to share them.
“We kept hearing the same thing,” she said. “People had incredible products to sell, and others were eager to buy, but there were not enough steady spaces connecting the two.” Most opportunities were seasonal or one-time markets, which made it difficult for small producers to build reliable income or balance family life. Creating a year-round space felt like the missing piece.
Education was the natural addition. Kelsey loved teaching and saw how many people were interested in topics like hydroponics, aquaponics, and sustainable growing practices but did not have the time or resources to pursue a full program.
Aqua and Acre Market became a bridge. It offered hands-on learning in an accessible, welcoming space. By opening the classroom to other local educators, the market quickly grew beyond its original concept. It evolved into a true community hub.
Classes and events now form the heart of the space. Some are creative, like art markets, candle making, book clubs, and water coloring. Others are rooted in environmental education, including landscaping, water quality, houseplant care, and free plant swaps. No matter what the topic, Kelsey says the motivation stays the same.
“It always comes back to the community,” she said. “Seeing people light up when they learn something new or gain confidence is what keeps us inspired.” The space has watched strangers become regulars, regulars become friends, and friends encourage each other to try new things.
One of Kelsey’s favorite stories comes from a simmer pot and candle workshop hosted with Urban Glow Candle Co. A woman arrived alone, unsure if she had picked the right event. She ended up bonding with her entire table, who convinced her to try a book club she had always been curious about. She joined, loved it, and is now a familiar face at many gatherings. She even brings others with her.
That sense of welcome is intentional. For anyone feeling nervous about starting something new this year, Kelsey offers simple advice.
“Believe in yourself and in the Rapid City community. Just try it,” she said. “Even if you arrive knowing no one, you will leave with at least us as a new connection, supporter, and friend.”
As people look for more meaningful ways to connect after years when community felt harder to find, spaces like Aqua and Acre Market serve as important anchors. Kelsey sees their role as creating an environment where connection can happen naturally. “Our space is just a warm place with four walls and comfy chairs,” she said. “It is the people who fill it with life.”
Looking ahead, Aqua and Acre Market have a full slate of ideas for the coming year, from environmental workshops to art classes to a book launch for their first local author. Aqua and Acre Market opened only last April, but its purpose is already clear. It gives people a place to start fresh, try something new, and rediscover the joy of learning in the community.
It is a promising way to begin a new year.
Original Article available in the December edition of Elevate Magazine
