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Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

Des Moines Parks and Recreation

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Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Parks and Recreation

Des Moines Parks and Recreation Responsible for the management of 77 parks, 4,000+ acres of land & 88 miles of trails. Come play!

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Disclaimer

The City of Des Moines page is produced and maintained by the City of Des Moines Public Information Office. Links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein. The City of Des Moines
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curacy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of information contained on a linked website. Does not endorse the organizations sponsoring linked websites or the views they express or the products/services they offer. Cannot and does not authorize the use of copyrighted materials contained in linked websites. Users must request such authorization from the sponsor of the linked website. Does not guarantee that external websites comply with Section 508 (Accessibility Requirements) of the Rehabilitation Act. Does not endorse or support opinions or views expressed by users of the City of Des Moines page. Is not directed to children and will delete any information about a child under the age of 13 that may have been inadvertently collected upon becoming aware of such information. The Iowa Open Records Act applies to records of the City so that content on this site which is kept as a record of the City is subject to public disclosure requirements. Terms of Use:
The City of Des Moines expects that participants will treat each other with respect. The use of vulgar, offensive, defamatory, sexual, threatening or harassing language is prohibited. The City of Des Moines page is not open to the promotion or advertisement of a business or commercial transaction. Users are prohibited from posting any copyrighted content without the copyright holder’s express permission or material protected by other intellectual property laws. A public forum is not created by this page or any City of Des Moines social media site. Users are prohibited from the posting of content relating to politics, religion, supporting or opposing political candidates or issue advocacy, promoting illegal activity, or which is not topically related to the particular posting. We reserve the right to remove any inappropriate content deemed in violation of this policy or any applicable law.
· Contact [email protected] or call 515-283-4500 in order to report the posting of materials infringing a third party’s intellectual property rights, identifying information about children, or other illegal materials or content. User Generated Content (UGC):
Users of the City of Des Moines page are fully responsible for the content they load to the City of Des Moines Facebook site. The user is responsible for all copyright and intellectual property laws associated with this content. Contact [email protected] or call 515-283-4500 to request removal of infringing materials

03/26/2025

☀️🎨🏀 Summer Camp Registration is OPEN! 🚀🌿🏊

Looking for an unforgettable summer for your child? Des Moines Parks and Rec Summer Camp offers a full day of fun, learning, and adventure! From arts & crafts to sports, STEM, nature programs, swim lessons, and exciting field trips—there’s something for everyone! Plus, lunch and snacks are included.

📅 Camp Dates:
✨ Session 1: June 9 – June 27
✨ Session 2: July 7 – August 15
🚫 No Camp June 30 – July 4

📍 Camp Locations:
✅ Columbus Park
✅ Drake Park
✅ Evelyn K. Davis Park
✅ MLK Jr. Park
✅ Weeks Middle School Park

⏰ Daily Schedule:
🕘 Drop-off: 9 AM
🎉 Activities Start: 9:30 AM
🚗 Pick-up: 3:30 – 4 PM

💻 Registration opens March 26! Secure your spot today at DSM.city/SummerCampRegistration 🌞✨

03/25/2025

🔥 Prescribed Burns Happening Today 🔥

The Des Moines Parks and Recreation Natural Resources team is conducting prescribed burns today at George Davis Softball Park and McHenry Park.

Prescribed burns are an important land management tool that help restore native plant communities, reduce invasive species, and improve wildlife habitat. Please do not call the fire department if you see smoke in these areas - we've got it under control and Des Moines Fire Department is aware of the burning.

As a reminder, the following locations were identified last fall for the 2024-2025 burn season. Expect to see crews burning in these areas as conditions allow:

🌿 Planned Burn Locations:
📍 MacRae Park, Ewing Park, Pioneer Park, Grandview Park, Greenwood/Ashworth Park, Gray’s Lake Park, Union Park, Glendale Cemetery, Four Mile Creek Open Space, Sargent Park, Laurel Hill Cemetery, MSC I & II, Ashby Park, Franklin Avenue Library, Cownie Baseball & Soccer, Elm Grove Cemetery, Witmer Park, Prospect Park, Woodlawn Park, Walnut Creek Trail & more.

For full details and updates, visit 🔗https://www.dsm.city/news_detail_T2_R941.php

03/22/2025

🚐🎉 PARK-N-PLAY is ready to ROLL! 🎉🚐

Starting Monday, March 24, our mobile rec vehicle is rolling into action with FREE after-school fun—games, crafts, and more! No registration needed!

📍 Weekday Schedule (3:30–5:30 PM) | Through May 17
🟢 Monday – Willard Elementary
🟢 Tuesday – Park Ave Elementary
🟢 Thursday – Cattell Elementary
🟢 Friday – Sheridan Park

🔗 Full details + weekend schedule: dsm.city/parknplay

Weekend stops rotate—stay tuned for another post mid-week! 🚀🎨🏀

03/21/2025

📣 Adapted Baseball - spots still available! 👩‍🦽This inclusive program brings the sport of baseball and playing on a team to kiddos with mental or physical disabilities or chronic health issues.

Everyone is invited to learn and play the sport of baseball in an adaptive way that works for them! ⚾

Sign up and get out on the diamond by visiting DSM.City/Adapted Registration closes May 2!

03/20/2025

📢 The Spring/Summer Activities Guide is HERE! ☀️🌳🎉

From sports leagues to summer camps, swim lessons to special events—your guide to a season full of fun is ready to explore! Plus, registrations are OPEN for countless programs running through August.

📖 Check it out now: DSM.city/activitiesguide and start planning your best summer yet! 💙

03/19/2025

🚧 Construction Progress at Gray’s Lake! 🚧

👀 Check out this behind-the-scenes look at the new dock pier coming to Gray’s Lake!

🏗️ The videos show massive steel columns (called pilings) being driven deep into the ground to create a strong foundation for the future dock pier, storage building, and upper viewing deck. Since this project is right by the water, these pilings are key to keeping everything sturdy and built to last. The best part? They all passed their stress tests with flying colors—marking a big milestone for the project!

🚣‍♂️ This project is supported in part by the Iowa DNR’s REAP Grant Program and is set to open for the 2026 paddling rental season!

📽️ Video credit: Cushman Construction

03/19/2025

⛈️ Due to incoming severe weather, Birding Basics at Gray's Lake is cancelled today March 19.

👀 Stay safe and weather aware today, DSM! 🫶

03/18/2025

🐣 Get ready for an egg-cellent adventure, DSM! 🐰

Join us for the GPS Egg Hunt on April 13 at Ewing Park! 🌳 Sign up now at DSM.city/GPS before spots fill up! 🏃‍♂️

🗺️ Kiddos will learn the ropes of GPS navigation as they hunt for hidden eggs with exciting prizes inside! 🎁 Don't miss out on the fun!

🎟️ Just $10 per participant (parents join for free!) - secure your spot today! 🐥

03/17/2025

📢CALLING ALL ARTISTS! 🎨

🖌️A new mural is coming to Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center, and we’re looking for an artist (or team of artists) to bring it to life!

👩🏽‍🎨The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is NOW OPEN! Selected finalists will use community input to develop mural concepts, and a panel will choose the final design. The selected artist or team will create this public artwork with an all-inclusive budget of $43,000, thanks to a Bravo Greater Des Moines Public Art Grant and private donors. DSM.city/PioneerMuralRFQ

🎤 We need YOUR input! Help shape the vision for this mural by taking a quick questionnaire: DSM.city/PioneerMuralQuestionnaire. Your thoughts will be shared with the artists to inspire their designs!

Artists: Apply Now!
✅ Eligibility:
✔️ Must be 18+ at the time of submission
✔️ Must live, work, or operate a business in Polk, Dallas, Madison, Warren, Marion, Jasper, Marshall, Story, or Boone County
❌ Employees, board members, and immediate family members of the City of Des Moines, Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center, Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation, BRAVO Greater Des Moines, and Friends of Des Moines Parks are ineligible

📅 Deadline to Apply: April 7, 2025
📍 Apply Now: DSM.city/PioneerMuralRFQ
🔗 More Details: DSM.city/PioneerMural

💬 Know an artist? Tag them!
🎨 Want to help shape the design? Take the questionnaire!
🤩 Help spread the word by sharing this post!

03/16/2025

🌟 Now Pitching: Adapted Baseball! ⚾

We're bringing baseball to ALL kids! This program is designed for children with mental or physical disabilities or chronic health conditions, giving them the chance to learn, play, and be part of a team—their way. 🏆

No matter your ability, there's a place for you on the field! 🌟 Sign up today at DSM.City/Adapted and let's play ball! 🧢⚾

03/15/2025

🐰🐣 Hop on over for an EGG-citing Easter Egg Hunt at Ewing Dog Park! 🐶🥚

Get ready to unleash the fun on April 19 as we celebrate Easter with a tail-wagging egg hunt! Bring your furry friends and join us at Ewing Dog Park for a paw-some day of adventure.

📅 Date: Saturday, April 19
🕙 Egg Hunt Schedule:
🐾 Small Dogs (20 lbs or less): 10AM
🐾 Large Dogs: 11AM
📍 Location: Ewing Dog Park

🐾 All dogs must remain on leash during the hunt.

📝 Registration Details:
Pre-registration is required to secure your pup’s spot! Sign up now at dsm.city/dogs

🚨 Important Info:
✅ A current dog park permit is required.
✅ Pre-registration is mandatory to participate.

Don't miss out on this egg-cellent opportunity to celebrate Easter with your furry pals! Let's make memories and have a barking good time together! 🎉🐾

03/14/2025

🎨Input needed for Pioneer Columbus Rec Center Mural! 🎨

The Stone Park Improvements Project is almost complete, and we’ll be adding the finishing touch—a NEW MURAL at the adjacent Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center thanks to a grant from our partners at Bravo Greater Des Moines and private donors! 🏞️✨

We'll be selecting an artist or team of artists to bring this vision to life...but FIRST, we need YOUR INPUT to help guide the mural’s concept. This is your chance to influence a piece of public art that reflects the Indianola Hills Neighborhood Association, Stone Park area and surrounding neighborhoods.

📝 Take the quick survey (less than 5 minutes!) and share your thoughts: DSM.city/PioneerMuralQuestionnaire

📅 Open: NOW – April 4, 2025

📢 Spread the word! Share with friends, family, and neighbors—we want your input!

Keep up with the progress of the project by visiting DSM.city/PioneerMural - more information on the artist application process will be announced on Monday, March 17! 🍀

McKinley School / Columbus Park Neighborhood Des Moines
Watrous South Neighborhood Association
Gray's Lake Neighborhood Association
Downtown Neighborhood Association
Historic East Village
Central DSM Neighborhood Association

03/13/2025

It's time to get moving, Des Moines! 💪🎶 Whether you're looking for a heart-pumping cardio workout, a relaxing yoga session, or a fun dance experience for the kiddos, we've got you covered!

🎶 Hip Hop/Street Dance – Kids in grades 1-8 can learn from the pros! In partnership with Creative Netwerk , this new dance class is led by international teaching artist Kelli Forman, who has danced on X-Factor, America’s Got Talent, and Glee. YES, we said GLEE! 👀🤩

🔥 HIIT – High-energy, 40-minute workouts using bodyweight exercises and portable gym equipment. Open to ages 14+!

🧘‍♀️ Yoga – A low-intensity, 45-minute class designed to improve balance, strength, and relaxation. Open to ages 14+.

All class sessions begin mid-April...learn more and sign up today at 👉 DSM.city/Fitness

03/12/2025

Spring sports are just around the corner which means baseball registration is open!

These six week, coed programs will introduce your kiddo to teamsports, teammates and the basics of baseball!⚾

💻 Register at DSM.city/Register by May 1
📆 Programs run June - Mid-July

⭐ T-Ball ( K - Grade 1) - 1 Practice/Week
⭐Coach Pitch Baseball (Grades 2 - 3) - 2 Practices + Game
⭐Baseball (Grades 4 - 7) - 2 Practices + Game

03/11/2025

🏀 A Huge Thank You to Drake Athletics! 🏀

This past weekend, we had an incredible time hosting our Youth Basketball Championships at the Knapp Center, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of Drake Athletics!

Thank you for giving our young athletes the unforgettable experience of competing on a collegiate court—it’s moments like these that inspire the next generation of players. 🏆👏

03/10/2025

Over 19,000 skaters hit the ice at Brenton Skating Plaza this year.

Now with temperatures forecast to remain warm moving forward, we're officially calling it a wrap on ice skating season. We want to thank each and every skater who helped create another unforgettable winter season - full of dancing, excitement and more than a few laughs.

We can't wait to get start building the ice for next season, but while we wait for temperatures to drop, we will be offering plenty of spring and summer programming and adventures.

Visit DSM.city/Register to see what Des Moines Parks and Recreation has for you!

03/10/2025

Kick start your kiddos love of sports with Kiddie Kickball. 🌟 Register your Pre-K kiddo to get them introduced to the very basics of kick ball and playing on a team.

Learn more and register at DSM.City/register by May 1!

03/09/2025

Due to warm temperatures, Brenton Skating Plaza is closed today, March 9.

Get out there and enjoy the sunshine at one of our parks or trails, DSM! ☀️

Address

1551 E. Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy
Des Moines, IA
50317

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15152371386

Website

http://www.dmparks.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Des Moines Parks and Recreation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

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Videos

birds - Walk in the Park .mp4

Join the Great Backyard Bird Count🐦‍⬛ from February 14 - 17 by identifying, counting and sharing what you see in your backyard or favorite outdoor space! 🦅Connect with nature and contribute to a greater understanding of birds by submitting what you see at birdcount.org. 🪺

The BEST yoga deal in Des Moines! Sign up today and find your ZEN.

summer hiring - all jobs.mp4

Join us this summer! We have open positions across our department, find the perfect summer job for you by visiting DSM.City/Parkjobs 🌊☀️

Wild Turkey - Walk in the Park .mp4

It may be chilly out, but Joel got all bundled up to stay warm outside with the turkeys! 🦃

luminary Hike - Walk in the Park .mp4

A few weeks ago, Joel and Council Member Carl Voss attended the Luminary Hike at Grandview Park!🌟🌌 Attendees shared hot chocolate and were invited to walk along the magical nature themed lanterns that lit the path up. 🌱 ⭐

Jingle bell stroll- Walk in the Park .mp4

We hope everyone who joined us for Jingle Bell Stroll had a great walk in the park! 🎄✨ Although the weather was a little dreary, it was a great day to spread some holiday joy!

Make a splash - aquatics hiring 2.mp4

Having fun is in the job description! 🎉 Every summer our lifeguards get together for the splash games, where they get to hangout off-duty, eat food, and compete in a number of competitions to win the ultimate prize: a golden whistle!🛟 ☀️ 🌊 Join the fun, and our staff! Learn about seasonal positions at DSM.City/Parkjobs

Coyote- Walk in the Park (1).mp4

Last week, Joel caught a glance of nature outside of the Parks and Recreation office, it's not everyday you see a coyote at the office!

Brenton christmas tree_3.mp4

Join us TONIGHT from 5-8 PM at Brenton Skating Plaza! 🎄 Watch the Tree Lighting at 6 PM 🎅 Meet Santa 🍫 Enjoy hot chocolate, snacks, and treats from the concession stand (open until 8 PM) It’s the perfect way to welcome the holiday season alongside the Historic East Village on the first night of the Holiday Promenade! 🌟 Due to recent weather, the ice will not be ready for skating this Friday. However, you can join us Sunday 11 AM- 5 PM for some time on the ice! 2024 Skating Admission Pricing: 👶 Children 5 & Under: FREE 🧒 Children 6-12 & Seniors 60+: $6 🧑 Teen/Adult 13+: $10 ⛸️ Skate Rental: $5

Des Moines Parks and Recreation

03/26/2025

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03/22/2025

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03/11/2025

03/10/2025

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03/09/2025

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Videos

birds - Walk in the Park .mp4

summer hiring - all jobs.mp4

Wild Turkey - Walk in the Park .mp4

luminary Hike - Walk in the Park .mp4

Jingle bell stroll- Walk in the Park .mp4

Make a splash - aquatics hiring 2.mp4

Coyote- Walk in the Park (1).mp4

Brenton christmas tree_3.mp4

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