• Main Parking Lot Closed at Dog Park

    If you are heading out to the Ewing Dog Park, use the McKinley Ave parking lot for access. Road construction has closed the main lot along Indianola Avenue. Please use the temporary bridge built across Yeader Creek to access the dog park while the permanent bridge is underway.

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  • Pool Passes

    Passes may ONLY be purchased at the Park and Recreation Department Administrative Office, located at 3226 University Avenue, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click below for more info.

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    Rate Info

  • 2012 Native Plant Sale

    Native Landscaping uses less water, less chemicals and is lower maintenance reducing harmful impacts on our urban ponds, streams and wildlife. Visit Gray's Lake and talk to the experts on how to choose native plants suitable for different types of sites from rain gardens to dry areas. Visit to buy or sign-up to volunteer at parksvolunteer@dmgov.org

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    Info to plan your trip

  • We've Moved!

    Please Note! Our New Address is:

    3226 University Ave Des Moines, IA 50311

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    Contact Us

  • Have More Fun for Less Money

    Greater Des Moines Recreational Activity Scholarship Program(GRASP) is the program formerly known as “Experience Greater Des Moines.” The GRASP card is your ticket to reduced costs for Park and Recreation programs, as well as other community activities and programs. Income guidelines do apply.

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    Get Your GRASP Card

  • Birding Basics

    Wednesdays through May 25, lunch hour basic birding sessions will meet either at the beach or in the southeast parking lot for viewing of songbirds including warblers, vireos, thrushes, and sparrows. Binoculars are encouraged, though a few extra pairs will be provided if you forget yours. This spring program is free and open to all ages.

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    More Info

  • Canoeing Classes

    Get out and enjoy summer by participating in canoeing classes.The classes, held at Grays Lake and local rivers, will teach the basics of canoeing including basic strokes, small boat safety and much more. These classes are designed for both beginners and intermediate skill levels.

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    Registration Info

  • iEarth Camp!

    Have a blast with fun, safe, and supervised activities this summer! Sign up to have a chance to explore the world around you through geocaching, printmaking, sand sculptures, ecology, fort-building and many more activities.

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    Registration Info

Family interacting with geese at one of Des Moines' parksPark and Recreation Mission

 

Helping Des Moines Live Well, Play Hard and Protect the Earth 

 

Responsibilities

 The Park and Recreation department is responsible for the management of 72 parks, 3,225 acres of parkland, 40 miles of trails, and numerous municipal facilities.

 

The Park and Recreation department is responsible for managing over 16 different programs in the area of sports, urban conservation, environment education, sport instruction, sports tourism, neighborhood beautification, water recreation, volunteerism and stewardship. 

 

In addition, Parks staff plans Special Events throughout the year, such as, the Father-Daughter Dance, Free Flicks, Hoopin' at the Dome, Des Moines Winter Games, Mayor's Annual Ride for Trails, Carp Festival, and many other events.


Staff & Service Contacts

 

Park and Recreation staff consists of 97 full-time and approximately 213 seasonal employees.

 

To make shelter reservations contact us at (515) 237-1386.

 

Parks Management Contacts

 

Donald M. Tripp

Parks and Recreation Director

(515) 202-8388

Email

  

Ben Page

Assistant Director

(515) 237-1453

Email

  

Kevin Moran

Senior Park Planner

(515) 248-6357

Email

  

Teva Dawson

Park Services Manager

(515) 323-8907

Email

  

 

Administrative Staff Contacts

 

Rebecca Linhart

Executive Administrative Assistant

(515) 237-1403

Email  

 

Jen Fletcher

Marketing Supervisor & Media Contact

(515) 422-0176

Email  

 

Holly Brazelton

Park & Recreation Customer Service Representative

(515) 237-1432

Email