• 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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  • 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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  • 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

ADULT LEAGUE SPORTS 

 

Des Moines Parks and Recreation offers competitive, recreational and leisure leagues for men, women and coed teams.  Anyone can form a team from work, church, social group or neighborhood.  Some families and other social groups have been active in multiple sports leagues for generations.  All adult sports leagues are team registered with official rosters for up to twenty players; individuals who are not on teams are encouraged to call the Leisure Sports Office and place their name on our player-referral list which is made available to team managers needing extra players.  Leagues are filled on a first-come, first-served basis; early registration is encouraged as some leagues fill up fast.  Awards are presented to league champions in each sport with tournament play offered at the season's end.  All sports programs listed below use certified officials and have well established reputations for quality play. 

 

Click on Sports Registration Schedule to view registration periods for all City of Des Moines league sports.

 

Click on the appropriate links below for detailed information and applications for the sport of your choice.

Adult Spring Softball "Quick Hitter" Leagues 

Adult Summer Softball

Adult Fall Softball

Adult Flag Football

Adult Volleyball

Adult Basketball

 

The Leisure Sports Office is located at 3711 Easton Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50317.  Please contact us during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at (515) 248-6310 or email us.

 

Click on League Standings to view standings for all sports leagues currently playing.

 

During inclement weather, please call the WEATHER HOTLINE at (515) 256-2434 before scheduled games.

 

Additional Recreation Programs:                                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                        

Four Mile Community Center (Walking Club/Weight & Fitness Room/Open Gym/Table Tennis/Aerobics/Tae Kwon Do)

Pioneer-Columbus Community Center (Weight & Fitness Room/Open Gym/Takraw/Tae Kwon Do)