• 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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Up with Down Walk at Gray's Lake Park as walkers begin to cross the pedestrian bridgeShelter Rentals

 

Why not plan your next event at one of 72 beautiful parks?  The Des Moines' park system has 45 open-air and enclosed shelters that provide great locations for family reunions, birthday parties, baby showers, and school outings.  All seven of the enclosed and 24 of the open-air shelters are available to reserve in advance for your private event, with a nominal fee ranging from 30 to 60 dollars. 

 

Open-air shelters rent for $30 for the entire day.  Enclosed shelters at Birdland, Grandview, Greenwood, MacRae, Pioneer and union Parks may be rented for two sessions daily; 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 4:00 to 9:00 PM.  If times are available, they can be rented for both sessions consecutively by combining the fee for both sessions.  Birdland and Grandview enclosed shelters rent for $60 per session.  Greenwood, MacRae, Pioneer, and Union enclosed shelters rent for $40 per session. 

 

Seating capacity varies from 12 to 150, depending on the shelter. For other park amenities please see our complete list of parks and click on the park you are interested in or search by amenities using our online system.

 

Most of the Des Moines Wading Pools are available for after-hour events at a rate of $20 per hour, with a three (3) hour minimum.

 

Plan your next event at Gray's Lake Park.  The Overlook Terrace is a great place to have an event.  The Overlook Terrace is made up of seven sections.  Three of these sections are shaded structures which are available to rent in three (3) hour time blocks at $50 per section.  Rentals of the designated open spaces throughout Gray's Lake Park are available in six (6) hour time blocks (per half day) for $250. 

 

Organized trail system events which charge fees or collect donations and have more than 100 participants are charged a $250 event fee.  Event planner may reserve the parking lot south of the Terrace in three (3) hour blocks of time for $50.

 

Plan Your Next Event Online