About Our Parks and Shelters
The City of Des Moines has 72 beautiful parks on over 3200 acres of parkland that is available for the enjoyment of its citizens, residents of neighboring communities and visitors to the city. Experience their beauty and many amenities first-hand, through outings and events with friends and family.
Our 45 open-air and enclosed shelters provide great locations for family reunions, birthday parties, baby showers, and school outings. All seven of the enclosed and 30 of the open-air shelters are available to reserve in advance for your private event, with a nominal fee ranging from $30-80. Our traditional wading pools are also available for after-hours events at the rate of $25/hour, with a 3-hour minimum.
Open-air shelters rent for $30 for the entire day, with the exception of the Pioneer West and Pete Crivaro large open-air shelters which may be rented for two sessions daily; 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for $60 per session. Enclosed shelters at Birdland, Grandview, Greenwood, MacRae, Pioneer and Union Parks may be rented for two sessions daily: 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. and 4:00- 9:00 p.m. If times are available, they can be rented for both sessions consecutively and therefore from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at when available. When renting the 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. times, the fee for both sessions is applicable. The Martin L. King Enclosed Shelter is available to rent on weekdays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Birdland and Grandview enclosed shelters $80 per session
Greenwood, MacRae, Pioneer, and Union enclosed shelters $40 per session
Martin L. King enclosed shelter has a 2 hour minimum rental for $70; then $20 per hour for each additional hour (i.e., 3 hours=$90; 4 hours=$110; 5 hours=$130...)
Overlook Terrace and Trail Events at Gray's Lake Park
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.