Welcome to the City of Des Moines
Parks and Recreation

Providing clean, safe, fun, and beautiful parks, open spaces, recreational facilities, and professionally managed leisure activities.

News & Info

  • Learn to Sail at Gray's Lake!


    Sailing lessons will begin June 9, with 5 different sessions throughout the summer. Pick the session that fits your schedule and learn the basics of sailing. Three lessons per session provided by a qualified, experienced instructor. Sailboats and lifejackets are provided. Classes are Mondays and Wednesday, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cost is $25 per person per session. Pre-registration is required.

    Session dates, more information, and the registration form.


  • Planning for the Future


    A random-sample Des Moines citizen survey was conducted at the end of 2007 to determine recreational needs, priorities and satisfaction levels. A wide range of questions were asked on important issues that will affect short- and long-range planning, management practices, programming and allocation of resources for the Park and Recreation Department.

    Find out more about the results of the overall survey, specific Des Moines geographic area input and details of the survey instrument by clicking on Citizen Survey Results.


  • New Location for Park and Recreation Department Administration Office


    Effective Tuesday, April 1 the office will move to the City Armory at 602 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309

    When visiting us go to the north end of the building and take the elevator or stairs down one floor.

    Office hours will remain 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
    (515) 237-1386



  • New Location for Park Sales and Rentals


    All Park and Recreation facility rentals, ticket sales, swimming passes, golf certificates and cart permit sales, etc. will be handled by staff at the City Hall Information Center. City Hall is located downtown at 400 Robert D. Ray Drive and is open to the public 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

    In addition, the public is now able to reserve park shelters and wading pools online. A click of the mouse allows renters to search by date, facility and availability, or by checking preferred amenities. The reservation request can be completed online by entering name, address and Visa or MasterCard information for payment. Customers will receive a confirmation of the reservation and payment transaction the next business day.


  • City of Des Moines' Municipal Golf Courses

    Open for the season Friday, March 28!

    Make your tee times online



  • Naturally Fun Canoe Classes

    URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

    Canoe Basics:
    Tuesdays on May 13, June 3, or June 17
    (choose one)
    6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
    Gray's Lake Park

    Advanced Canoe Basics Tuesdays, June 10 or July 15
    (choose one)
    6:00-9:00 p.m.
    Gray's Lake

    Basic Whitewater Canoe Class with Trip to Minnesota Thursday, June 12
    6:00-9:00 p.m.
    Optional Trip to Minnesota (Kettle River) June 13-14
    Gray's Lake

    Des Moines River Outing Saturday, July 19 or September 6
    (choose one or both)
    9:00 a.m. - 12 noon
    Local Waterways

    More info



  • Family Night out at Archie Brooks Community Center


    The City of Des Moines Park and Recreation Department is offering a free Family Night each month through the end of May at the Archie Brooks Community Center, 2100 SE 5th Street.
    Dates: February 1, 29, March 28, April 25 and May 30
    Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
    Cost: FREE
    Come in out of the cold and have some fun playing and competing with your family and enjoy free refreshments. Crafts, table games, open recreation (basketball, volleyball, pool, ping pong, foosball, air hockey) will be available. Children ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. On the last night, May 30, we will celebrate the coming summer season with an outdoor (weather permitting) neighborhood gathering, including carnival games, refreshments and more. If the weather permits, we will fill the wading pool too. Drop in and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Archie Brooks Community Center at 2100 SE 5th Street. For additional information, call (515) 248-6316.



  • More Info...


    Drake University Municipal Observatory Information

    Recreation League Standings



City of Des Moines logo

City of Des Moines, Iowa
Parks and Recreation