Reservation System Information

Privacy Policy

Welcome to the Des Moines Park and Recreation On-line Reservations System.

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 24 of the open-air shelters are available to reserve in advance for your private event, with a nominal fee ranging from $30-60. Most of our wading pools are also available for after-hours events at the rate of $20/hour, with a 3-hour minimum.


New this year is our shelter at Martin L. King Park, 1650 Garfield Avenue. This shelter was built in cooperation with Polk County and serves Monday through Friday as one of their Senior Service Centers.

These neighborhood senior centers offer varied activities and classes on a daily basis for seniors. Educational classes, crafts, music, exercise, and games are just some of the activities available. Each center develops their own schedule of activities to match their hours. Of course, you can always just enjoy coffee and conversation with old and new friends. Lunch is also provided at each senior center. For more information on the Polk County Senior Centers, please visit their website at http://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/CFYS/pages/seniorAboutUs.aspx.

The City of Des Moines Park and Recreation Department will take reservations for after 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The fee for the use of the Martin L. King Shelter is:

  • 2 hour rental - $50
  • 3 hour rental - $70
  • $15 per hour after the 3rd hour (i.e., 4 hours = $85; 5 hours = $100...)

Included in the rental of the Martin L. King shelter is use of the main community room with tables and chairs for approximately 85 people, restrooms, use of the kitchen which includes a refrigerator, warming hutch, sink, counter and electricity. Helium-filled balloons are not allowed inside this shelter.

To reserve this shelter, please call our office at 237-1386.

We are excited to offer you this on-line reservation site, which allows you to not only search for the facility and location that meet your needs, but also to record and pay for your reservation. Maps, photographs and details regarding the amenities of various parks will help you make the selection that works best for your event. Prior to making your reservation, we would suggest that you review information regarding rates, times and policies by viewing our Frequently Asked Questions.

Of course you also have the option of calling us at 237-1386 or stopping by the City of Des Moines Information Center at 400 Robert D Ray Drive in Des Moines to make your reservations after reviewing your options and availability through this on-line system.

Des Moines Parks and Recreation has many additional types of facilities available for private rental . . . amphitheaters, wading and swimming pools, ball fields, community center facilities . . . the list goes on. We will soon be offering on-line rental of these facilities too, but in the meanwhile, our friendly staff will be happy to assist you on the phone or in person in reserving them.

The City of Des Moines also wants you to know that we do not save or keep anywhere in our systems a copy of your credit card number.


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City of Des Moines, Iowa
Parks and Recreation