The Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department’s email updates you on current volunteer opportunities that will make a positive difference in our community. Please pass the sign-up information and updates on to others that you think might be interested. If you have problems viewing this e-mail, please contact us at parksvolunteer@dmgov.org
Making a Difference
Evelyn K. Davis Park
June 8th-August 14th, Noon-4 p.m., Flexible Schedules
Do you enjoy working with kids or want to spend the summer outside? This is a great opportunity for both corporations and individuals to schedule some time to give back to children in an at-risk neighborhood. We are providing a free drop-in program, following the free lunch program during the weekdays. We need the community’s help to direct activities, participate in crafts & games, create smooth transitions between activities, move between groups to provide general support to the children. The number of children attending will vary daily and we want to make sure there are enough helpers to make this summer a great time for all involved!
Movies Under the Stars
(Choose a day)
We need groups or individuals to help make this event a reality! The community enjoys free flicks throughout the summer. Here’s a way to give back while enjoying a movie in the great outdoors. With the economy the way it is, these family events will more important than ever.
SETUP/TEARDOWN 5:30-7:00, 10:00-11:30 p.m.
(8 people/day)
Unload vehicles containing sound equipment and movie frame. Use tools to construct the movie screen. Lift the movie screen into place and secure anchors with sledge hammer. Reverse duties for tear down and load vehicles. Adults only but your friends and/or family could come to watch the movie with you!
- June 14 (Ashby Park)-6 more needed!
- June 17 (NW Aquatic Center)
- June 16 (Ewing Park)
- July 17 (Union Park Carousel)-7 more needed!
- July 23 (Nahas Aquatic Center)
- August 1 (Teachout Aquatic Center)
- September 5, 12, 19, 26 (Union Park Circle Drive)
MOVIE CONCESSIONS 7:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. (2 people/day)
Prepare treats & popcorn to sell. Handle money and make correct change. Clean park and concession trailer after event.
- June 16 (Ewing Park)
- July 17 (Union Park Carousel)
- September 5, 12, 19, 26 (Union Park Circle Drive)
SIGN UP
Summer Kick-Off
Ewing Park
June 16
Help us kick off summer before the free movie in the park by painting faces and helping with carnival games! We need scouts, groups or individuals that want to give back to the community for this summer sensational event!
SIGN UP
Save the Lilacs
Ewing Park-Lilac Arboretum
Flexible Schedule…Great for Groups or Scout Projects!
Without the help of volunteers, the lilacs future may be in jeopardy! Work together to remove old blooms, weed and mulch around the lilacs. For years, thousands of people have celebrated spring by visiting this hidden gem on the south-side of Des Moines. Hundreds of lilac varieties dot the hillside as their fragrance drifts through the air. Children fly kites, families’ picnic and the occasional disc golfer passes through this unique city treasure. Time has taken its toll on this historical area and volunteers are needed to save and restore the lilacs to their previous beauty and educate our community about this gift. Leave a legacy with the lilacs!
Lilac Arboretum Virtual Tour
SIGN UP
Help Gray’s go “GREEN”
Gray’s Lake
Flexible, on-going
Gray’s Lake is a Des Moines favorite but needs your help! Volunteers are needed to restore the lakeshore, river edge and view to downtown by helping remove invasive trees that are blocking the landscape. Iowa was once covered in tallgrass prairie. Join the cause as we try to re-establish a piece of our history by recreating prairie using native plants. Weeds compete with our natives and other plantings for food, water & space making it hard for the natives to survive. Volunteers are needed to weed, remove old growth and help plant for the future. Planting natives helps reduce the need for mowing & chemicals. Help Gray’s go “green”!
Cemetery Stewards

Glendale, Oak Grove, Sims, Laurel Hill, Woodland & St. Ambrose Cemeteries
Enjoy the peace and serenity of your historic surroundings while maintaining and preserving monuments and plots as a volunteer steward of Des Moines’ cemeteries. Picking up litter, trimming around monuments, cutting back dead flowers, and monitoring for holes, sunken grave stones and vandalism are some of the small tasks to complete on a monthly or weekly basis depending on the block you choose. Blocks range from ¼ acre to an acre. Schedule a regular time that works best for you, your family or your group. For more information visit http://www.dmgov.org/departments/pr/cemeteries.htm.
FORMS:
LINKS:
- Parks and Recreation Volunteer Information & Upcoming Events
- City Of Des Moines Parks & Recreation Information
- Friends of Des Moines Parks

City of Des Moines, Iowa
Parks and Recreation
- Capitol Center I, Suite 200
- 600 East Court Avenue
- Des Moines, Iowa 50309
- Phone: (515) 237-1386
- E-mail: Information Center
- Web Site: http://www.dmgov.org



