Des Moines Parks and Recreation

🐶 ✨️ Looking for a pup-tastic time to visit a dog park, ready to introduce your fur baby to some fluffy friends?

At no cost, Dog Park Open Houses invite all dog owners to explore our parks. All participants will be entered into a raffle for a free 2027 dog park permit.🎟️🎉

June 14, 12 - 2 PM
– Reno Memorial Dog Park, 3325 Hubbell Ave.
July 19, 12 - 2 PM
– Ewing Dog Park, 4660 Indianola Ave.
August 21, 12 - 2 PM
– Riverwalk Dog Park, 1111 Illinois St.

➡️ To learn more, visit DSM.city/Dogs.

Volunteer Yoga Instructors Wanted!🧘✨

Help us make yoga accessible and affordable through our long-lasting Yoga In The Park program!

🌟This free program relies on passionate, certified yoga instructors to lead these sessions for all skill levels.

We are excited to invite new and returning instructors to join us outside, connect with potential clients, showcase your yoga expertise and contribute to our community through physical and mental well-being.

➡️ Learn more at DSM.city/Volunteer!

🏊Des Moines Aquatics is still hiring!

🛟Looking for a summer job? Lifeguarding is the perfect gig and it's not too late to land a job. You can protect the safety of pool-goers while working in the outdoors!

💦Applications are open now! Learn more and apply today by visiting DSM.city/ParkJobs

💧Aquatics Update - Sprayground Hours💧

In support of Central Iowa Water Works’ request to reduce water usage due to elevated nitrate levels, Des Moines Parks and Recreation is taking proactive steps to cut back.

⏰ Starting today, May 28, spraygrounds will temporarily be open from 12–8 PM daily.

Spraygrounds will be programmed to run with a 25% reduction in operating hours, adjusting open time from 9 AM to 12 PM.

This is a voluntary step to help protect our water supply and we greatly appreciate your understanding. We apologize for the inconvenience. 💗

👉 Get updates and locations at DSM.city/Aquatics

Cowabunga, DSM!

😎 Keep cool at Des Moines aquatic centers, pools and splash pools during the pre-season weekend May 30-31, before the AQUATICS SEASON officially begins on June 6 for the summer!

Check out full details for hours, locations, admissions and more at DSM.city/Aquatics

🛝💧 GRAY'S LAKE PARK PLAYGROUND & SPRAYGROUND NOW OPEN FOR PLAY! 🌊🛶

We officially cut the ribbon earlier today on some incredible new upgrades at Gray’s Lake Park! Thanks to generous private donations and grant funding, these major additions were completed without the use of taxpayer dollars. Here is what’s waiting for you the next time you visit...

📍 New Playground & Sprayground
Relocated to a prime spot closer to the beach, concessions, and restrooms, this area features a nature-inspired design with:
▪️Separate play spaces optimized for ages 3–5 and 5–12.
▪️An inclusive, accessible play area designed specifically for children with cognitive needs.
▪️Plenty of shaded seating for parents and caregivers.

Bonus: The sprayground offers safe water fun completely free of charge (Open daily May 1 – Sept 30, 9 AM – 8 PM)!

⚓ Christine Hensley Terrace & Dock Improvements
On the opposite side of the lake, we've installed larger, flood-resilient infrastructure! Look for: More watercraft launch points to get you on the lake faster. An upgraded parking lot layout. A brand-new upland bypass route on the popular 2.1-mile Kruidenier Trail to help you avoid traffic near the lower docks.

☀️ Gray’s Lake Park is currently on summer hours (5 AM – 10 PM daily). Grab your sunscreen and come check out the brand-new views! 👇 Plan your next lake day, check concession hours, or grab watercraft rental details at the link below!🔗 DSM.city/grayslakerentals

Play, Explore, Do More!🛶🏈⚡️

In partnership with Can Play, we are offering a two-day Adapted Kayak Camp and a June session of Adapted Flag Football.🦁

Adapted programs are designed to adapt game play and recreation on an individual basis to allow participants of all abilities to play, explore, and build confidence.

Join us in June, where participants will gain comfort and confidence on the water and in operating a kayak. Start out at one of our Aquatic Centers, then take to Gray's Lake to explore more!

Discover a love for team sports with Adapted flag football.🏈 Skills and drills are adapted to meet the needs of participants, ensuring everyone can play in a way that works best for them!

Learn more at DSM.city/Adapted.