Guide to Spring and Summer 203 Fun in Des Moines Parks In the PARk CITY OF by the lake yoga in the Park is back for another great summer. Every Saturday May 25 through September 28, you will have the opportunity for free outdoor yoga classes at Gray s lake from 9-0 a.m. on the southeast lawn. Classes are perfect for all skill levels, and taught by volunteer instructors. Check out our website to see when your favorite instructor will be teaching. new this year, during the month of June, participants can come out early and try Zumba! this 45 minute class will start at 8:5 every Saturday before yoga. Social Dancing Series It doesn t matter if you ve got two left feet or can shake your groove thing with the best of them, the new summer social dance series at Gray s Lake Park called has a little something for everyone. Every Thursday night, starting June 6 come out and learn to dance social dances like salsa, swing, line dancing or contra dancing. Experienced dancers are welcome to come out and enjoy the music. Lessons start on the Overlook Terrace at 7:30 p.m.. and the dancing begins at 8:00. Each week (June August ) will feature a different kind of dancing and music. The schedule will be posted on our website www.dmparks.org. Dancing is for everyone from beginners to more experienced dancers. No partner r needed so come alone or bring a friend. Meet local people of all shapes, sizes, spots and stripes to have a great time dancing. Not only is it fun, but it s a great way to burn calories! The Friends Need More Friends! Be our friend! Over the years, The Friends of Des Moines Parks have assisted Parks and Recreation in furthering our mission to help Des Moines live will, play hard and protect the earth. They have helped provide scholarships allowing thousands of children to learn to swim. If you would like to learn more about the Friends or to donate visit www. friendsofdmparks. org. Greater Des Moines Recreational Activity Scholarship Program Provides Greatly Reduced Prices on the Great Outdoors Greater Des Moines Recreational Activity Scholarship Program(GRASP) Formerly known as Experience Greater Des Moines, is your ticket to reduced costs for many Parks and Recreation programs, as well as other activities throughout the community. If your household meets the income guidelines you can get your 203 GRASP card today! Cardholders receive discounts on programs such as swim lessons, tennis lessons, shelter rentals, bike rentals, and more. Visit www.dmparks.org and click Recreation and Sports to find out how to get your GRASP card and start having more fun this summer.
youth FLaG FOOTBaLL Des Moines Parks and Recreation has opened registration for Co-ed Youth Flag Football, a program of NFL Play60. Children in grades -6 are welcome to participate, and will learn the basics of football in a fun, recreational atmosphere, endorsed by the NFL. Volunteer certified coaches will lead practices and games. The registration fee for the eight week football program is $50 per child or $500 per team, with a July 26th deadline. The entry fee includes an NFL replica team jersey, with all other game equipment provided. Mail your entries to Des Moines Parks and Recreation 3226 University, Des Moines, IA 503. Teams are divided into age groups: -2 grade, 3-4 grade and 5-6 grade. Team practices will take place once a week starting August 27th and games will be played Saturday mornings at the Hoover High School open lot. There will be a 6 game regular r season and 2 weeks of playoffs. Registration applications can be printed from our website www.dmparks.org or fill one out at our administration office. Checks should be made payable to Des Moines Parks and Recreation. The entry deadline is 5:00 pm, Friday, July 26, 203. For additional information, please contact Tim Smith at (55) 248-634 or tasmith@dmgov.org. Park and Trail Updates SheLTeR house at BiRDLaND PaRk The historic shelter house at Birdland Park will once again be open for your rental needs starting in mid-june. The shelter has been closed since 200 as part of the Birdland Levee construction process, which provided an opportunity to renovate and update the 930s-era facility with heating and air conditioning as well as a new roof, plumbing and electrical services. This renovation will keep or replicate many of the shelter s historical features, including the exposed wood beams, windows, doors and other architectural elements in keeping with the design on the original 937 building plans. The shelter house has capacity for indoor seating of up to 20 persons, with outdoor seating space also available. Two alcoves allow for additional casual interaction and seating areas. The shelter will be available for reservations starting in mid-june. Visit www.dmparks.org for rental information. New TRaiLS at ewing PaRk Thanks to a generous donation from Wellmark s 3-Point Play Program and countless volunteer hours by the Central Iowa Trail Association (CITA), there are new ways to enjoy the Des Moines park system. Ewing Park now has over two miles of soft surface nature trails. These trails are constructed of compacted dirt and are design to fit in with and be sensitive to the surrounding environment, providing for a more intimate experience with nature. These two miles of trail are the first phase of nearly eight miles of nature trails planned for the park. Additional funding from the Wellmark Foundation and support from CITA will allow for much of the system to be completed over the next two summers. Ideal for bicycling, walking, running, hiking and bird watching these trails are a great way to see the park system in a different way. These trails can be accessed from the parking lot in Ewing Park on the south side of McKinley Avenue. Additional soft surface nature trails are available in Greenwood, Ashworth, MacRae and Water Works Park and along the Des Moines River between Des Moines and Johnston. at evelyn k. DaviS PaRk MEtRo ARtS AllIAnCE - JAZZ In July EVEntS ARE GREAt local neighborhood happenings but MARk your CAlEnDAR FoR the first city wide celebration - Jazz in July on saturday, July 6th at evelyn K. davis ParK, 4th & FoRESt AVE. WE RE MAkInG the EntIRE CIty our neighborhood. bring the kids, bring the lawn chairs and bring the excitement for something different. Free children s activities start at :30 am with pony rides, an inflatable hot air balloon, wandering clowns twisting balloon creations and a giant chalk art mural wall for coloring. the musical entertainment begins at 2:30 pm with the Isiseretters, followed by local jazz band one night Stand. Daytime fireworks will decorate the skies between acts. the main headline is Celebrando, a brazilian jazz band from new york City. this band has received national recognition and will begin performing at 6:00 pm. Finish the evening with a family friendly movie that will be shown in the park. the movie will start at dusk immediately following Celebrando s exit from the stage. the king Irving neighborhood Association is partnering with Evelyn k. Davis Park to present this special day of activities, music and entertainment. Food and drink will be available to purchase during the music and movie times. Join all our friends and neighbors from around the city at this special Jazz in July event Saturday July 6th. Stay for the music, celebrate the fun. * this program is made possible by bill knapp s Davis Park Fund at the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation. Donations welcome.
ReNO MeMORiaL DOG Pa Rk Des Moines third dog park will open in late spring on the east side. Reno Memorial Dog Park will be located at 3533 E. Douglas Avenue, near Sargent Park. Permits are required to enter the park and current dog park permit holders will have access to this new 3.2 acre park. expanded Columbarium Offerings at Glendale The name Reno, was chosen in memory of the long-serving, decorated Des Moines police dog, K9 Reno, who died this last fall. Permits are available for purchase at the City Clerk s office for $20. Current dog license and rabies vaccination certification is required. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at one of our City Dog Parks, please e-mail parksvolunteer@dmgov.org. BRiDGe event Come celebrate National Park and Recreation month with us Saturday morning July 3 on Court Avenue bridge. Have fun playing games and winning prizes while learning more about the activities and programs Des Moines Parks and Recreation offers the community throughout the year. There is something for everyone to do at this celebration so stop by and play some tennis, ride a pony, see how fast you can pitch a baseball, or simply relax with Yoga at the Hub Spot. As is the case with clothing, music, food, and many other aspects of life, trends in the customs associated with the interment of loved ones remains have fluctuated greatly over the course of the past 50 years. More recently, cremation has become the trend in the U.S., with more than 40% of people now choosing that option. To address this need, in 2002 Des Moines Municipal Cemeteries began building above-ground structures, or niche-columbariums, that would provide an additional option for the interment of loved ones remains at its Glendale (4909 University) and Laurel Hill (360 East Court Avenue) Cemeteries. Now that the current Glendale facilities have been fully reserved, two additional structures have been built and opened this spring. The new granite-faced, Art- Deco style Lake View Columbarium overlooks the pond and contains 568 niche spaces, each accommodating up to two interments. This facility is the first in a long-range plan for the area that will include columbariums of varying styles and capacities. The recently-completed US Youth Soccer is proud to announce that Des Moines and the Iowa Soccer Association will be the hosts of the 203 US Youth Soccer Region II (Midwest) Championships as part of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, the country s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The games will take place at the James W. Cownie Soccer Park and Hidden Valley soccer complex June 22, 23, and 24, with a semi-final and championship matches held at the James W. Cownie Soccer Park on June 25 and 26. The championships are expected to draw more than 3,500 players and an estimated 2,000 spectators and teams fourth column in the existing columbarium garden north of the pond has added an additional 80 single and double niches and completed the plan for that area. As is the case with gravesites throughout the municipal cemeteries, Laurel Hill s and Glendale s cremains columbariums provide multiple location and price options to meet preferences of the public for existing and pre-planned future needs. The additional option of scattering of cremains at a monumentgarden site is available at Glendale and inground interment is an available option at most of the seven Des Moines Municipal Cemeteries. In contrast to the many acres of in-ground sites remaining, however, the options in the Glendale and Laurel Hill niche-columbariums will gradually deplete until more structures are eventually built due to need, so you are urged to consider purchasing this new option soon, at or in advance of your need, for the widest range of choices. Please call 55-248-6320 or stop in at the municipal cemeteries office at the Glendale location to discuss the full range of options available. youth Soccer Championships from 4 states. Regional winners will earn a berth to the 203 US Youth Soccer National Championships. Des Moines Parks and Recreation is proud to partner with US Youth Soccer to host this event. This series gives US Youth Soccer teams the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.
203 Pool season ThURSDay, JUNe 6 - SUNDay, august 8 northwest Family aquatic Center will open early for Memorial weekend (May 25, 26, 27) and the following weekend (June & 2). teachout Family aquatic Center will remain open august 9, 20, 2 and weekends through Labor Day weekend (august 24, 25, 3, September & 2). New POOL hours FOR 203 Monday - Saturday :00pm - 6:30pm Sunday :00pm - 5:00pm DaiLy admission 2 and under Free Ages 3-20 $2.00 Ages 2 and Over $4.00 /2 price daily admission after 5:00pm Monday - Thursday SeaSON PaSS Individual $45.00 2 person $80.00 3 person $0.00 4 person $40.00 Add $5 for each additional person after 4 purchase at the Parks and Recreation Administrative offices Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm. PUNCh CaRDS *New in 203* 5 punches youth-$7.50 adult-$7.50 20 punches youth-$30.00 adult-70.00 **Savings of 50 per admission. LaP SwiM Lap Swim is available at the following pools and times: ashworth & Birdland - 50 meters Monday - Saturday Noon - 6:30 p.m. Sunday Noon - 5:00 p.m. SwiMMiNG LeSSON PROGRaM Registration for swimming lessons will be available ONLINE beginning May 0 at 8:00am. Online registration and tips are available at www.dmparks.org Registration is first come first serve Make-up classes will not be given Successful completion of one class is necessary before moving to next class Eight 35-minute lessons Monday through Thursday for two weeks Fee: $30 BaBy/iNFaNT and Me (6 MONThS 4 years) Our goal is to assist you in helping your child become comfortable and oriented in the water. A parent must accompany each child. Children not toilet trained must wear swim diapers. Session June 7-27 Aquatic Centers 6:45pm Session 2 July 8-8 Aquatic Centers 6:45pm PReSChOOL SwiM (3-5 years) * New CLaSS in 203 * Bridges the gap between Baby/Infant and Me and Learn to Swim. Parent must accompany the child in the water at the beginning of the session and may gradually be eased out by the instructor. Child will learn introductory water safety skills. Children not toilet trained must wear swim diapers. Session June 7-27 Aquatic Centers 7:30pm Session 2 July 8-8 Aquatic Centers 7:30pm LeaRN TO SwiM LeveLS -5 New class times added in 203 Minimum age: 5 years Session June 7-27 All Pools 9:00am June 7-27 All Pools 9:45am June 7-27 All Pools 0:30am June 7-27 All Pools :5am June 7-27 All Pools Noon June 7-27 Aquatic Centers 6:45pm June 7-27 Aquatic Centers 7:30pm Session 2 July 8-8 All Pools 9:00am July 8-8 All Pools 9:45am July 8-8 All Pools 0:30am July 8-8 All Pools :5am July 8-8 All Pools Noon July 8-8 All Pools 6:45pm July 8-8 All Pools 7:30pm Session 3 July 22- August Aquatic Centers 9:00am July 22- August Aquatic Centers 9:45am July 22- August Aquatic Centers 0:30am July 22- August Aquatic Centers :5am July 22- August Aquatic Centers Noon adult SwiMMiNG LeSSONS Learn basic water safety skills and the ability to be comfortable in and around water. Instructor will work individually with each student to assist with their goals. Session 2 July 8-8 Ashworth/Birdland 7:30pm LiFeGUaRD TRaiNiNG Participants are trained in knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. Minimum age: 5 Must have the ability to swim 300 yards Blended Learning course; computer required for coursework outside scheduled class time. June 6-7, 0-3 8 a.m. - Noon June 0-3, 0-3 8 a.m. - Noon Birdland Swimming Pool Fee: $00 (includes books) minimum 6 people To register for the class call 237-339 or email jcburt@dmgov. org by May PRivaTe ReNTaLS Let us host your next birthday or pool party at one of our aquatic facilities. The $0 per hour cost includes admission for up to 50 people; add $ per person per hour for additional guests. Start planning your event now by calling Parks and Recreation at 55-237-386 (press ). Once the pools open for the season, contact the pool supervisor to reserve your date. DOGGie Dive This is an opportunity for dogs and their owners to celebrate the last day of the pool season. Dogs must be accompanied by their owners at all times. Ashworth, Birdland, Nahas and Northwest Sunday, August 8, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Teachout Monday, September 2, 4:00-6:30 p.m. Fee: $4.00/dog regular admission fees apply for dog owners and family members.
CITY OF Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri SaT Birding Basics at Four Mile and Pioneer Columbus Community Centers 2 3 4 Hoopin Downtown 5 6 7 8 9 0 National Bicycle Pedestrian Documentation Project Birding Basics Online Swim Lesson Registration Begins National Bicycle Pedestrian Documentation Project National Bicycle Pedestrian Documentation Project 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Mother s Day Lilac Festival Birding Basics Native Plant Sale Kids to Parks Day River Canoe Outing Neighborhood Flower Program Pick Up Outdoor Wiffleball Registration Ends Spring Perennial Divide Kite Flying Program Native Plant Sale Neighborhood Flower Program Pick Up Spring Perennial Divide 9 20 2 22 23 24 25 Canoe Solo Basics Birding Basics Splash Pads Open Spring Recreation at E.K. Davis Ends for Memorial Day Weekend River Canoe Outing 26 27 28 29 30 3 for Memorial Day Weekend for Memorial Day Weekend Safe Summer Kickoff at E.K.. Davis Park Kick Off f to a Sizzlin Summer at Pioneer Columbus Community Center
CITY OF Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri SaT The imagination Playground is hitting the road this summer! Check the published schedule as this innovative new addition to our park system will be on a rotating schedule each week visiting different areas of the city this summer including the central downtown library and wading pools. The Imagination Playground dates are listed red in the calendar pages for easy identification. 2 3 Wading Pools Open 4 Canoe Solo Basics 5 Bark in the Park How to Speak Dog Language Begins 6 All Pools Open Summer Recreation at E.K. Davis Begins 7 8 9 0 6 River Float E.K.. Davis 23 iearth Camp Moon Float Adult Tennis Lessons Level 30 E.K.. Davis 7 Community Garden Workday - Franklin iearth Camp Grades -2 (pm) 24 iearth Camp Grades -2 E.K.. Davis Adult Tennis Lessons Level 8 Community Garden Workday - Downtown iearth Camp Grades -2 (pm) Adult Tennis Lessons Level Swim Lessons Levels 25 iearth Camp Grades -2 Adult Tennis Lessons Level 2 Bark in the Park Canine Communications Ashby 9 iearth Camp Grades -2 (pm) Ashby 26 iearth Camp Grades -2 Ashby 3 Adult Tennis Lessons Level Dollar and Sense Day at Davis Park 20 iearth Camp Grades -2 (pm) 27 iearth Camp Grades -2 4 Columbus 2 iearth Camp Grades -2 (pm) Columbus 28 Family Swim Night - Ashworth iearth Camp Grades -2 5 Mud Run Star Viewing 22 iearth Camp 29 Family Swim Night - Nahas iearth Camp
CITY OF Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri SaT E.K.. Davis 2 Library Canoe Solo Basics 3 4 5 Columbus 6 Jazz in July Celebration at Davis Park 7 Japanese Tanabata Festival - Gray s Lake 8 Adult Fall Softball Registration Begins E.K.. Davis 9 Central Library Baby/Infant and Me Swim Lessons 2 Preschool Swim Lessons 0 Ashby Baby/Infant and Me Swim Lessons 2 Preschool Swim Lessons 2 Columbus 3 Park and Recreation Month Event 4 5 Community Garden Workday - Franklin 6 Community Garden Workday - Downtown 7 8 Baby/Infant and Me Swim Lessons 2 Preschool Swim Lessons 9 Family Swim Night - Northwest Columbus 20 Family Swim Night - Birdland 2 28 29 22 Moon Float Adult Flag Football Registration Begins E.K.. Davis 23 RAGBRAI in Des Moines 30 24 Ashby 3 25 26 27 Family Swim Night - Teachout
CITY OF Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri SaT STar Par rt TY The annual Perseids meteor shower has been visible for more than 2,000 years. Bring your blanket and watch, with your naked eye, more than 60 meteors per hour streak through the sky. The Perseids meteors are caused as Earth passes through the tail of the Swift-Tuttle comet. Dust particles hit the atmosphere burning brightly as they disintegrate. As more developments are on the rise and light pollution is destroying the night sky, grab your opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy something this spectacular at the 203 Star Party in Ewing Park Lilac Arboretum on Saturday, August 0. The action in the sky doesn t start until after sunset, but, join us earlier for activities in the park such as: Telescope instruction from the Des Moines Astronomical Society Constellation Program from the Science Center of Iowa A movie shown on our 25 inflatable screen (Starting at sunset) Face painting... and much more! 4 Clowns at the Carousel River Float Water Balance Dance Program at Gray s Lake 2 5 6 National Night Out 3 7 4 Summer Recreation at E.K. Davis Ends Swim Lessons Levels -5 Session 3 Aloha Day at Davis Park 8 5 2 9 Adult Fall Softball Registration Ends 6 Ends 3 0 STAR Party 7 8 9 20 2 22 23 24 Doggie Dive Ashworth, Birdland, Nahas, and Northwest Pools Close for the Season Community Garden Workday - Franklin Community Garden Workday - Downtown Moon Float River Run Garbage Grab Adult Flag Football Registration Ends 25 26 27 28 29 30 3 Fall Recreation Begins at E.K.. Davis Park