West Des Moines unveils $32 million dream parks system
West Des Moines has unveiled an ambitious parks plan that would link the city's waterways with a marathon-distance trail loop and add features such as a zip line course, outdoor ice rink, tiny house campground and amphitheater.
The Five Waters Recreation Area — named for the five bodies of water connected by the trail — could cost $32 million and take up to 10 years to complete.
"I think we can make a big difference and really have an impact on the quality of life in West Des Moines," said Joe Hrdlicka, chairman of the city's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Blue Heron Lake, located inside the 631-acre Raccoon River Park, makes up the eastern-most point on the proposed $15 million trail. Building off the city's existing trail network, the 26.2-mile loop would connect the Raccoon River, Jordan Creek, Sugar Creek and a future lake west of Interstate Highway 35 that will be created once an existing quarry there closes.
Additional plans for Raccoon River Park include a $2 million boathouse that would rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boards, and a $4 million pedestrian bridge connecting the city park to the 260-acre Walnut Woods State Park south of the Raccoon River.
"We already have wonderful parks facilities, but I think if we can complete the projects that we've been considering, it would offer more of a destination" for West Des Moines and the region, Hrdlicka said.
West Des Moines is second only to Des Moines in the metro for total acres dedicated to parks. But it ranks fifth among local cities for parkland per capita, a Des Moines Register analysis found.
The parks board presented its ideas last month to city leaders who gave the green light to begin a formal planning process. West Des Moines has budgeted $250,000 next year to hire a consultant to refine the projects and determine costs, Parks Director Sally Ortgies said.
The next step is figuring out how to pay for the projects. West Des Moines hopes to find a mix of public and private dollars.
The western suburb is one of several Iowa cities asking the Legislature to change state law and give individual cities the authority to enact a penny sales tax. But if that doesn't happen, West Des Moines could ask voters to approve a bond referendum to cover some of the costs.
"I think quality of life plays a huge role in economic development and where people want to live and raise their family and work," West Des Moines Councilman Russ Trimble said. "And to stay competitive, I think we need to take our game to the next level."
The city's park financing has lagged over the past decade.
West Des Moines spent $16.5 million on parks improvements from fiscal years 2005 through 2017. The previous 12 years the city spent $36.3 million. It ranked fifth among metro cities on parks spending per resident last year at $43.94.
Trimble said he's hopeful the plan can be accomplished without raising property taxes. The city hopes to find grant money and solicit donations from corporations and private residents, he said.
"I'm so excited about every single one of these things," he said.
Raccoon River Park boathouse
Cost estimate: $2 million
The boathouse would be built along Blue Heron Lake and rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and stand-up paddle boards for use on the lake and nearby Raccoon River. There are plans for a hub down river where boats and kayaks could be dropped off. The hub would have bikes for rent or a shuttle service to get people back to the parking lot.
The plan calls for additional restrooms, parking and room for concessions or food trucks. It would be located on the north side of the lake.
Pedestrian bridge over the Raccoon River
Cost estimate: $4 million
A pedestrian bridge south of Blue Heron Lake over the Raccoon River would provide Raccoon River Park users access to the Great Western Trail. Parks officials envision a structure similar to the popular bridge at Gray's Lake in Des Moines.
It would give pedestrians access to Raccoon River Park for people living south of the river. Those coming from the north would be able to reach Brown's Woods, Walnut Woods State Park and the Hidden Valley Soccer Complex, 1875 Walnut Woods Drive.
Ice rink at Valley View Park
Cost estimate: $5 million
The plan for Valley View Park includes an outdoor ice rink that would be similar to Des Moines' Brenton Skating Plaza. The regulation hockey-size rink would be open from November to March and include an indoor warming house for use year-round.
Single-track trails at Southwoods Park
Cost estimate: $100,000
Single-track trails are off-road paths popular with mountain bikers and hikers. West Des Moines wants to groom several hundred feet of off-road trails in the park just west of City Hall. The project could be completed with help from the Central Iowa Trail Association, which is building 6,500 feet of trail at Des Moines' Ewing Park.
Adventure park, campground in Raccoon River greenway
Cost estimate: $4 million
A future park in the Raccoon River greenway north of the Dale Maffitt Reservoir could be home to an "adventure park" with a zip line course or a tree canopy walk. There are plans for a campground that could have tiny homes for rent.
The city will build on the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's Water Trails plan for recreation on the Raccoon River, with a focus on water quality. A large lake will be open for public use once quarrying operations are complete.
City Campus amphitheater
Cost estimate: $2 million
West Des Moines solicited a plan for an amphitheater at its City Campus — home to City Hall, the library and the school district's offices — last year. The concert venue would be available for public performances or private events. It would be located on the southeast side of the pond with permanent bench seats, lawn space and room for food trucks.
New recreation facility
Cost estimate: $3 million to $50 million
West Des Moines is weighing options for a recreation facility. It could be as basic as an indoor/outdoor field with an inflatable dome or a full recreation center with gym space. Costs range from $3 million for the dome to $50 million for the gym. West Des Moines will make decisions on the scope and location at a later date, depending on potential private partnerships.