PRESS RELEASE

DES MOINES, IOWA — Tuesday, October 5, 2021 — The City of Des Moines invites the public to attend a series of community meetings designed to gather input as we embark upon the first phase of planning for the new North Side Community Recreation Center.

This initial phase establishes a set of project requirements and conceptual design options for the new North Side Community Recreation Center facility and to develop a comprehensive vision for the site, including the adjacent Brian Melton Field. Results of this inclusive and comprehensive planning process will articulate an exciting, vibrant plan that maximizes the project’s potential to serve community groups through a wide range of recreation programs, shared facilities, and community services. The City of Des Moines has committed $12 million over four years to this project, and additional funds may be added through fundraising efforts.

Community engagement and equity are fundamental priorities for the project. We need your help to ensure the inclusion of a broad range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas as we work with our consultant team to explore opportunities, identify priorities, and reach consensus regarding key and priority considerations for the future facility. Please join us for one or more of the following community meetings:

Community Meeting #1 – VISION
Thursday, Oct. 14 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Forest Avenue Library - 1326 Forest Ave.
Format: Formal presentation with small group breakout sessions
Topics: Project introduction and gathering community input

Community Meeting #2 – OPTIONS
Thursday, Nov. 4 5:30 – 7 p.m.
John R. Grubb Community YMCA -  1611 11th St.
Topics: Project update, findings from previous meetings, feedback on options
Format: Formal presentation with multiple small group activities

Community Meeting #3 – CONCEPTS
Thursday, Nov. 18 5:30 – 7 p.m.
John R. Grubb Community YMCA -  1611 11th St.
Topic: Present preliminary concepts, discuss
Format: Formal presentation and discussion of concepts

 Additional public events are tentatively planned for early 2022. All presentations will be recorded and made available via the project website at dmparks.org. Check this page often, as we will update it as the project progresses.  

Please direct questions or requests for additional information to the Parks and Recreation Department at (515)237-1386 or parks@dmgov.org.

About Des Moines Parks and Recreation
Founded in 1892, the Parks and Recreation Department’s mission is “Helping Des Moines Live Well, Play Hard and Protect the Earth.”  Our department manages 75 parks, over 4,000 acres of parkland, 81 miles of trails, seven cemeteries, Brenton Skating Plaza and numerous recreation facilities.  In addition, we offer numerous programs in the areas of sports, urban conservation, environmental education, sports instruction, volunteerism, rentals and special events.  For more information on Des Moines Parks and Recreation programs or facilities, visit our website (dmparks.org), Facebook (facebook.com/desmoinesparks), Twitter (@desmoinesparks) or Instagram (instagram.com/desmoinesparks).