PARKS AND RECREATION - City of Des Moines - · PDF fileCity of Des Moines Parks and Recreation...

PARKS AND RECREATION

City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation

Report to the Community 2012

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CONTENTSLetter from the Director ...........................................................................................................................................3

Finance......................................................................................................................................................................4

Facility Overview ......................................................................................................................................................9

Live Well...................................................................................................................................................................12

Play Hard .................................................................................................................................................................13

Protect the Earth ....................................................................................................................................................15

MAYOR & COUNCILT. M. Franklin Cownie ...................................... Mayor

Halley Griess ..................................................... Ward I

Robert L. (Bob) Mahaffey .............................. Ward II

Christine Hensley ............................................Ward III

Brian Meyer ....................................................Ward IV

Christopher Coleman ..................................At Large

Skip Moore ....................................................At Large

Richard A. Clark ................................. City Manager

PARK & RECREATION BOARDAn appointed Park and Recreation board meets monthly. This 15-member panel advises City Council and oversees planning and administration of city parks, cemeteries, recreation centers, aquatic centers, and various programs.

Joseph M. Galloway ...................................President

Cyndi S. Chen ................................... Board Member

Loyd W. Ogle .................................... Board Member

Jon D. Cahill ...................................... Board Member

Richard Thornton .............................. Board Member

Paula J. Feltner ................................. Board Member

Marian R. Gelb ................................. Board Member

Susan M. Koenig-VandeHaar ......... Board Member

Victoria Facto ................................... Board Member

Suzette G. Jensen ............................ Board Member

Danny Passick ................................... Board Member

Susan R. Noland ............................... Board Member

Vincent J. Scavo .............................. Board Member

Carol George ................................... Board Member

Joe Jongewaard ............................. Board Member

CONTACT USPark and Recreation Administration Office3226 University AvenueDes Moines, IA 50311(515) [email protected]/desmoinesparksTwitter.com/desmoinesparksWeather Hotline: (515) 256-2434

Text Messaging NotificationText any of the following keywords to “84483” to sign up for updates on the following:

DSMEvents, DSMPools, DSMSports, DSMTrails

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LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

I am pleased to provide the citizens of Des Moines with the Park and Recreation Department 2012 Report to the Community. Late in 2011, our department adopted a new mission statement: “Helping Des Moines Live Well, Play Hard and Protect the Earth.” The three main pillars of this mission help guide our decisions regarding projects, programs and policies.

Last year was dynamic and challenging, but our Park and Recreation staff continues to be proud to serve the community in such a large and varied capacity. During these challenging economic times, our numbers show that more and more people value and utilize the offerings we provide. I am proud to lead a department that plays such a pivotal role in improving our citizens’ health and wellness, as well as the quality of the environment.

Our staff of 86 full-time and over 200 seasonal staff serve Des Moines residents through the management of approximately 3,800 acres of parks and open space land, 76 parks, 42 miles of paved trails, 7 cemeteries, multiple ornamental collections, streetscapes, and municipal buildings. These amenities would not be possible without the great support of our appointed Park and Recreation Board, Mayor, City Council and the City Manager’s office.

In a time of reduced tax support, we are fortunate to have forged strong community partnerships. The non-profit Friends of Des Moines Parks continue to provide financial assistance from alternative revenue sources. Without their continued support, passion and advocacy our services would be significantly decreased.

I am proud of the accomplishments that occurred in 2012. While our team will never rest on its laurels, I did want to take this opportunity to call out a few of the awards our department received in 2012.

• Bike and Trail Master Plan was chosen as the 2012 Iowa Chapter of the American Planning Association Transportation Planning Category Award Winner

• Bright Grandview Golf Course Clubhouse received a Merit Award from American Institute of Architects Iowa Chapter for Excellence in Design

• USTA/MV Iowa District selected Birdland Tennis Complex as its Iowa Facility of the Year

Looking ahead, we want to connect our mission to the value of parks and recreation services. Parks provide environmental, aesthetic, recreation and economic benefits to cities. They enhance property values, increase municipal revenue, bring in homebuyers and workers, and attract retirees.

On behalf of the entire department, I would like to thank everyone who used a park, trail, pool, tennis court, community garden, wading pool or other amenity in our park system. We appreciate the chance to serve the community in 2012 and look forward to 2013.

Respectfully submitted,

Benjamin R. Page Director of Park and RecreationCity of Des Moines

City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation - Report to the Community 2012

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BUDGETS 101 The Code of Iowa requires the adoption of the annual budget on or before March 15th of each year. The adopted budget provides appropriations, or the authority to spend, for all program operations for the fiscal year beginning on July 1st and ending the following June 30th. The City Council typically adopts the budget at the end of February each year.

The total fiscal year 2013-2014 adopted budget of $535 million can be better understood as a $453 million operating budget and $82 million capital budget.

The operating budget provides for the day to day operations of all city departments. The city uses six different fund types within the operating budget to allow for segregation of resources to be used for specific actions. The general fund is the primary operating fund of the city because it provides for delivery of “essential” or “core” services: police and fire protection, parks and library operations, building and housing inspection, recreation programs, planning, code enforcement, human rights advancement efforts, and the general administration functions of legal, finance, human resources, and city management. Another core service, street maintenance, is funded by Road Use Tax fund revenues which are accounted for in the special revenue funds. Similar to other municipalities in Iowa, Des Moines relies on property taxes as the primary source of funds for the general fund.

The capital budget is the first year of the six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and includes both tax supported and enterprise fund projects. The capital budget includes funding for major construction or acquisition projects financed in whole or part through the issuance of bonds, federal and state funds, contributions and user fees.

Preview

OPERATING BUDGETThe Park and Recreation Department has a fiscal year 2013-2014 annual operating budget of $15.7 million. The general fund provides for approximately 96 percent of the operating budget for the department. Much like the city, the Park and Recreation department is reliant on property tax revenues as the primary source of funding;

Finance

The three major categories for revenue collected are users of money and property, charges for services/user fees, and other. Use of money and property includes revenues from parking fees at Cownie Soccer; concession operations; park facility, and shelter rentals; equipment rental; lease payments; and payment on contract from golf course operator. Charges for services/user

however, the department generates $4.7 million in revenues annually. The majority of these revenues are from user and participation fees. The charts below show the actual source and use of funds for the fiscal year 2012 operating budget.

The three major categories for revenue collected are user of money and property, charges for services/user fees, and other. Use of money and property includes revenues from parking fees at Cownie Soccer; concession operations; park, facility, and shelter rentals; equipment rental; lease payments; and payment on contract from golf course operator. Charges for services/user fees includes revenue from participation and program fees; daily admissions; cemetery space sales and burial charges; and charges to the capital improvement budget for staff time. Other revenue includes reimbursement of expenses from other entities; donations and contributions; and charges to city enterprise funds for maintenance of buildings and janitorial services. The three major categories for expenditures are employee expenses, supplies and services, and capital outlay. Supplies and services are payments to internal and external vendors for goods and services provided. Capital outlay is the budget for items that are outside the normal operations of the department but are not considered a major construction or acquisition project or item. Recent examples of purchased capital outlay items include chairs for the pools, exercise equipment for the community centers, and large tools for maintenance staff. CAPITAL BUDGET The Park and Recreation Department has a fiscal year 2014 capital budget of $15.5 million. The six-year capital improvement program for the department is $54 million. In addition to park improvements, the Park and Recreation Department is responsible for the care and maintenance of Municipal Buildings.

Charges for Services/User Fees

64%

Other16%

Use of Money and

Property20%

Source of Funds

Employee Expenses

64%

Supplies & Services

34%

CapitalOutlay

1%Debt Service

<1%Transfers

1%

Use of FundsSOURCE OF OPERATING FUNDS (2012 Actual)

USE OF OPERATING FUNDS (2012 Actual)

The three major categories for revenue collected are user of money and property, charges for services/user fees, and other. Use of money and property includes revenues from parking fees at Cownie Soccer; concession operations; park, facility, and shelter rentals; equipment rental; lease payments; and payment on contract from golf course operator. Charges for services/user fees includes revenue from participation and program fees; daily admissions; cemetery space sales and burial charges; and charges to the capital improvement budget for staff time. Other revenue includes reimbursement of expenses from other entities; donations and contributions; and charges to city enterprise funds for maintenance of buildings and janitorial services. The three major categories for expenditures are employee expenses, supplies and services, and capital outlay. Supplies and services are payments to internal and external vendors for goods and services provided. Capital outlay is the budget for items that are outside the normal operations of the department but are not considered a major construction or acquisition project or item. Recent examples of purchased capital outlay items include chairs for the pools, exercise equipment for the community centers, and large tools for maintenance staff. CAPITAL BUDGET The Park and Recreation Department has a fiscal year 2014 capital budget of $15.5 million. The six-year capital improvement program for the department is $54 million. In addition to park improvements, the Park and Recreation Department is responsible for the care and maintenance of Municipal Buildings.

Charges for Services/User Fees

64%

Other16%

Use of Money and

Property20%

Source of Funds

Employee Expenses

64%

Supplies & Services

34%

CapitalOutlay

1%Debt Service

<1%Transfers

1%

Use of Funds


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SOURCE OF CAPITAL FUNDS (2012 Actual)

Capital improvement projects are typically those with significant expenditures or a long life and are non-recurring for the purchase, construction, or replacement of physical assets. Many projects are funded through the issuance of debt, because of the size of the expenditure, which is usually repaid over a 20 year period. The charts below show the actual source and use of funds for the fiscal year 2012 capital budget.

General obligation, or GO, bonds are tax-supported bonds paid by a separate levy on all taxable property within the city. Tax increment financing, or TIF, bonds are paid with TIF revenues. In a TIF district, the property tax base is frozen and all future increases in tax revenues go into a special fund that can be spent only on capital projects within that area. The largest project in the fiscal year 2014 capital budget is the municipal service center. The project provides for planning, design, and development of a municipal service center that will allow for operational efficiencies and contribute to economic development along the SE 14th Street corridor. Parks, trails, and cemeteries projects allow for repairs and improvements to the City’s six cemeteries, trail systems, parks, and parks shelters and restrooms. Municipal buildings include ADA modifications; energy conservation; HVAC, electrical, and plumbing improvements; reroofing; and other improvements for the Armory, City Hall, Equipment Service Center, Police Station and Public Works Administration Building.

Federal2%

GOBonds54%

TIFBonds16%

Private4%

State11%

Economic Development

Funds1%

Federal Stimulus

12%

GeneralFund<1%

Source of Funds

Aquatic Facilities

1%BlankParkZoo15%

Bright-Grandview Golf Course

11%Community

Centers1%

Municipal Buildings

19%

Municipal Service Center

14%

Parks, Trails, Cemeteries

24%

Principal Park1%

Principal Riverwalk

14%

Sports Complexes

<1%

Use of Funds

USE OF CAPITAL FUNDS (2012 Actual)


General obligation, or GO, bonds are tax-supported bonds paid by a separate levy on all taxable property within the city. Tax increment financing, or TIF, bonds are paid with TIF revenues. In a TIF district, the property tax base is frozen and all future increases in tax revenues go into a special fund that can be spent only on capital projects within that area. The largest project in the fiscal year 2014 capital budget is the municipal service center. The project provides for planning, design, and development of a municipal service center that will allow for operational efficiencies and contribute to economic development along the SE 14th Street corridor. Parks, trails, and cemeteries projects allow for repairs and improvements to the City’s six cemeteries, trail systems, parks, and parks shelters and restrooms. Municipal buildings include ADA modifications; energy conservation; HVAC, electrical, and plumbing improvements; reroofing; and other improvements for the Armory, City Hall, Equipment Service Center, Police Station and Public Works Administration Building.

Federal2%

GOBonds54%

TIFBonds16%

Private4%

State11%

Economic Development

Funds1%

Federal Stimulus

12%

GeneralFund<1%

Source of Funds

Aquatic Facilities

1%BlankParkZoo15%

Bright-Grandview Golf Course

11%Community

Centers1%

Municipal Buildings

19%

Municipal Service Center

14%

Parks, Trails, Cemeteries

24%

Principal Park1%

Principal Riverwalk

14%

Sports Complexes

<1%

Use of Funds

fees includes revenue from participation and program fees; daily admissions; cemetery space sales and burial charges; and charges to the capital improvement budget for staff time. Other revenue includes reimbursement of expenses from other entities; donations and contributions; and charges to city enterprise funds for maintenance of buildings and janitorial services.

The three major categories for expenditures are employee expenses, supplies and services, and capital outlay. Supplies and services are payments to internal and external vendors for goods and services provided. Capital outlay is the budget for items that are outside the normal operations of the department but are not considered a major construction or acquisition project or item. Recent examples of purchased capital outlay items include chairs for the pools, exercise equipment for the community centers, and large tools for maintenance staff.

CAPITAL BUDGETThe Park and Recreation Department has a fiscal year 2013-2014 capital budget of $15.5 million. The six-year capital improvement program for the department is $54 million. In addition to park improvements, the Park and Recreation Depart-ment is responsible for the care and maintenance of Municipal Buildings.


General obligation, or GO, bonds are tax-supported bonds paid by a separate levy on all taxable property within the city. Tax increment financing, or TIF, bonds are paid with TIF revenues. In a TIF district, the property tax base is frozen and all future increases in tax revenues go into a special fund that can be spent only on capital projects within that area.

The largest project in the fiscal year 2014 capital budget is the municipal service center. The project provides for planning, design, and development

of a municipal service center that will allow for operational efficiencies and contribute to economic development along the SE 14th Street corridor. Parks, trails, and cemeteries projects allow for repairs and improvements to the City’s seven cemeteries, trail systems, parks, and parks shelters and restrooms. Municipal buildings include ADA modifications; energy conservation; HVAC, electrical, and plumbing improvements; reroofing; and other improvements for the Armory, City Hall, Equipment Service Center, Police Station and Public Works Administration Building.

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MAJOR COMPLETED PROJECTS Gray’s Lake Shoreline - 2,000 linear feet of shoreline restored at the east end of Gray’s Lake. Native plants and access points to lake were part of the project.

Ewing Park Nature Trail - Two miles of nature trail constructed by the Central Iowa Trail Association (CITA), funded by a grant from the Wellmark Foundation. Project included hundreds of volunteer hours and individuals. Project also included removal of honeysuckle from the trail corridor.

Annual Tree Planting - A total of 374 trees at different sites including parks, sport complexes, cemeteries, golf courses, and trails.

Tennis Court Resurfacing

• Resurfacing the tennis courts at Harmon Park and at the Birdland Tennis Complex

• Birdland re-designed to include 5- 60’ Quick Start courts, 5-36’ Quick Start courts, and 2-Pickleball courts

Playground Improvements

• New playgrounds at both the Softball Complex and Cownie Soccer Park

• New swings at Edna Griffin Park

Riverwalk Dog Park - A new four acre dog park located along the Des Moines River at 1111 Illinois Street.

Blank Park Zoo Entrance

• A new main entrance for the Zoo off of SW9th to accommodate the increased number of visitors and improve safety.

• Includes a new shelter with restrooms and a new playground.

Parks ADA ImprovementsThe purpose of an American with Disability Act (ADA) Transition Plan is to comply with the requirements of Title II of the ADA and US Department of Justice (DOJ) rules and regulations. This updated plan is the latest effort to ensure that the City is making progress in addressing ADA accessibility issues and remove physical barriers identified. Many of the City buildings have architectural features such as entrance walks, restrooms, and handrails that do not meet ADA requirements. Funding for these improvements to City buildings to bring them up to the standards was estimated to cost over $6.2 million. City staff is working through the ADA deficiencies identified by the DOJ and making progress with completion of the Transition Plan.

ADA projects in 2012 included various improve-ments to parking and walks required to provide ADA accessibility at the Softball Complex, Birdland Park, Brook Run Park, Teachout Aquatic Center, Waveland Tennis Complex, Greenwood Park, Ewing Park, Prospect Park, Union Park, and Gray’s Lake.

New Trails Completed

• 42nd to Bradway Trail

• Gray’s Lake Neighborhood Connecting Trail (aka Southside Neighborhood Connector or maybe Southtown Trail, official naming TBD)

• 63rd Street Trail connection with West Des Moines

• Brook Run Park Trail connection

• Indianola Avenue Trail underpass

• Principal Riverwalk

Columbus Park Splash Pad - 4 spray features including a schooner ship with drainage channel and ground water recharge basin.

Blank Park Zoo Woodland Cemetery

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Union Park

McHenry Park Splash Pad - 9 spray features including precast frog and turtle on rubber fall surface with drainage channel and ground water recharge basins.

Woodland Cemetery Entrance Arch - Black iron overhead entrance arch at Woodland Cemetery.

Bates Park Wading Pool Storage Unit - Storage unit installed for wading pool equipment.

Union Park Rocket Slide - Complete repainting of the rocket slide.

Woodlawn Park East Entrance Walk - Concrete and mulch pedestrian path connecting the neighborhood to the east side of the park.

Historical Signage - Park historical signs in Sargent, Evelyn K. Davis, and McHenry Parks.

Glendale Cemetery Lakeview Columbarium - Art Deco style, 568 niche columbarium plaza adjacent to the Grand Army of the Republic section in Glendale Cemetery.

Glendale Cemetery Block K Columbarium Tower - Columbarium tower completing the plaza in Block K Glendale Cemetery.

Cheatom Park Basketball Court - Rebuilt a basketball court including precast goals with plexiglass backboards in association with Sprite Sparks Parks Project.

Columbus Park Bocce Ball Courts - Two 60’ courts with side boards and concrete walks.

Bright Grandview Golf Course - Constructed a new clubhouse and parking lot.

Columbus Park - Rebuilding Together event held that included the installation of two shade structures, new sign, walkways, and landscaping.

Projects completed with donations or grants/ Grants received.

Name of Project Source of Funding

Amount of Funding Notes

Woodland Memorial ArchGerald LaBlanc

$65,000New 21’ high Victorian arch spanning 27’ across Woodlands historical granite entry columns.

Ewing Park Mountain Bike Trails

Wellmark Foundation

$10,100

Constructed two miles of trail in Ewing Park starting at the south parking lot off of McKinley. Trails were constructed by volunteers from the Central Iowa Trail Association (CITA).

Greenwood Park Invasive Species Removal

Friends of Des Moines Parks

$5,000Woodland restoration around Greenwood Pond through removal of invasive species.

Cheatom Basketball CourtSprite Spark

Park$20,000 New basketball court and baskets.

Gray’s Lake ShorelineIowa DNR

REAP $250,000

Restoration of 2,000 linear feet of shoreline at Gray’s Lake Park. Includes lake access points, native plantings and storm water infiltration basins.

MAJOR PROJECTS COMPLETED WITH SUPPORT FROM DONORS & GRANTS

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WHAT CAN YOU GET FOR $73 DOLLARS?A home in Des Moines with $100,000 assessed value pays $73 towards Park and Recreation. For $73 a year, residents have access to these Parks and Recreation & Municipal Facilities:

76 Parks

68 Programs and Events

10 Individual trails on The John Pat Dorrian Multi-Use Trail System (Bill Riley, Inter-Urban, Neal Smith, John Pat Dorrian, Gay Lea Wilson, David and Elizabeth Kruidenier, Meredith, Walnut Creek, Waveland, Trestle-to-Trestle)

5 Aquatic Centers and Municipal Pools (Ashworth, Birdland, Nahas, Teachout Northwest)

12 Wading pools and Four Splash Pads

1 Birdland Marina

7 Municipal Cemeteries (Glendale, Woodland, St. Ambrose, Sims, Oak Grove, Laurel Hill, Elm Grove)

1 James W. Cownie Soccer & Baseball Parks

2 Softball Complexes (Greater Des Moines Softball Park, Savage)

1 City Hall, Argonne Armory, Des Moines Police Station

9 Enclosed and 31 open air shelters available for reservation

2 Dog Parks

2 CommunityCenters (Four Mile, Pioneer)

1 Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater

1 Sylvan Amplitheater

2 Tennis Complexes (Waveland, Birdland)

1 Ewing Lilac Arboretum

1 Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden

3 Disc Golf Courses (Grandview, Ewing, Pete Crivaro)

1 Nollen Plaza

6 Streetscapes (East Locust, Martin Luther King, Kingman, Polk, Urbandale, Ingersoll)

1 Gray’s Lake with swimming beach

1 Western Gateway Park

1 John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park

1 Principal Riverwalk

1 Long Look Civic Garden

1 Four Mile Skateboard Park

Managed by Contract/Lease:

1 Blank Park Zoo

1 Brenton Skating Plaza

1 Des Moines Botanical Garden

3 Municipal Golf Courses (Bright Grandview, Waveland, Blank)

1 Principal Park


Ewing Park

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PARKSThe Park and Recreation department is responsible for the management of 76 parks across Des Moines. Besides the special features found in some of the signature parks (Ewing, Union, Greenwood, Gray’s Lake and Pappajohn Sculpture Park) patrons can enjoy a variety of amenities such as, basketball courts, BMX track, boat and bicycle rentals, disc golf, enclosed and open-air shelters, equipment rental and concessions, horseshoe, ice skating, nature trails, picnic areas with tables and grills, playgrounds, ponds and fishing, sledding hills, soap box derby track, soccer fields, softball fields, tennis courts, volleyball courts, wading pools, skateboarding, dog parks and more.

Gray’s Lake Park is the city’s best-known and most-visited recreation area. The park has unique qualities and features that prove to be popular regardless of the time of day or season of the year. The iconic 1,400-foot-long Kruidenier Trail Pedestrian Bridge over the lake is the park’s most distinguishing feature. Even more dramatic at night, the bridge comes to life as a rainbow of colors lights up its16-foot-wide pathway and reflects off the dichroic glass panel railings. The 1.9-mile walk around Gray’s Lake is known as “doing the loop;” for some residents it is a daily ritual that even prairie grass burns, trail repairs and flooding won’t interrupt.

COMMUNITY CENTERSDes Moines has two multi-use community centers, located on opposite sides of the city to better serve residents.

Pioneer Columbus Community Center – just minutes from downtown – doubles as an application site for low-income Community Services’ Community Action Programs.

Robert L. Scott Four Mile Community Center – Serving the east-side, Four Mile Community Center has an active weight room, a strong aerobics program, a well-attended senior walking club and is the hub of our youth basketball program.

Both community centers provide congregate meal sites for seniors ages 60 and over, warming and/or cooling centers during inclement weather, and also host a number of Camp Fire, AA, and neighborhood meetings throughout the year. These facilities also host numerous youth and adult league sports throughout the year.

AQUATICSThere are five pools and aquatic centers available for residents from May until September:

• Ashworth Memorial Swimming Pool

• Birdland Swimming Pool

• Nahas Family Aquatic Center

• Northwest Family Aquatic Center

• Teachout Family Aquatic Center

Season Swim Passes are available for individuals and families. During the month of April, purchase a swim pass and save from $5 to $20. Private party rentals are an option at all our aquatic facilities, making them a unique option for your next birthday party or special event.

Doggie Dives are held the last day of the pool season and are a great opportunity for dogs and their owners to celebrate the last day of the pool season.

Facility Overview

Gray’s Lake Four Mile Park

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WADING POOLSThere are currently 12 traditional wading pools, four splash pads and five water features operating in parks across Des Moines, free of charge. Our wading pool season extends from the first full week in June through mid-August of each year. The days and hours of operation vary by facility. The wading pools are dispersed throughout the city and offer supervised water play specifically aimed at children ages 10 and under. It is a great opportunity for children to meet other children, have fun, and build water confidence. Parental supervision is required.

CEMETERIESThe City’s seven municipal cemeteries encompass a total of 353 rolling and wooded acres. Five of the cemeteries - Simms, Woodland, St. Ambrose, Elm Grove and Oak Grove - were established in the mid-1800s; the two “newer” cemeteries - Glendale and Laurel Hill – were established soon after 1900. Among the 165,000 people interred in the venerated grounds are pioneer settlers and Des Moines’ forefathers, veterans of all wars between the Civil War and the contemporary Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, a United States Vice President and several Iowa Governors, notorious gangsters, orphans and the indigent, and people of all faiths.

During the City’s 2012 fiscal year, more that 600 burials took place in these cemeteries’ grounds, above-ground cremains niches, the Glendale Abby and cremains scattering area. In 2012, two

new niche structures were built, adding capacity for more than 1,200 cremains interments. Cemetery operations currently account for nearly 24% of the Park and Recreation Department’s revenue and over 9% of its expenditures.

TRAILSWe invite you to experience all that this extensive trail system has to offer. You’ll find it to be your way of connecting with places, nature, friends, and culture. With connections to over 550 miles of existing central Iowa trails (42 within Des Moines) and many more planned, you can run, walk, in-line skate, or bicycle. Whether you are out for an afternoon of exercise, commuting to work, or enjoying the scenery on a family outing, the trails are yours to enjoy and protect.

SPORTS COMPLEXESJames W. Cownie Soccer Park

Cownie Soccer park is the home field for Grandview College, AIB College, Drake University and local high schools including: Roosevelt, Lincoln, East, Carlisle and Des Moines Christian. This renowned facility hosts many of the states most prestigous soccer events including the boys and girls high school state soccer tournaments, Menace Midwest Invitational, Just For Girls Spring Tournament and more. In addition the complex hosts US Youth Soccer national tournaments including Region II championships and The Presidents Cup Tournament.

“I had to let you know how helpful your team has been to me as I try to process forms for the Veterans Administration. My father died December 20, 2012, and is buried at Glendale. He was a vet and I am jumping through hoops to arrange benefits for my elderly mother. Your staff member went above and beyond and quickly found the information needed for this paperwork. They were not only helpful, but pleasant. Living in Philadelphia, living with bureaucracy is a given. It was so nice to be reminded of my roots in Iowa where people are efficient and nice! Many thanks for their help in making a difficult time a little easier.”

- Lucia Herndon Horning Philadelphia, PA

Teachout Aquatic Center Doggie Dive Union Park

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Cownie amenities include 12 irrigated turf fields, four of which are lit and have scoreboards. Field nine at the complex is considered championship level and consists of 2,000 seat bleachers, a press box and a video platform. The facility also has a 1,200 vehicle parking lot system, concession stand, playground and maintenance facility.

James W. Cownie Baseball Park

This park is one of the top baseball facilities in the area and hosts many local and national United States Specialty Sports Association tournaments. In 2012, over 850 tournament games were held at Cownie. Each summer, this site also hosts South Des Moines Little League games with over 500 youth playing nearly 300 games.

The complex consists of eight new turf irrigated youth fields, two of which are lit. All fields have scoreboards and covered bleacher seating. Other complex amenities include a playground, batting cages, concession stand, new maintenance building and parking lots to accommodate up to 250 vehicles.

Greater Des Moines Softball Complex

This complex is the premier facility in the area for adult softball play. Each year this site hosts district and state Amatuer Softball Association tournaments. In past years national tournaments such as the North American Fastpitch Association, World Championships and the Senior Slow Pitch World Series have been held at the facility. In addition, Des Moines Park and Recreation’s adult softball leagues, consisting of nearly 400 teams, schedules nearly 2,500 league games yearly at this location.

The complex has four prescription turf, irrigated fields, all of which are lit. All fields have scoreboards and bleacher seating. Other complex amenities include: a new playground, concession stand, maintenance facility and parking lot to accommodate up to 200 vehicles.


Union Park

Woodland Cemetery Trails James W. Cownie Soccer Park

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COMMUNITY CENTERS Our two community centers served 168,641 users as a neighborhood hub for people of all ages. They provide a place to learn, play, socialize, collaborate and belong.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMVolunteers supplement Parks and Recreation staff by providing a valuable extension of our limited resources. They bring creativity and vitality to our organization while meeting new friends, earning new skills and even building résumés.

In 2012, over 2,300 volunteers donated around 13,627 hours of service (valued at over $296,932). They completed volunteer projects removing over 25,000 pounds of litter, planting over 350,000 annuals, distributing hundreds of toys to families in need, recording headstones, surveying trail users, distributing flowers to neighborhoods, building playgrounds and more. Volunteers bring diverse skills and talents which enrich our community in so many ways.

AQUATIC CENTERS Over 144,000 people sought refuge from the summer heat at our five pools and aquatic centers last year. Swimming lessons are our most popular Aquatics program, in which 2,104 participated; this includes 300 English Language Learners (ELL). ELL students are those who are new to the United States and many of which had never seen a swimming pool before.

The department’s goal is for every child in this city to learn to swim no matter what their financial situation. We have partnered with the Friends of Des Moines Parks, who provided assistance for qualifying families and scholarships for 728 kids.

TRAILS In 2011, Des Moines was named as a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community, partially due to our extensive trail system.

According to recent City and Park department surveys, trails remain the amenity that residents most value. Des Moines, with the help of hundreds of volunteers, annually participates in the National

Live Well

Calendar Year 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012# of Volunteer Events n/a < 40 125 125 > 150 123

# of Volunteers 144 565 1991 1376 2234 2437

Volunteer Hours 715 5,732 14,151 9,504 14,781 13,835

Value Received $13,949 $116,073 $289,557 $203,005 $322,087 $302,336

2009-2012 Summary

Average of 130 volunteer eventsAverage of > 2,000 volunteersTotal of 55,271 volunteer hours; Average of 13,871 hours/year4 year total > $1.1 M; Average value received is $278,496/year

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM STATISTICS


MacRae Park

“I started walking for exercise in Glendale Cemetery when I noticed a sign asking for volunteers. I thought this would be the perfect way to get my exercise while doing something to help at the same time. I enjoy being able to help keep the cemetery looking “cared for”. With the cemetery staff cutbacks, there are so many things that I can do to help them. I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment I receive while doing my part to keep the grounds clean. I would ask anyone who is looking for a way to give back to volunteer in one of the Des Moines municipal cemeteries.”

- Richard Banger, Windsor Heights

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Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, which determined that over 3,307,000 trail trips were taken across the city.

The National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documenta-tion Project provides a standardized methodology for counting and surveying bicyclists and pedestrians. The project is co-sponsored by nationally-acclaimed bicycle consultants, Alta Planning + Design, and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) at no cost to the City to participate. This type of information is valuable for identifying where new bicycle and pedestrian facilities should be constructed, evaluating the effectiveness of such facilities, and applying for grant funding.

“Des Moines is doing great things for the bicyclist, trails, bike lanes and etc. We need to continue to improve the bicyclist and autos relationships. Both parties’ need to do their part.”

- National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Survey participant

SHELTERS

In 2012, rentals totaled 1,385, with 89% of weekend time slots reserved. Our shelters provided 49,000 people with the perfect location for birthdays, family reunions, baby showers, neighborhood meetings, meal sites and much more. Dispersed throughout the city our department provides 7 enclosed shelters and 24 open air shelters available for reservation as well as 14 “first come, first serve” shelters.

“Helpful and friendly park staff. Ample tables and chairs. Very clean inside and out.”

“Terrific park, terrific shelter and terrific renting process.”

- Customer Survey Comments

Evelyn K. Davis Park Pete Crivaro Park

Play Hard

RECREATION PROGRAM NUMBERSAquatics .......................................................... 144,810Swim Lessons ....................................................... 2,104Wading Pool ..................................................... 92,927

Parks & Recreation Sponsored Programs Attendance:

Four Mile Community Center.......................... 64,259

Pioneer Columbus Comm. Center .............. 104,382

Tae Kwon Do (Pioneer) .......................................... 4258

Tae Kwon Do (Four Mile) ........................................ 2148

Aerobics (Four Mile) ............................................... 1,872

Total Body 101 (Pioneer) .......................................... 101

Things That Go Bump In The Night (Pioneer) ......... 370

Things That Go Bump In The Night (Four Mile) ....... 190

Seasonal Holiday Parties for Children (Pioneer) ... 213

Seasonal Holiday Parties for Children (Four Mile) .. 176

Nature Egg Hunts (Pioneer) ..................................... 125

Nature Egg Hunts (Four Mile) ............................................178

Four Mile Market .................................................... 135

Kite Festivals at Gray’s Lake ................................. 185

Children’s Snow Carnival ....................................... 90

Preschool Park (Pioneer) ......................................... 140

First Tee of Greater DSM (Pioneer) ........................... 19

First Tee of Greater DSM (Four Mile) .......................... 32

Family Game Night (Pioneer) ................................. 115

Kick Off to a Sizzlin Summer ................................. 373

Creepy Crawly Fishy Ewww ................................... 84

Grrreat Halloween Dog Carnival ........................ 740

Bark In The Park .................................................... 234

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“I’ve been coming to the community center for over ten years. I originally came here to play basketball and lift weights, but I’ve picked up a new hobby in ping-pong and I’m addicted. It’s affordable, it’s on my way home, and the people that work here make it a good place… I also work for Lifeline Resources as a family coach, and I bring my clients here after I work with them so that they can burn off some energy. I encourage their parents to bring them here on their own as well, because it’s somewhere they can be and there are tons of things for them to do—air hockey, ping-pong, pool, plus two gyms and a playground outside.”

- Marand Thomas, Des Moines

Special Events:

Rose Festival ............................................................. 75

Unwined .............................................................. 2,100

Yoga in the Park ................................................. 3,800

Moon Float ............................................................. 700

Free Flicks (Parks & Pools) .................................. 1,850

Mayor’s Annual Ride ......................................... 1,000

Carp Fest ................................................................ 153

Mother/Son Wii Tournament .................................. 12

Father-Daughter Dance ....................................... 778

River Float ............................................................... 375

Hoopin at the Dome/Downtown 3 on 3 ............ 300

BMX ...................................................................... 4,500

Environmental Programs:

iEARTH Camp ................. 97 students (50 days of camp)

Environmental Education Classes ......................... 12

Environmental Education Class Attendees ........ 866

Community Gardens:

Community Gardens ................................................ 4

Community Gardeners ......................................... 279

Community Garden Plots ..................................... 308

Permits:Dog permits sold ................................................ 1,280

Sports Programs:

Adult Pickleball ................................................... 1,348

Adult Takraw ............................................................ 94

Basketball - Adult Teams ........................................... 192

Basketball - Adult Tournaments .................................... 72

Basketball - Youth Teams .......................................... 510

Basketball - Youth AAU Tournaments .......................... 176

Volleyball - Adult Teams ............................................ 136

Flag Football - Adult Teams ...................................... 544

Flag Football - Adult State Tournaments ..................... 238

Softball - Adult Teams ............................................. 6,494

Softball - Adult League Tournaments ........................... 306

Softball - Adult ASA District/State Tournaments .............. 646

Softball - Adult Sno-ball Tournament (Winter Games) ..... 816

Softball - Youth Tournaments ............................... 714

Wildlife Management:

Bow Hunters ............................................................. 72

Deer Harvested ....................................................... 60

Union Park Movie Night Yoga in the Park

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RETIREMENTS

After many years working hard, it’s time for these individuals to play hard!

Charlie Cupp (6/11/79 - 3/30/12) .............. 32 yrs. 9 mo.

Susan DenOtter (3/18/91 - 12/26/12) .......... 21 yrs. 3 mo.

Jim Hall (3/31/97 - 12/30/12) ........................ 15 yrs. 9 mo.

Bev Lightner (6/14/95 - 9/28/12) ................. 17 yrs. 3 mo.

Paul Moede (12/16/74 - 10/30/12) ............ 37 yrs. 10 mo.

Don Tripp (1/21/91 - 5/31/12) ..................... 21 yrs. 5 mo.

“I commute by bike to work nearly every day. I hop on the trail at Colby Park in Windsor Heights and take the trail through Waterworks Park, down to Gray’s Lake, and along the Raccoon River. It’s a great way to start and end my day. I just turn off my brain and ride, taking in the sights. From watching the flowers and trees bloom along the trail in spring, to the autumn colors and falling leaves of fall, and the peaceful isolation of winter I bike to work. Biking to work has kept me in the best shape of my life and I’m only 25. As long as the trails are there, I’ll keep riding.”

- Zach Bonze, Des Moines


Father-Daughter Dance

Bright Grandview Golf Course Trash Bash Trails

Protect the Earth

TRASH BASHHeld annually on Earth day, 3,800 volunteers worked to remove more than 64,000 pounds of trash, recyclables and debris from our park system over the last four years. In 2012 alone, 1,100 volunteers on 64 teams, worked on more than 50 project locations throughout the greater Des Moines metro area to remove litter, beautify our parks and green spaces, clean-up storm damage, clean out invasive species in an effort to improve Iowa’s water quality and waterways. Over 24,000 pounds of trash, recyclables, tires, metal and brush were removed and 37.7 pounds of cigarette butts collected. Thank you to the individuals, corporate volunteer programs and sponsors that donated and served time (a combined value over $75,000). Volunteers and sponsors are always welcome.

TRAILS FOR TRANSPORTATION

Trails just aren’t for exercise; numerous riders also utilize the trail system for their daily commute. By reducing the number of cars on the road, those who bike to work also cut down on pollution and fuel use. The result is cleaner air and healthier lungs for everyone.


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