Des Moines Sun

DES MOINES, IOWA – Wednesday, June 28, 2023 – Get ready to play in a new way on Des Moines’ south side. The final phase of the MacRae Park Renovations is complete providing residents a fully updated version of the century-old Des Moines landmark. The 7+ year project and $2.75 million dollar initiative has renovated a multi-use community park that serves as a gateway to the Southwest 9th Street corridor.

Today at noon, together with council members, neighborhood associations and nearby residents, the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department will officially open the park and recognize donors for their significant contributions to the project.

"Thanks to our generous donors, we’re proud that we’ve been able to provide a much-needed overhaul to this historic park, with improvements that can be enjoyed by residents for generations to come.” Des Moines Parks and Recreation Director Ben Page said.

Over the course of the multi-phase project, the final renovations include the addition of a pedestrian and bike-friendly loop, the Linda & Tom Koehn Boardwalk overlooking the fishing-friendly pond, and the Larry E. Moore Nature Playscape featuring a recycled log playground. The play area also offers a unique water sprayground, limestone seat walls and nooks, a saucer swing, and sand play area.

Residents will also benefit from the addition of a pedestrian bridge, an open-air shelter and road reconstruction with much needed storm sewer and parking improvements.

“We couldn’t be more excited for the completion of this multi-year project, a true culmination of several groups coming together for a shared goal. As a parent and a Des Moines resident, it’s truly touching to see the finished product of a long-awaited project with unique park features that bring a new level of accessibility to the area,” Des Moines Parks and Recreation Deputy Senior Planner Lee Wheelock said.

For more detailed information on Phase 3, visit DSM.city/MacRae.

Original source can be found here.