• Peony Park

    A close-up view of the Peony Park entrance sign, nestled among dense green foliage and shaded by mature trees.
    1. Address:1100 63rd Street
      West Des Moines, IA 50266
    2. Phone:515-222-3444
    Amenities:
    1. Backstop
    2. Grill
    3. Multi-Use Trail
    4. Non-Lighted Basketball Court
    5. Non-Lighted Tennis Court(s)
    6. Parking Lot
    7. Pickleball Striped Court
    8. Picnic Tables
    9. Play Equipment
    10. Restroom Building
    11. Shelter - first come, first serve
    12. Soccer/Playfield
    Categories:
    1. Parks

Peony Park is an 8-acre neighborhood treasure with a rich conservation legacy. Established in 1999 on the former site of Peony Farm, this park offers a peaceful escape with winding trails, active recreation courts, and a deep connection to Iowa’s environmental history.

A Legacy of Conservation

The land was once owned by Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and a giant of the American conservation movement. As the father of the Federal Duck Stamp Program and a founder of the National Wildlife Federation, Darling’s passion for nature lives on through the preservation of this beautiful space.

Park Amenities & Features

  • Picnic Shelter: A shaded shelter with a grill, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Playgrounds: Dedicated equipment for toddlers (ages 2–5) and older children (ages 5–12).
  • Sports & Courts: Includes a non-lighted basketball court and a tennis court striped for Pickleball.
  • Loop Trail: A peaceful .35-mile paved trail perfect for a morning stroll or bike ride.
  • Open Playfield: A large grassy area featuring a softball backstop.
  • Restrooms: Facilities are open seasonally from April 15 – October 15, weather permitting.

    • Community & Arts

    Be sure to visit the Free Little Art Mart located within the park—a community-driven spot to share and discover local art!

    View the Peony Park Map

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