West Des Moines, IA
Home MenuPark Shelter Reservations
Make your next party or family outing special by hosting it in one of West Des Moines' beautiful parks. You can start making reservations for the year in early January.
How to Reserve a Shelter
The quickest way to book is through our online system. You can view which dates are open and submit your request instantly.
You may also reserve a shelter by phone or in person:
- By Phone: Call us at 515-222-3444.
- In Person: Visit the Parks and Recreation Office at 4200 Mills Civic Parkway.
Reservable Shelters & Capacity
The following shelters can be reserved between April 15 and October 15. If a shelter is not rented, it is available for anyone to use for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
| Park Name | Capacity |
|---|---|
| American Legion Park | 75 people |
| Brookview Park | 50 people |
| Crossroads Park | 60 people |
| Fairmeadows Park | 60 people |
| Pearson Park | 60 people |
| Raccoon River Park (Biddle Rotary) | 75 people |
| Raccoon River Park (Coneflower A, B, or C) | 50 people each |
| Valley View Park | 75 people |
Rental Rules & Fees
- Cost: $15 per hour (4-hour minimum). Your rental time must include your setup and clean-up time.
- Refunds: All fees are non-refundable. If you need to change the date or time, there is a $10 fee.
- Weather: If bad weather affects your event, call us within 3 business days to discuss rescheduling. A $10 fee still applies.
- Alcohol: Beer and wine are allowed in cans only (no glass or kegs).
- Note: Alcohol is NOT allowed at Crossroads Park or Brookview Park.
- Tobacco: All tobacco and nicotine products (including vapes) are prohibited on park property.
- Permits: You need an extra permit for loud music (DJs/bands) or inflatables (bounce houses).
- Note: Amplified Sound Permits are only allowed at Raccoon River Park.
- Proof of Rental: You must have a copy of your Park Shelter Rental Agreement with you during your event. This serves as your official proof of rental.
Raccoon River Park
- Address:2500 Grand Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50265 - Phone:515-222-3444
Amenities:- Backstop
- Grill
- Multi-Use Trail
- Parking Lot
- Picnic Tables
- Play Equipment
- Public Artwork
- Restroom Building
- Shelter - first come, first serve
- Shelter - reservable
- Soccer/Playfield
- Archery Facility
- Boathouse
- Dog Park
- Multi-Use Trails
- Nature Lodge
- Parks
- Softball Complex
- Address:2500 Grand Avenue
Raccoon River Park
As the "crown jewel" of West Des Moines, this 631-acre park features a 232-acre lake, swimming beach, and an inclusive playground. It is a premier destination for outdoor recreation, sports complexes, and scenic trail loops.
Park Features
- Picnic Shelters: 4 rentable shelters featuring grills for public use.
- Inclusive Playgrounds: Separate structures for ages 2-5 and 5-12.
- Sports: Softball complex (5 fields) and a full soccer complex.
- Restrooms: Available seasonally from April 15 to October 15.
- Trails: Access to a 3.2-mile lake loop and regional biking paths.
- Dog Park: Fenced, off-leash exercise area (permit required).
- Archery Facility: Dedicated range for target practice (permit required).
- Boathouse: Seasonal rentals for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
- Blue Heron Lake & Beach: Swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating.
- Nature Lodge: Multi-purpose rentable facility for events and education.
- Boat Ramp & Fishing Pier: Easy access for electric and manual watercraft.
- Athene Pedestrian Bridge: Scenic connection to the Walnut Woods State Park.
- Public Art: Unique installations integrated throughout the park landscape.