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An Emergency Snow Parking Ban goes into effect for West Des Moines at 6 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, and will be in effect until 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 14.

The Emergency Parking Ban applies to all streets in West Des Moines. During an Emergency Parking Ban, vehicles are subject to a $50 fine and/or towing. 

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West Des Moines, IA

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  • WDM Parks & Recreation
    Administrative Office
    4200 Mills Civic Parkway
    PO Box 65320
    West Des Moines, IA 50265
  • Phone:(515) 222-3444 
  • Fax:(515) 222-3459
  • Email: parkrec@wdm.iowa.gov
  • Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, M-F

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Staff Contact Info

Events

  • Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

    12/18/2025 5:30 PM

  • Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

    01/15/2026 5:30 PM

  • Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

    02/19/2026 5:30 PM

View More
Des Moines Parent 2025 Winner logo. Thanks for voting for us! Winners: Best Parks and Recreation Department Best Park (Raccoon River Park) Best Playground (Raccoon River Park) Best Outdoor Aquatics Facility (Valley Views Aquatic Center)
Des Moines Parent 2025 Runner-Up logo. Thanks for voting for us! Best Splash Pad/Wading Pool (American Legion Park) Best Family Festival or Fair (Illumifest) Best Pet-Friendly Spot (Raccoon River Park) Best Family-Friendly Spot to See a Live Performance (Jamie Hurd Amphitheater)
Renovated Parks Now Open, Wild Rose Park, Ashawa Park

Government

Parks & Recreation

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We provide our community everyday enjoyment through people, parks, and programs!

West Des Moines Parks and Recreation oversees 1,587 acres of parkland consisting of 31 parks, special use facilities, a natural resource area, greenways, and 81 miles of paved multi-purpose trails. The department provides a wide variety of recreational services, including operating a full-service community center, softball complex, two outdoor aquatic centers, sprayground, nature lodge, dog park, archery facility, amphitheater, boathouse, and recreation complex. Program areas include adult sports, youth introductory sports, nature programs, active adult programs, aquatics, travel, martial arts, arts and culture, and special events.

WDM Parks and Recreation Program Guide

Winter/Spring 2026

Registration begins on Tuesday, November 4, at 8 am

Questions? Call 515-222-3444 or email ParkRec@wdm.iowa.gov

Program Registration Button 

New Program Refund Policy
  • Refund requests must be made at least seven (7) days before the program start date. Requests made by this deadline are eligible for a full refund. Requests made after this deadline are not eligible, and no refund will be issued. 
  • Refunds for medical reasons may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Refunds for payments made by cash or check will be issued by check within two to three (2-3) weeks. No cash refunds will be given.
  • Payments made by credit or debit card will be refunded to the original card.
  • No fees will be charged if a class or activity is canceled or changed by the department. 
  • This policy does not apply to travel programs, culinary programs, RP Kids Summer Camp, Planet 7, or adult sports leagues.
Program Refund Policy for Fall 2025 Programs
Please call the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department Administrative Office at 515-222-3444 Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to request a refund.
  1. Full refunds will be given if the request is submitted no later than 15 days before the program start date.
  2. Refund requests submitted less than 14 days before the start date will be refunded 50% of the program registration fee.
  3. Requests for refunds submitted after the event start date or completion of the program will not be considered.
  4. Please allow 2-3 weeks to process a check refund for payments originally made by cash or check. No cash refunds will be given.
  5. Payments made by credit/debit card will be refunded back to the original credit/debit card.
  6. The Recreation Program Refund Policy does not apply to travel programs, culinary programs, RP Kids Day Camps, or adult sport leagues.
  7. Refunds for medical situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Cancellation Policy
We reserve the right to cancel a program or activity that does not meet the minimum number of participants necessary to offer the program.
Registration Change Fee
A fee of $5 will be charged for each registration change made after participants are enrolled in the program.
Recreation Program Assistance
Fee discounts are available for WDM residents meeting guidelines for assistance. Contact WDM Human Services at 515-222-3660.
Accommodations
It is the responsibility of the individual with a disability requiring accommodations to inform the Parks and Recreation Department, at least 72 hours in advance. Please call 222-3444 to have accommodations provided.
Photographic Release
By participating in a West Des Moines Parks and Recreation program, activity, or special event, participants and volunteers grant and convey unto the City all rights, titles, and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made by the City during the City activities, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings.

Anti-Bullying Statement

The Parks & Recreation Department will not tolerate bullying* in any program or activity, and staff will do all they reasonably can to create a safe space for participants, regardless of an individual’s actual or perceived age, color, creed/denomination, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes/appearance, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.


* For the purposes of this statement, bullying is defined as the unwanted, aggressive use of physical, social or mental/intellectual power to control, harm or humiliate another person in a repetitive or pervasive manner.

Monthly Department Highlights 

Archived Seasonal Program Guides

Archived Annual Reports

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FIND US

City Hall
4200 Mills Civic Parkway
PO BOX 65320
West Des Moines, IA 50265

(515) 222-3600

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