- RDG Planning & Design recently collaborated with the City of West Des Moines to create a master plan for Phase 2 of Legacy Woods. The project encompasses a variety of engaging features, including a nature playground for children to explore and interact with the environment, a constructed wetland that promotes ecological diversity, and a donor recognition area to acknowledge contributions to the project. Furthermore, the plan incorporates a shelter with restrooms, an outdoor gathering space for community events, and a natural classroom for educational opportunities. To enhance accessibility and exploration, the design includes a pedestrian bridge across Jordan Creek, an orchard showcasing local flora, and a network of both paved and soft trails for walking and recreation. The final deliverables, showcasing the comprehensive vision for Phase 2, are available for public viewing below.

- On April 28, 2025, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced funding totaling nearly $2.7 million for urban water quality projects, including a $250,000 allocation to Legacy Woods through the state's Water Quality Initiative. Since 2015, this initiative has provided cost-share grants for 140 urban projects. To be eligible for state funding and technical support, these projects are required to incorporate education and outreach elements and engage local partners. Read more about the event in this Iowa Public Radio press release. 

- In March 2025, the final structure on the site (excluding the Jordan House Museum) was dismantled. The City of West Des Moines sold the building to a buyer from Missouri, who intends to salvage its metal and support structure for use on their own property.

- March, 2025: Equipment and supplies are staged and ready to start paving the parking lot. 

- The site preparation for the Legacy Woods grading plan is underway. This work is essential for enhancing the future parking lot and stormwater retention areas, which will serve as the primary entry point for the site. Paving of the parking lot is scheduled for spring 2025.

- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has awarded West Des Moines a 2025 Resource Enhancement and Protection Grant, recognizing it as one of only 24 selected cities in a highly competitive process, with West Des Moines achieving the highest score among all submissions. Funded by gaming revenues and allocated by the Iowa Legislature with the Governor's approval, West Des Moines will receive $200,000 to enhance the Legacy Woods Nature Sanctuary. The city is thrilled to have received this opportunity and is excited to utilize the funds to realize the vision for Legacy Woods.

- On Saturday, October 5, over 50 volunteers, led by the City's Urban Forester, planted 79 different species of trees at the Legacy Woods Arboretum. The Iowa DNR Community Forestry Grant Program funded 80% of the expenses for the trees.

- In September 2024, an archaeological evaluation was conducted at the Legacy Woods site to determine the need for conserving certain areas of the property for historical reasons. The assessment revealed no substantial discoveries that would impede the development of Legacy Woods.

- On Sunday, September 8, 2024, the West Des Moines Historical Society, in collaboration with the City of West Des Moines Parks and Recreation, held a presentation on the Legacy Woods project as part of the Society's Iowa Files program. You can watch the complete video below and view the accompanying slideshow here.

- You can find videos of the demolition process on the Parks and Recreation Department's YouTube channel. 

- Demolition of the derelict buildings on the Legacy Woods site was completed in June of 2024.