We've had a lot of interest and now have a substantial waitlist in place. West Des Moines residents will be given priority. If you would like to be added to the waitlist future seasons, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.

Boat Locker Rental Information

 Boat Locker Rental Rules/Terms and Conditions

• Preference will be given to West Des Moines residents.
• The City of West Des Moines will recognize only the person whose signature appears on the application as being the responsible holder of the canoe/kayak space. This individual may not sublease the use of the rented storage space at any time.
• Renters assume all risks to persons and/or property. The City of West Des Moines is not liable for any injury, damage, or loss that may occur, including vandalism, theft and/or weather-related incidents.
• The term for annual rentals is March 1 through February 28.
• Annual rental fees are due when the contract is signed at the beginning of the rental season. If the terms of the contract are not met, the City may cancel the contract without refund.
• Rental fees are not prorated or refundable.
• Current renters will have first right of refusal in subsequent years.

Renewals

• If not renewing, notice of non-renewal must be given to the City by February 1.
  • Watercraft and all other contents must be removed by March 1 to allow for use by another renter. If not removed by March 1, the City reserves the right to remove lock on locker and remove contents. Contents will be temporarily stored by the City at an off-site location for 30 days. After 30 days, the City reserves the right to dispose of the contents.
• If renewing, payment of the annual rental fee must be made by March 1.
  • Renters who have paid by the deadline will not need to remove their watercraft or other contents. If payment is not made by the deadline, the City reserves the right to remove lock on locker and remove contents. Contents will be temporarily stored by the City at an off-site location for 30 days. After 30 days, the City reserves the right to dispose of the contents.

Locker Use and Maintenance

• The City holds the right to inspect lockers on request. All units will be inspected annually.
• The City reserves the right to require all contents of a locker be removed at any time for inspection, maintenance, or cleaning of the locker.
• Costs to repair damage caused by the renter to the locker may be charged to the renter.
• Raccoon River Park is tobacco- and nicotine- free.
• Renters are responsible for providing their own locking device.
• Any watercraft must be fully contained within the designated locker space.
• No items unrelated to the watercraft or use of the watercraft can be stored in the locker.
• Watercraft must not exceed:
  • 18 ft. in length
  • 35 in. in width
  • 18 in in height
• Storage units are for non-motorized watercraft only.
• No fuel, petroleum products, or chemicals of any kind can be stored in the locker.

Safety and Compliance

• All renters must follow applicable laws set forth by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), including but not limited to:
  • Proper registration and display of registration decals on watercraft.
  • Each watercraft must have one U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable PFD (Type I, II, III, or V) per person on board.
  • Children age 13 and under must wear a PFD (personal floating device) at all times. All other passengers are strongly encouraged to do the same.
  • Adherence to proper night lighting regulations required. 

Boat Locker Rentals Contact Information

West Des Moines Parks and Recreation
515-222-3424
boathouse@wdm.iowa.gov