Tour Des Moines: Playgrounds

08/18/2026

Ashley Okland Star Playground: in Clive at the NEW Greenbelt Landing, is a wonderful, thoughtfully designed all-inclusive playground for everyone to delight in!
• separate accessible playground equipment for kids of all ages + abilities to explore
• big kid swings + Expression Swing + We-Swing + Oodle Swing + porch-style swings along the boardwalk
• musical elements
• multiple accessible sensory panels
• accessible glider
• rubber turf ground cover
• manual water pump for interactive water play!
• natural play + creek stomping in Walnut Creek
• shade canopies over parts of the playground
• lawn space for play + wetlands for exploration
• walking loop
• trail access to Clive Greenbelt Trail
• multiple picnic tables at the outdoor Creekside Pavilion + event space
• several benches + more located along the boardwalk
• large shade trees line the creek and boardwalk, + newer trees that will provide more shade once matured
• bathrooms + drinking fountain just beyond the lawn space at Creekside Pavilion
• large parking lot
•📍Address: NW 114th St, Clive
• Added Bonus: the Clive Aquatic Center is located directly south of the playground

08/17/2026

Clive really put a lot of thought into the design of this new space, where everyone in the community can come together to enjoy picnics, live music, social events & play!
Stay tuned for more playground details to come!
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• Featured Park: Ashley Oakland Star Playground

08/14/2026

Linnan Park Splash-Pad: in Clive is NEW to the neighborhood, and provides buckets of water fun during the hot summer months!
• accessible sprayground with sprayers, bubblers and dump buckets for kids of all ages + abilities to enjoy!
• a fun water exploration + sensory station
• zero pooling; water runs on a timer that’s push-button activated
• concrete footing; running not recommended + water shoes encouraged
• shade is currently limited as trees have not yet matured around the playground
• benches throughout the park
• two picnic pavilions with tables + several other tables around
• bathrooms + drinking fountain
• off-street parking available on Alice Ave
• 📍Address: 8500 Alice Ave, Clive
• Added Bonus: the newly renovated Linnan Park playground can be found right next to the splash-pad!

08/13/2026

Linnan Park Playground: in Clive got a fantastic facelift and the NEW, accessible, cheeky nature-themed playground is one kids of all ages and abilities will love! (And gotta shout out those colorful new courts! 😍)
• separate playground equipment for big + little kids to climb, slide & explore
• multiple accessible sensory panels
• musical elements
• big kid swings + web sw***er
• climbable webbed cone spinner
• rubber turf ground cover
• basketball court
• mini-pitch soccer fields
• mixed-use green space
• walking loop
• shade is currently limited as trees have not yet matured around the playground
• benches throughout the park
• two picnic pavilions with tables + several other tables around
• bathrooms + drinking fountain
• off-street parking available on Alice Ave
• 📍Address: 8500 Alice Ave, Clive
• Added Bonus: the NEW Linnan Park Splash-pad can be found right next to the playground!

08/08/2026

Opportunities for fun for everyone!

Have you heard about FREE monthly Sensory-Friendly Hours at the Science Center of Iowa? Register for our Aug. 11 event now!

07/28/2026

HERE’S YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FUTURE PLAY SPACE!

See post for details + a link to provide your feedback & take a quick survey about what you’d love to see West Des Moines Parks & Recreation / Aquatic Centers consider for Legacy Woods!

We Want Your Opinion! 🌳

We’re excited to start designing the future Nature Playscape at Legacy Woods, and we want you to be part of the process! Join us to share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback to help us shape this new space.

🗓 When: Saturday, July 25 | 1–3 pm
📍 Where: Raccoon River Park Playground

Can't make it? You can still share your input by taking our short survey here: https://forms.office.com/g/Ahtgs3sqEs

Learn more about what we've got planned for Legacy Woods: wdm.iowa.gov/LegacyWoods

07/27/2026

Northcreek Park: aka Frog Park, in Ankeny is a large park with playground equipment kids of all ages can explore
• older playground structure with several slides + climbing features
• two spring riders
• sand digger
• big kid + baby bucket swings
• wood mulch ground cover
• lots of lawn space for play
• trail access
• not much for shade by the playground besides one large tree and several smaller ones
• benches available
• large picnic pavilion + tables
• drinking fountain + porta-potty
• parking lot
•📍Address: 1309 NW Irvinedale Dr, Ankeny

07/22/2026

Currently on vacay but can’t wait to check this playground out once we are home!

07/10/2026

Jordan Park Splash Pad: is NEW to the Des Moines area and provides an extra dose of fun with water play!
• multiple accessible bubblers, sprayers, sprinklers + squirters with zero pooling, for kids of all ages & abilities to enjoy
• water runs on a cycle with a manual push start button
• concrete footing so running not advised & water shoes recommended
• large shade trees provide sun relief over the splash pad + nearby playground
• bathrooms available
• small shelter with several picnic tables
• benches available
• street parking only
• Added bonus! Jordan Park Playground is right next to the wading pool, so kids can move between both spaces
•📍Address: 600 E Wall Ave, Des Moines