The cities of Waukee, West Des Moines, Urbandale and Clive provide a wide array of opportunities for enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re gathering family members together for a weekend celebration, or seeking solitude and greenery, you can find it throughout the western suburbs of Des Moines.
Read on to learn more about the unique park offerings around the metro.
Waukee
Sugar Creek Golf Course is a nine-hole, par 34 course. Its new practice facility features a driving range, putting green, and chipping area. Leagues for men and women, personal instruction, and camps for junior and peewee golfers are offered.
Location: 1505 6th Street, Waukee
Phone: 515-987-5247
Sugar Creek Trail begins at the intersection of Warrior Lane and University Avenue. The trail winds through Glynn Village and the Spyglass neighborhood. Trail walkers and riders are treated to picturesque views of Sugar Creek Golf Course.
Centennial Park covers 33 acres and offers sand volleyball, three playgrounds, a basketball court, baseball diamonds, and most notably, a 13-hole disc golf course. For those who throw, the course offers a wide variety of long- and short-distance holes in the setting of a well-maintained park. Shelters and charcoal grills are available for picnics and gatherings.
Location: 1255 S. Warrior Lane, Waukee
Windfield Park is newly renovated, featuring play areas for different ages, a full basketball court, and a new backstop for baseball and softball. The shelter offers enclosed bathrooms, and charcoal grills are available for use.
Location: 114 Windfield Parkway, Waukee
For more information about these parks and many more, visit Waukee’s Parks & Rec website.
West Des Moines
Raccoon River Park, the crown jewel of West Des Moines parks, covers 631 acres. It features Iowa’s first and only outdoor public archery facility, a dog park, and the Raccoon River Nature Lodge, which hosts educational and private events. Blue Heron Lake offers boat access for fishing, and the beach is open to the public throughout the summer. The playing fields at the park host the West Des Moines Soccer Club, as well as the West Des Moines Adult Softball Leagues. Picnic shelters are the perfect place to watch all of the action and can be reserved for private parties.
Location: 2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines
Brookview Park is the result of collaboration between the cities of West Des Moines and Waukee. Trails connect to the Jordan Creek trail system, and there’s a large playfield that’s perfect for organized sports or a pick-up game of ultimate frisbee. A picnic shelter with restrooms and a charcoal grill are also available. Because of its proximity to Brookview Elementary School, alcohol is not allowed.
Location: 400 81st Street, West Des Moines
American Legion Park, covering nearly ten acres, is another favorite in West Des Moines. It offers mature trees, a picnic shelter with restrooms, play areas, a softball field, a seasonal sprayground, courts for horseshoes, shuffleboard, tennis, and basketball, and a six-foot half-pipe for skateboarders.
Location: 301 Vine Street, West Des Moines
For more information about these parks and many more, visit West Des Moines’s Parks & Rec website.
Urbandale
Walnut Creek Regional Park, which sprawls over more than 200 acres, features the burbling Walnut Creek as well as many trees and an open area. With one playground and a basketball court, the park provides a peaceful setting in the midst of the metro hustle and bustle.
Location: 153rd Street and Horton Avenue, Urbandale
Walker Johnston Park offers a skateboard park with a pair of 20-foot, escalated quarter pipes, two sets of stairs with rails, a 90-degree bank street hip, a fun box, and a street spine. Other Walker Johnston Park amenities include a pavilion, picnic area, playground, and softball/baseball diamond.
Location: 9000 Douglas Avenue, Urbandale
For more information about these parks and many more, visit Urbandale’s Parks & Rec website.
Clive
Clive Aquatic Center is a great place to cool off this summer. Splash around with the little ones in the leisure pool, swim a lap in the lap pool, or relax in the lazy river. The Special Events Center is the perfect place to host a birthday party or event, and best of all, its pool passes can also be used at West Des Moines’ Valley View and Holiday Aquatic Centers.
Location: 1801 NW 114th Street, Clive
Hours: Monday – Friday 11:30 AM to 7 PM; Saturday & Sunday 11:30 AM to 6 PM
Stonegate Park features a few holes for miniature golf, so bring the clubs and practice your putting game. The four-acre park also includes a shelter, walking trail, play area, and basketball court.
Location: 15280 Boston Parkway, Clive
For more information about these parks and many more, visit Clive’s Parks & Rec website.