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You are here: Home / Archives for summer activities

City To Transform 66 Acres Into Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park

September 11, 2018 by Elyssa_ Appleton

Waukee Betterment Foundation Assisting With All-Inclusive Amenities

As the Waukee Community School District begins construction in October on its second high school, the City of Waukee has plans to turn the adjacent 66-acre property into the Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park. But, don’t let the word “youth” fool you: the new amenity will benefit community members and visitors of all ages and abilities.

Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park

Construction on Phase I of the Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park will begin in the spring of 2021. Phase I will include eight softball/baseball fields and two practice quads with batting cages. These fields will accommodate youth softball players ages 18 and under, as well as youth baseball players ages 10 and under. In Phase 2, four larger baseball fields will be added to accommodate players up to age 14. The need for a complex of this sort has been growing in recent years.

“The impact of this project will be huge,” said Waukee Recreation Supervisor Josh VandeKamp. “Right now, the City has three large fields at Centennial Park and four small fields at Warrior Park. We have 125 teams vying for field space and 40-plus Parks & Rec softball teams to accommodate annually. The construction of this new facility should alleviate Waukee’s shortage of field availability.”

VandeKamp said the investment in an amenity of this magnitude will not only benefit local athletes, but it should also catch the eye of regional tournament planners.

“We envision hosting tournaments on the weekends, which will attract teams from across Iowa, as well as teams from bordering states,” said VandeKamp. “If the weather cooperates, the City’s new complex should be busy from April through October. That could also help boost the local economy as visitors will need places to sleep, eat, shop and be entertained.”

In addition to ball fields, the City plans to construct playgrounds, a lake, trails and parking. The Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park is expected to open in 2022.

Nearly half of the project will be funded through a Public Improvement Fund set up by Apple; the remainder will be financed by revenues from the Dallas County Local Option Sales & Services Tax. These new funding sources make it possible for the City to complete this project without the use of property tax revenues.

An Eye on All-Inclusive Amenities

In partnership with the City, the Waukee Betterment Foundation recently launched a fundraising campaign for the Waukee Miracle League® Ball Field and Play Area, as well as an all-inclusive fishing pier, all to be included at the Complex. The goal is to raise $2.5 million to put toward these specialized amenities.

“The Waukee Betterment Foundation is devoted to making Waukee better,” said Foundation President Jim Miller. “This project will actually extend its reach beyond Waukee into the neighboring communities to provide a source of recreation for a surprisingly large population. Each Miracle League field can accommodate roughly 220 children in leagues. Since we know there are about 700 children in the area with disabilities, there is a real need. The adult leagues will also have a very strong demand.”

The Miracle League field will serve those with disabilities by way of its custom-designed, rubberized turf field which helps prevent injuries and provides easy access for wheelchairs and assistive devices. An all-inclusive play area with the same material and specialized equipment will also be installed near the field. It can be enjoyed by all visitors.

In addition to sports and play, new fishing opportunities will also be available. The City is constructing a 12-acre lake at the park, and the Foundation is working to ensure its fishing pier suits everyone.

“We are hearing from senior living facilities and veterans’ groups that an all-inclusive fishing pier will be a huge draw,” said Miller. “Currently, there is no place in the area to fish easily if you have mobility issues. This pier will have ample parking and restrooms nearby, as well as paved low-slope walks to the pier. Its design will allow people in wheelchairs to fish from a safe and protected area.”

The Waukee Betterment Foundation’s goal is to have the all-inclusive projects within the complex completed by 2022. To learn more about supporting this initiative, visit WaukeeBetterment.org or call Jim Miller at 515-224-5516.

To follow the progress of the Waukee Youth Sports Complex & Park, as well as other park projects occurring within Waukee, visit Waukee.org/parksandrec.

 

 

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Filed Under: Activities, Guide To Waukee, Iowa, My City, Outdoors, PinPoints of Interest, Sports, Under Construction, Waukee Tagged With: Ball Field and Play Area, entertainment, events, family activities, iowa, local attractions, local events for adults, local events for kids, myWaukee, outdoor activities, Outdoors, Parks, Sports Complex, summer activities, Under Construction, Waukee Iowa, Waukee Miracle League

2017 Guide To Local Farmers Markets

May 2, 2017 by admin

Check out this list of markets in the Des Moines / Waukee area. Many offer much more than just fresh produce, but entertainment, baked goods and flowers!

TUESDAYS

Beaverdale Farmers Market
When: Tuesdays, 4:00 – 7:30 p.m., June 6 – September 12
Where: 4100-4200 Urbandale Ave. (between Beaver Ave. & 42nd St.)
About: Features vendors, entertainment, hand-crafted items and prepared meals.

Johnston Farmers’ Market
When: Tuesdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m., May – Oct. 6
Where: Johnston City Hall parking lot, 6221 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
About: 50+ vendors featuring produce, flowers, baked goods and crafts, along with music.

WEDNESDAYS

Waukee Farmers’ Market
When: Wednesdays, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., June 1 – End of September
Where: Triangle Park on 6th Street and Ashworth Drive, Waukee
About: 27 weekly vendors and live music. There is also an assortment of dinner options including BBQ, Jamaican and Cajun food as well as burgers and hot dogs.
Grimes Farmers’ Market
When: Wednesdays, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., May 17 – August 30
Where: Grimes Public Library (Waterworks Park at 200 N. James Street) Parking Lot Area along the north side
About: 15 vendors and music, plus fun for the kids including a magician and face painting. Also, Italian ice for dessert.

THURSDAYS

Valley Junction Farmers’ Market
When: Thursdays 4:00 – 8:30 p.m., May – September
Where: 5th Street, Valley Junction, West Des Moines
About: The second-largest market in the metro area with 100 vendors. Offerings range from fresh produce to hand-crafted items and prepared food to enjoy at the market.

SATURDAYS

Ankeny Farmers’ Market
When: Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.- NOON, May 20 – September 30
Where: Ankeny Market & Pavilion Park, 715 W 1st Street in Uptown Ankeny
About: 35 vendors each week, music, a balloon artist, kids’ activities, and two or three options for breakfast or lunch.
Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market
Where: Court Avenue District, Des Moines
When: Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. – NOON, May 6 – October 28
About: The largest market in the metro-area, with 275 vendors providing an assortment of fresh produce, art, music and food vendors.


So tell us, what is your favorite part about Farmers Market season?

Filed Under: Lifestyles Tagged With: farmers markets, local produce, summer, summer activities

10 Des Moines Activities To Add To Your Summer Bucket List

May 6, 2016 by admin

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Believe it or not, school’s out in a few short weeks and it’s time to start working on that Summer Bucket List! Here is a list of our top 10 things to do in the Waukee / Des Moines area this Summer!

1. Celebrate Waukee: Unlock Yours

The second annual Celebrate Waukee festival is a family-friendly event perfect to get the Summer started right! With a movie, 5K run, inflatables, live music and fireworks, the festival is sure to please everyone in the family!

Date: June 3 – 4, 2016


2. Dallas County Fair

The Dallas County Fair is another fantastic taste of an Iowa-Summer. With 4-H shows, races, games and SO much more, the Dallas County Fair will quickly become an annual Summer-tradition!

Date: July 6 – 10, 2016


3. Living History Farms

Not just for school field trips, Living History Farms makes the perfect destination for some definite fun mixed with a little educational enrichment. The 500-acre outdoor museum tells an amazing story of how Iowans transformed the land over 300 years ago to the most productive farmland.

Hours:
Open Daily: May 1 – August 28, 2016
Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-4:00pm
Sunday, Noon-4:00pm


4. Saylorville Lake

Who doesn’t dream of playing on the water in a boat during those hot summer months!? Luckily, Saylorville Lake Marina makes dreams come true. Saylorville Lake Marina is Iowa’s premier boating and recreation spot, with a full-service marina dedicated to providing safe, fun, memorable experiences on our beautiful lake.

Store Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 8:00am-7:00pm
Friday – Sunday, 8:00am-8:00pm

Shuttle Boat Service:
Monday – Thursday, 9:00am-9:00pm
Friday, 9:00am-12:00am
Saturday, 8:00am-12:00am
Sunday, 8:00am-10:00pm


5. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Explore tropical gardens and breathtaking flowers in the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens. Explore the world of plants, learn a few gardening skills and take in the beauty.

Hours:
Daily 10:00am — 5:00pm
Trellis Cafe 11:00am — 2:00pm (Tue-Sun)


6. Science Center of Iowa

More than just your run-of-the-mill science museum, The Science Center of Iowa brings learning to life through hands-on learning and exploration! There is also an IMAX theater for a truly one-of-a-kind moving going experience!

Summer Hours (Memorial Day – Labor Day):
Monday – Saturday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday, 12:00pm – 5:00pm


7. Clive Aquatics Center

It’s not “officially” Summer until you’ve splished and splashed in a pool. The Clive Aquatic Center has something for everyone including a kiddie pool, lazy river, lap pool, splash pad and water slide!

Hours:
Monday – Friday, 11:30am – 7:00pm
Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am – 6:00pm


8. Holiday Park Aquatics Center

No Summer Bucket List includes only ONE way to get wet! The Holiday Park Aquatics Center offers another perfect place to dip your toes with three different kinds of slides!

Regular Hours (Starting June 2nd):
Weekdays, 11:30am-7:00pm ** Holiday closes at 5:30pm due to evening swim lessons during the following date ranges: 6/13-24, 7/5-29**
Saturdays, 11:30am-6:00pm
Sundays, Noon-5:45pm


9. Brown’s Woods Forest Preserve

Perfect for the nature lovers out there, Brown’s Woods Forest Preserve Brown’s Woods, Iowa’s largest urban forest preserve, offers more than four miles of trails to explore. This 486-acre forest provides a canopy of oak and hickory trees that stretch from Brown’s Woods Drive to the Raccoon River.

Summer Hours:
Monday – Sunday, 6:30am-10:30pm


10. Adventureland

With dozens of rides, including live shows and roller coasters, Adventureland is an obvious Summer Bucket List choice. With Adventure Bay waterpark included in your price of admission and the much anticipated debut of The Monster roller coaster this June, who wouldn’t be first in line?

Visit the website for full list of hours!


Is your favorite fun-in-the-sun activity not listed? Please comment below and share what’s on your “Des Moines Summer Bucket List”!

Filed Under: Lifestyles, PinPoints of Interest Tagged With: summer, summer activities, summer bucket list, summer in iowa

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