Des Moines Water Works Park

This place is huge! I didn’t realize how big it was my first few visits, but it just keeps going! I think it would be easiest to explain as 3 different areas. One area near Gray Lake, with a small and large stage – this is where the public events are – has a nice playground, circle walking path, nice clean bathrooms, lots of water fountains and trash cans, always very upkept, also has a few sculptures, and is handicap accessible. A second area is a series of what I can best describe as ponds that seem good for fishing. Lots of people fishing here. This area is the opposite of the last one. Lots of bugs, overgrown, some trash around, no facilities in this area, but very pretty – was scared by a snake . After this area is another large area that is in-between the two. Big open upkept areas, less bugs as the grass is short but more towards a very large pond in the middle, several picnic tables, there was a shelter area with tables that might have had restrooms, but there was a large group using the area so didn’t check that part out yet. Seems large enough with enough variety that it could meet whatever someone is looking for in a park. Not sure if it has any wooded trails, but tons of space to walk and check things out. Also right by Gray’s lake and Jasper winery – lots to do in a small area.