Des Moines Sought Feedback on Greenwood Park Improvements

The city held community sessions to guide future upgrades for the historic, 81-acre site.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in National Parks

Bold vector editorial illustration of a stone park archway and a path, evoking the historic character of Des Moines' Greenwood Park. — Des Moines officials are seeking community feedback on planned upgrades for Greenwood Park as the city explores options for external grant funding. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support relying on private donations to fund improvements at your local city parks?

Des Moines officials recently hosted public meetings to gather resident input regarding planned improvements for the city's historic Greenwood Park. The city seeks to leverage this feedback to attract grants and private donations amid significant budget constraints.

Why it matters

With the city facing a projected $12 million budget shortfall in fiscal year 2028, there is currently no dedicated funding for park revitalization. Officials hope that demonstrating strong public interest will help secure external financial support for the project.

Established in 1894, Greenwood Park spans 81 acres and borders the 30-acre Ashworth Park. The city previously removed the Greenwood Pond: Double Site art installation following a $900,000 settlement.

The players

Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department

This municipal agency manages public green spaces and recreational programming throughout the city of Des Moines.

Friends of Des Moines Parks

This organization functions as a non-profit advocacy group dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the city's park system.

The details

The Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department organized community feedback sessions to identify park priorities while Friends of Des Moines Parks prepares to lead fundraising efforts. The department also plans to distribute an online questionnaire to capture input from residents unable to attend the in-person sessions.

Greenwood Park was established by the city in 1894.
The city held two community feedback sessions on October 7, 2026.
A new pedestrian bridge is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Fiscal year 2028 begins on July 1, 2027.

Travel Outlook

This initiative follows the controversial $900,000 settlement regarding the Greenwood Pond: Double Site installation. The city is now working to pivot from that legal dispute toward a collaborative revitalization model for the park.

Residents should monitor city announcements to participate in the upcoming online questionnaire regarding park priorities. Engaging in this process now allows community members to influence how the city prioritizes future grant applications for the park.

The takeaway

The city is shifting toward a fundraising-focused model to manage its aging public infrastructure in the face of fiscal challenges. Residents can play a critical role in these efforts by documenting their specific needs and priorities for park usage.