About Us
Our Mission and History
At Friends of Des Moines Parks, we are dedicated to creating a healthier and more vibrant Des Moines community for all by preserving, enhancing and advocating for parks, trails and recreational programs.
We believe that improving parks and supporting opportunities for recreation elevates the quality of life for our residents and visitors, enriching the Des Moines community.
First established by a group of citizens as The Des Moines Park and Recreation Foundation in 1993, the Friends of Des Moines Parks is a nonprofit 501c3 organization securing philanthropic dollars from grants, private donors, event sponsors and corporate partners to support our 78 parks, 82 miles of trail, community recreation centers and gardens, aquatic facilities and numerous recreational programs. Prioritizing equitable recreational access has been a cornerstone for the Friends of Des Moines Parks since its inception. The Friends continue to extend critical support for swim lesson scholarships, youth sports programs, upgrading or replacing park amenities like playgrounds and shelters, funding trail improvements, and supporting sustainability and conservation.
Building Healthy Communities
Creating spaces and activities that promote health and wellness for all ages.
Creating Inclusivity and Connections
Developing parks and programs where every member of our diverse community feels welcome and included.
Conserving and Beautifying Nature
Conserving the natural beauty of our parks and city spaces to help secure a bright future.
Cultivating Youth and the Future
Nurturing our next generation with enriching programs and safe spaces for our youth.
Our Focus Areas
Your Support Matters
The Friends of Des Moines Parks bridges the gap between public funding and the costs to deliver one of the premier park systems in the country to the Des Moines community. As budgets and resources are increasingly stretched to support Des Moines’ park system, public funding often falls short of what's needed to keep our parks and programs thriving.
We collaborate closely with the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department, the 2022 NRPA Gold Medal Winner for excellence in long-range planning, fiscal and resource management and innovative approaches to delivering superb park and recreation services. As a private 501(c)3 non-profit foundation, we get to support the amazing and innovative work in progress while retaining the flexibility of an independent organization governed by a non-political volunteer Board. This public-private partnership allows us to adapt quickly to support and improve our cherished public spaces and programs in ways that would otherwise not be possible.
Parks and Recreation Resources
Check out these Parks & Recreation resources to learn more about the parks and recreation vision, projects and innovations that help create a brighter future for Des Moines through parks:
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The Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, LiveDSM – This comprehensive vision and plan, developed in 2019, outlines how Des Moines will transform parks and recreation from a series of distinct outdoor spaces scattered throughout the metro to a system that meets residents where they live and aims to elevate their everyday quality of life.
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Des Moines Parks and Recreation 2023 Annual Report – This report summarizes all that happened in 2023 and includes a list of all the parks amenities and programs that are supported for just $169 a year in property taxes.
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Parks & Recreation Projects – Check out current and future projects and plans for Des Moines park system.
Board Members
BETH PARGULSKI
President
My family and I have enjoyed the parks, pools, and trails of Des Moines for years, creating countless memories through walks, bike rides, and summer days at the pools. These spaces have been central to our lives, and I am passionate about serving the board’s mission to ensure they continue to thrive for future generations to enjoy.
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PETER KIERNAN
Vice President
There is nothing better than spending time at one of our parks in Des Moines! On a beautiful day you will see me cycling through Water Works Park or walking in Glendale Cemetery. Becoming a member of the Friends of Des Moines Parks Board has allowed me insight to the great people it takes to develop and maintain these great locations. During the week I am employed with John Deere at their Intelligent Solutions Group. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, participating in car shows, and attending weekly Mass at St. Augustin’s Catholic Church.
SCOTT NEVITT
Treasurer
I absolutely love our trails around the DSM area, so you will find me either training or leisure riding during the spring and summer months while preparing for Ragbrai which is a perfect complement to my love for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State Fair! I love mentoring, coaching, and helping others achieve their performance goals.
NATHAN HAGGARD
Secretary
I joined the Friends of Des Moines Parks board after P&R Director Ben Page reached out and encouraged me to serve, based on my passion for our city and our wonderful park system. As I start my second term, I aam mazed at the work that is done by our Parks and Recreation department to maintain our parks while developing programming and services that allow for equitable access to all, and I am honored to be a small part of supporting their mission. During the week I work as a Senior Examiner in Supervision and Regulation at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. On evenings and weekends, my partner and I enjoy easy access to our amazing trail system. We are also lucky to have a home that backs to the small, yet mighty Carney Park and love listening to kids cheer on each other as they use the athletic fields!
At Large
Ex Officio and Honorary Members
Jane Hein
Cynde Fanter
Liz Neumann
Dr. Michael Eberle
Janis Ruan
Carl Voss
SARAH LOHMEIER
Executive Director
I spend my time hiking, biking, traveling and catching live music with my husband Eric, and spoiling the family dog, Layla. I also enjoy cooking and attending our daughter's soccer matches and track meets.
JENNA BATES
Accounting Director jenna@friendsofdmparks.org
I enjoy traveling, hiking, biking, and exploring with my husband, daughter, and pup. My favorite Des Moines Park is Grays Lake and I love how connected Des Moines is with all the great trails.
JESSICA FAUE
Administrative Assistant
I love summer days, taking my sons to playgrounds & splash pads. Together with my husband, we enjoy traveling, biking the trails and drinking craft beer!