Greenwood Park

This project introduces fully donor-funded upgrades to Greenwood Park.

Greenwood Park History

Greenwood Park was established in 1894 as the first official municipal park in Des Moines. Before the City acquired the 80.8-acre property, it was known as Brown’s Park and hosted the Iowa State Fair from 1879 to 1885.

In the early 20th century, Greenwood Park evolved into a popular scenic destination. A prominent Chicago landscape architecture firm developed a comprehensive design for the park, which included an artesian well, a beloved boating pavilion, and even live herds of elk and bison.

The park’s cultural and recreational offerings continued to grow in the decades that followed. The adjoining Ashworth Park and pool were added in the 1920s, followed by the Sylvan Theater outdoor amphitheater in 1931 and the Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden in 1933. Since 1948, Greenwood Park has also been home to the world-class Des Moines Art Center. Today, visitors enjoy nature trails, a fishing pond, spraygrounds and playgrounds, an enclosed shelter, tennis courts, and many other amenities throughout this historic park.

Mary Miss: Greenwood Pond: Double Site

In 1996, artist Mary Miss created Greenwood Pond: Double Site by the Des Moines Art Center. Recognized as the first urban wetland project in the United States, the environmental art installation invited visitors to experience the pond ecosystem up close through a series of wood, concrete, and steel boardwalks and pavilions.

Over time, and despite several restoration efforts, the constant exposure to water, harsh seasonal weather, and significant structural deterioration created critical public-safety concerns and a need for the Des Moines Art Center to deinstall the artwork at Greenwood Park.

What's Next

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the community for its incredible generosity and leadership in raising the funds to support the direct installation of a new pedestrian bridge at Greenwood Park Pond. This successful fundraising effort demonstrates the power and impact of park advocacy and philanthropic partners.

The new bridge will be located at the north end of the pond, spanning the intermittent stream and reconnecting the park’s walking loop. It will replace the pedestrian connection previously provided by the bridge that was an integral part of the former Greenwood Pond: Double Site artwork and was removed with the installation.

The bridge design and request for quotations have been completed and approved by City Council. Installation is planned for winter 2026–2027, with completion and opening anticipated in spring 2027.

The new bridge will be 35 feet long and 8 feet wide, featuring weathered steel construction with a concrete deck and aprons. Produced by the same manufacturer, its design will be very similar to the MacRae Park Phase III bridge.

The bridge replacement is an exciting first step toward Greenwood Park’s next chapter.

The next steps in developing and advancing a broader vision for Greenwood Park will be funded by donations and private contributions received by Friends of Des Moines Parks, along with grant support. Continued generosity will help the community build on this initial success and plan for the park’s future.

Public Input

Des Moines Parks and Recreation’s Development and Planning Division will soon announce opportunities for the community to participate in a broader park visioning effort and an update to Greenwood Park’s 2002 master plan.

Supported by private donor and grant funding, this process will invite residents, visitors, stakeholders, and park advocates to share their ideas and help shape future priorities. Together, we can honor Greenwood Park’s history while envisioning how it can serve the community for generations to come, given the realities of current budget constraints.

Public Input Session

Date: Wednesday, October 7
Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m.
Location: Greenwood Park
Description: In the green space along 45th Street, just south of the pond

For more information, visit Greenwood Park Project

Support Greenwood Park’s Future

The community helped make a new bridge possible. Your continued support can help bring Greenwood Park’s broader vision to life.

Friends of Des Moines Parks receives donations and private contributions to support the next steps beyond the bridge replacement. Gifts designated for Greenwood Park will help support this ongoing effort, from planning for the park’s future to advancing improvements guided by the community’s vision.

Help shape Greenwood Park’s next chapter by donating to Friends of Des Moines Parks and designating your gift for Greenwood Park.