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 at 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, however, constant exposure to water, harsh seasonal weather, and significant structural deterioration created critical public-safety concerns. With estimated repair costs reaching an unfeasible $2.6 million, the Des Moines Art Center made the difficult decision to permanently dismantle and remove the artwork.
What's Next
The removal of the installation’s bridge left residents and visitors wondering what would come next for this area of Greenwood Park. Its absence created a noticeable gap in the walking-path experience, limiting access to the pond and changing an important element of the site’s beauty and character.
In response, passionate Des Moines residents and Greenwood Park advocates approached Friends of Des Moines Parks and Des Moines Parks and Recreation with a shared commitment to raise private funds for a replacement bridge. Their fundraising efforts were an outstanding success.
Thanks to the generosity, dedication, and hard work of these community members, a new bridge is planned for installation in early 2027. The bridge will restore access to the walking loop and help renew the experience of this beloved park.
Public Input
Des Moines Parks and Recreation’s Planning Division will begin a comprehensive public-input and planning process in fall 2026. This process will help shape future improvements and guide the next chapter for Greenwood Park.
