Our Parks
Need Advocates
The City of Des Moines is beginning crucial discussions around substantial budget cuts coming in 2027, and our Parks and Recreation programs face significant challenges. Now is the time for our community to come together, make our voices heard, and protect the spaces and programs that make Des Moines a healthier, safer, and more connected place to live.
Why Our Parks Matter
Parks provide so much more than beautiful green space. They are the heart of our community!
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Individual Wellbeing: They support our physical and mental well-being.
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Community Connection: They create welcoming places for neighbors to meet and connect.
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Economic Impact: They offer recreation programs that strengthen families and lift up neighborhoods.
While rising costs and funding limits mean our city faces some tough budget choices, it also gives us a wonderful opportunity to show just how much these spaces mean to us.
How You Can Help Right Now!
We make the biggest impact when we speak up together. Here is how you can take action today:
Take the Community Survey: Share your story and tell the City of Des Moines why parks matter to you! Your feedback gives us the data we need to demonstrate the undeniable value of our parks to city leaders.
Stay Connected: We will be sharing more impactful ways to get involved in the coming weeks.
Follow Friends of Des Moines Parks so you never miss an update:
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Follow us on Instagram: @friendsofdmparks
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Connect with us on Facebook: @friendsofdmparks
Spread the Word: Let your friends and neighbors know that Every Park Needs an Advocate. Share this page and help us grow our community of park champions!
Contact Your City Council Member
City council members are your neighbors, and they genuinely want to hear how budget decisions will impact the people they represent! Dropping them a quick, friendly email or voicemail is one of the most powerful ways to ensure parks remain a priority.
Share Your Park Story
Your personal stories make the biggest impact. Try filling in one of the following sentence starters:
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"Because of Des Moines parks and programs, my family was able to..."
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"My favorite memory in a Des Moines park is..."
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"The park programs have impacted my physical and mental well-being by..."
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"Without our local parks and trails, I wouldn't have a safe space to..."
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"I love my neighborhood park because it's where I connect with..."