Finding Adventure in the Everyday: A Des Moines Park User Story

At Friends of Des Moines Parks, we believe our trails and green spaces are more than just places for recreation—they are the essential infrastructure of our community life. To showcase this, we spoke with Michael Zimmerman, a local business owner, father, and active user of the Des Moines trail system.

What initially drew you to the Des Moines trail system?

"Being outside and on trails has always been a part of who I am. For a long time, trails meant recreation—getting my exercise in or getting from A to B. It wasn’t until a few years ago, when I started having kids, that my perspective changed. I realized trails could be used as something different than just recreation; they could be part of your routine and your day-to-day infrastructure."

How does the trail system add value to your family's life and routine?

"For my family, we’ve tried to make the trails part of our daily routine. Whether it's biking to school with the boys or just unwinding after a long day, we are fortunate to live very close to trails that immediately put us into nature. My parents also live eight miles up the trail, so it’s a connection point for us.

It really is infrastructure that allows our days to be a bit more adventurous. That’s very important to us: finding the adventure in the little moments. If that means skipping the car and taking the bikes to Grandma and Grandpa’s house, that’s what we lean into."

Can you share a specific, moving memory that happened on the trails?

"I’ve had a lot of important life memories associated with the trails. I specifically think of the red bridge downtown that goes across the river—that’s where I had my first date with my wife, sitting on that bridge.

More recently, my boys and I have really gotten into 'mountain biking light.' There are so many trails near my house where we can go and have some family adventure. When we’ve been biking to school, the way the sunshine cuts through the leaves is almost blinding. It can really bring you back to the present moment. For me, there are so many moments of sun in my eyes, taking the kids to school, but doing it in a way that is a bit more adventurous and curated to the life we want."

"I really believe that the opportunity to be in nature and to find adventure in the everyday is the best thing that the trails can offer."

What are you hopeful for in the future of our parks?

"As an event producer, I’m hopeful that we can continue to add diversity to the opportunities you have at a park. I love that Des Moines is creating more recreation opportunities within the parks themselves. I think about the BMX track at Ewing Park, which is something my kids aspire to, so more and more opportunities in the parks to really be adventurous."

Final Thoughts on the Des Moines Trail System:

"One thing I’ve come to love about utilizing the trails is just how it tends to slow down time a little bit. As a parent, that is one thing we all strive for: to make moments into memories.

I feel so fortunate to live in a place where I can literally bike the trails to work. The first half of the ride is completely secluded in trees, and then you get over the bridge inside of Water Works Park, and you are suddenly next to a metropolitan downtown, and then you’re back in nature. That juxtaposition is something really unique to Des Moines, and it's one of my favorite things about being a resident here."

Your Support Makes These Stories Possible

Stories of adventure, connection, and family routine, like the one shared by Michael, happen every day because committed donors ensure our trails and parks are well-maintained, safe, and accessible.

Your gift ensures that every neighbor has the opportunity to find adventure and connection right here in Des Moines.

Support the "Parks Are For Everyone" Campaign Today!

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