"It’s Our Backyard": A Conversation with Margaret Wright

We met with Margaret Wright at Evelyn K. Davis Park to learn more about the impact of the King Irving Neighborhood Association. Margaret shares her perspective on the importance of maintaining our parks and why community involvement is the key to keeping these spaces vibrant for everyone.

Meet Margaret Wright

Q: Please introduce yourself.

"Hi, I’m Margaret Wright, and I’m the President of the King Irving Neighborhood Association. We are here in our beautiful park, Evelyn K. Davis Park, which is truly at the center of our neighborhood."

Q: How long have you been a part of the King Irving Neighborhood Association?

"I’ve been with King Irving for about five years, and prior to that, I was in Chautauqua Park. So I’ve been involved with the Des Moines parks system and various neighborhood associations for a number of years."

The Power of Neighborhood Action

Q: What makes you passionate about neighborhood associations?

"It’s really about how certain things get done. For example, in addition to our work with Parks and Rec at Evelyn K. Davis Park, we're also working with the Reichardt Center, which is going to be opening soon. The neighbors were instrumental in giving feedback and pushing for that, along with involving City Council members and Parks and Rec staff. It’s been great to have that emphasis from the residents and neighbors who actually live here."

"We also have a joint effort called Near Northside Neighbors, which includes six neighborhood associations that all work together. We collaborate on input

regarding the parks, the recreation center, and other things with the city."

Evelyn K. Davis: More Than Just a Park

Q: What is your favorite Des Moines park or trail, and why?

"Ah, it's got to be Evelyn K. Davis Park! It's not just the place; it's the heart that went into this park. This area used to be the home of Irving Junior High and Nash Elementary. When those came down, a beautiful library was put in at the far east end that actually adjoins the park."

"It’s truly a treasure because kids can do activities at the library, come outside, read books, and be a part of the green space. We work together with the library on many activities here."

Q: Tell us about the new courts.

"We are so fond of our new basketball courts! They were done by an award-winning artist, and the design input was provided by the neighbors. The art represents the different cultures in the community and serves as a remembrance of Evelyn K. Davis."

Parks Are for Everyone

Q: When you’re at the park, what variety of people do you see utilizing the space?

"The beauty of being here is you get to see everybody of every age and different nationalities using this park. We have futsal courts, soccer fields, and basketball courts that bring in families and young people. We also have a playground for young kids and toddlers. We even hold festivals and celebrations here, like our recent multicultural festival, which allows us to interact with all our neighbors."

Q: What does the phrase 'Parks are for Everyone' mean to you when you look at the diversity of users?

"When I hear that phrase, it literally means everyone. We have ramps and accessibility here so that everyone of any ability can come and be a part of the park. It’s for all ages. We are doing a lot of multicultural and intergenerational work. Anyone and everyone is welcome to the parks system—it’s free and open for all. It's the best value in town."

Looking Forward

Q: What is something you are hopeful for the future of the parks?

"That we continue to invest in them. We need to fund and maintain our parks because there’s nothing sadder than seeing an investment go to waste. The investment that was made in the courts here at Evelyn K. Davis, for example, has brought children back to the park and provided a safe place to be."

Q: If someone wants to make sure these great neighborhood parks continue to thrive, what would you tell them?

"In order for our parks to thrive, there are two things: Number one, they are right in our backyard and part of our neighborhood, so take care of them. Number two, utilize them. We come to help with cleaning up, but we also make sure to set aside time to truly enjoy the park."

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?

"Just the appreciation that it takes partnership. It takes the Friends of Des Moines Parks and foundations, it takes the city, but it also takes the neighborhood, to help bring everything together and just utilize the parks."