More Than Playgrounds: How Park-N-Play Builds Communities

Imagine a vibrant park, full of laughter and activity, appearing right in your neighborhood, no matter where you live. This vision is becoming a reality thanks to the Park-N-Play Mobile Recreation Initiative.

To ensure all kids in Des Moines have access to enriching play, a new mobile recreation van is now bringing organized activities to neighborhoods. This traveling initiative offers a diverse selection of games, sports equipment, crafts, and more. Operating five days a week (Monday-Thursday and Saturday), the van provides a consistent source of fun. Throughout the summer, each week has a unique theme, from 'Nature Adventure' to Superheros.' With 10 weekly stops, the van fosters active engagement, and its programming extends into the school year for after-school enjoyment. Find the summer Park-N-Play Schedule here.

How Park-N-Play Bridges the Gap

Children playing outdoors, building with large colorful blocks.

Building new parks can be a lengthy process. To address this, Amarre Negussie, a parks and recreation employee, explains that the "Park and Play Mobile Recreation Initiative" was created to bring quality recreation programming to underserved communities that typically don't have easy access to parks. This initiative recognizes the significant benefits of outdoor play. As highlighted in "The Benefits of Outdoor Play" (National Recreation and Park Association, December 21, 2023), engaging in group play activities helps children develop crucial social skills like sharing, cooperation, and conflict resolution, while also fostering effective communication, friendships, and empathy.

In 2024, the Friends of Des Moines Parks contributed to acquiring the Mobile Recreation van for Des Moines Parks and Recreation. Our mission at Friends of Des Moines Parks is to foster a healthier and more vibrant Des Moines community by preserving, enhancing, and advocating for parks, trails, and recreational programs. We believe that enhancing parks and promoting recreational opportunities improves the quality of life for both residents and visitors, thereby enriching the Des Moines community.