Outsider Stories: Jayne Durnin

For many, a city is defined by its skyline or its food scene. But for one Des Moines resident, the city is best experienced through the pavement beneath her running shoes and the canopy of trees over the local nature trails.

Jayne joined our board in 2024, but her history with Des Moines goes back further. After graduating from Iowa State, Jayne moved to the capital city. Her introduction to the area was immersive; landing a first job at Catch Des Moines, she was able to be, as she put it, "a part of all the fun things that our city offers!"

Finding the "Hub" of the City

When it comes to picking a favorite spot, the choice is tough. Gray’s Lake stands out as the undeniable heart of Jayne’s outdoor life. Living just a mile away, she gets to witness the lake as a constant hive of energy.

"It’s such a hub of activity, and it’s fun to see so many people enjoy it on a nice day!"

However, when she needs to shake things up, she heads to the nature trails in Ashworth Park. Swapping the pavement for a loop through the woods provides that perfect mental shift.

A Journey on Two Feet

While Jayne has been visiting Des Moines parks since she was a child, her relationship with the landscape changed forever when she laced up her running shoes for the first time a few years ago.

The city’s infrastructure didn't just provide a place to exercise; it provided the inspiration to achieve a major milestone: completing her first half-marathon.

"I don’t think I ever would have gotten into running or tried to run that far if not for our well-connected and beautiful trail system. You could explore the city all day without ever getting off the trail!"

The Daily Reset

These days, you can find Jayne at MacRae Park, her neighborhood go-to, almost every day of the week. Whether she is on a solo run to find a meditative moment or grabbing a coffee for a "catch-up walk" with their husband or friends, the trails are where life happens.

Spending time outdoors isn't just a hobby; it's a vital part of her well-being. Jayne describes the experience of being outdoors as a way to "reset and feel more fulfilled."

If Jayne had to describe the Des Moines park system in just one word, it would be: Important. It isn't just a luxury, it’s the backbone of the city’s health and happiness. For Jayne, these spaces are where Des Moines truly feels like home.

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Like Jayne, you can find physical, emotional, and overall well-being in Des Moines' Parks and Trails. Support the work of Friends of Des Moines Parks to protect and enhance the parks and trails that make our community a better place to live.