At Friends of Des Moines Parks, we believe the best way to understand the true impact of our parks, trails, and programs is through the voices of those who live, work, and play in them every day. This week, as part of our year-end "Parks Are For Everyone" campaign, we want to highlight a story from John Schmidt, a dedicated board member and long-time Des Moines resident, who shares his perspective on why our parks are so vital and what makes the work of Friends so special.

John Schmidt moved to central Iowa in 1980 and has been an active user of Des Moines' parks and trails for 45 years. His connection to these spaces runs deep, a bond that only strengthened during unprecedented times.

Q: You mentioned taking your grandchildren to the parks during the most restricted times of COVID-19. What did it feel like to have that resource available when everything else felt uncertain?

"COVID made me truly value our parks. My spouse and I provided daycare for our two grandchildren for three days a week after their daycare closed in March 2020. Many places were closed, but we were thrilled to learn that the parks were open. We visited a number of them on a regular basis in 2020 and 2021. The parks were one of the few places we could go without masks in the early months of the pandemic—because there were so few people there—and that felt wonderful because it was 'normal.' We spent many hours at Greenwood Park, Union Park, Ewing Park, Birdland Park, McHenry Park, and others. Our grandchildren loved the playgrounds and splash pads!"

Q: What makes the mission and work of Friends uniquely effective in the Des Moines community?

"Friends of Des Moines Parks is special because my family and I can see, and benefit from, the improvements in the parks, trails, and pools/aquatic centers in the City of Des Moines that are funded (in whole or in part) by Friends. This organization is having a huge impact on the quality of life in Greater Des Moines because so many residents take advantage of those parks, trails, and pools on a regular basis."

Q: How have the parks and trails personally enhanced your daily life? Can you recall a specific moment where you felt a sense of joy or profound connection?

"I moved to central Iowa in 1980 and I have been running and biking on the trails for 45 years. I think they are one of the most important amenities the City of Des Moines offers to residents. I relied on them when I was training for RAGBRAI between 2003 and 2012, and biking on a trail on a lovely day remains one of my favorite activities!"

Q: Is there any other message you'd like to share that highlights why you believe our parks are essential for everyone?

"Our parks play a critical role in building community. They provide an opportunity to meet our neighbors, e.g., when neighborhood associations host meetings, when families gather for a picnic, or when children invite friends to join them on a playground with adult supervision. We need to support Friends to enable us to maintain the quality of our great parks!"

Your Support Makes These Stories Possible

The profound personal experiences shared by John—from finding normalcy during the pandemic to training for RAGBRAI—rely on donors who protect our essential park infrastructure. Your gift ensures that our trails and parks remain vibrant, accessible spaces for healthy activities, community gatherings, and long-term memory-making for all Des Moines residents.

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!