The Parks and Recreation Department oversees 1,303 acres of parkland consisting of parks, special use facilities, a natural resource area, greenways, and 65 miles of paved multi-purpose trails. The department provides a wide variety of recreational services including operating a full-service community center, softball complex, two outdoor aquatic centers, spray grounds, nature lodge, dog park, archery facility, amphitheater, boathouse, and recreation complex. Program areas include adult sports, youth introductory sports, nature programs, senior programs, aquatics, travel, martial arts, arts and culture, and special events.

WDM Parks and Recreation Program Guide

Winter/Spring 2025

Registration begins on Tuesday, November 5 at 8 am

Fall 2024

Registration begins on Tuesday, August 6 at 8 am

 Questions? Call 515-222-3444 or email ParkRec@wdm.iowa.gov

 

 

RECREATION PROGRAM REFUND POLICY
Please call the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department Administrative Office at 515-222-3444 Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to request a refund.

  1. Full refunds will be given if the request is submitted no later than 15 days before the program start date.
  2. Refund requests submitted less than 14 days before the start date will be refunded 50% of the program registration fee.
  3. Requests for refunds submitted after the event start date or completion of the program will not be considered.
  4. Please allow 2-3 weeks to process a check refund for payments originally made by cash or check. No cash refunds will be given.
  5. Payments made by credit/debit card will be refunded back to the original credit/debit card.
  6. The Recreation Program Refund Policy does not apply to travel programs, culinary programs, RP Kids Day Camps, or adult sport leagues.
  7. Refunds for medical situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

CANCELLATION POLICY
We reserve the right to cancel a program or activity that does not meet the minimum number of participants necessary to offer the program.

REGISTRATION CHANGE FEE
A fee of $5 will be charged for each registration change made after participants are enrolled in the program.

RECREATION PROGRAM ASSISTANCE
Fee discounts are available for WDM residents meeting guidelines for assistance. Contact WDM Human Services at 515-222-3660.

ACCOMMODATIONS
It is the responsibility of the individual with a disability requiring accommodations to inform the Parks and Recreation Department, at least 72 hours in advance. Please call 222-3444 to have accommodations provided.

PHOTOGRAPHIC RELEASE
By participating in a West Des Moines Parks and Recreation program, activity, or special event, participants and volunteers grant and convey unto the City all rights, titles, and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made by the City during the City activities, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings.

INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT
West Des Moines Parks and Recreation is committed to promoting inclusive practices across all public spaces, places, facilities, and programs the department offers. We seek to provide everyone the opportunity to fully participate in services and programs that enhance their quality of life including individuals with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, our LGBTQ+ community, and culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

ANTI-BULLYING STATEMENT
The Parks & Recreation Department will not tolerate bullying* in any program or activity, and staff will do all they reasonably can to create a safe space for participants, regardless of an individual’s actual or perceived age, color, creed/denomination, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes/appearance, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.

* For the purposes of this statement, bullying is defined as the unwanted, aggressive use of physical, social or mental/intellectual power to control, harm or humiliate another person in a repetitive or pervasive manner.

 

2023 Department Annual Report