saylorville lake cottonwood recreation area shelter 3

SAYLORVILLE LAKE COTTONWOOD RECREATION AREA SHELTER 3 FULL

For more on rentals, see the Des Moines Park Shelters page. There are also two enclosed shelters available by reservation. The open-air shelter can be reserved and is otherwise first-come, first-serve. Picnic benches are in several areas at the park. There’s so much to do and see there you’ll want to pack a lunch or grill dinner. Union Park is a beautiful place to picnic. Make a game of tennis part of your visit to Union Park! The tennis court is on the park’s north side (Guthrie Ave), near the splash pool. You can also rent the area for your next event! Play tennis Or sit on one of the many benches and enjoy the surroundings. Stroll through the gardens during the summer months to see what plants are blooming. Playground and splash pool area Explore the gardensĪ formal garden with several planted areas is on the park’s southeast side (between Thompson and E. Did we mention it’s free!? For hours, see the city’s website. Not only that, but it’s near the carousel and other playgrounds, so the kids can have a ton of fun. The zero-depth entry splash pool and pad with sprinklers are on the park’s north end. And other play structures around the park are fun for all ages. Part of the rocket slide was closed when we visited Play at the playgroundsĪ visit to the Union Park Rocket Slide is a must. See the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines website for more information on the carousel. Adopting (and naming!) carousel animals, you can help them out! For more ways to contribute, see the website. To keep rides affordable, the Des Moines Carousel Foundation relies on donations. Late August – September, open on weekends only.Memorial Weekend – August (when school starts): Tuesday – Sunday, 11 am – 7 pm.Season passes, wristbands, punch cards, and tokens are available for frequent riders.50 cents for kids (adults standing beside small children ride free).Plus, it features paintings of landmarks around the Des Moines area, like the Botanical Garden and the Salisbury House. Not only is the carousel fun, but it’s a fantastic work of art! Carousel animals are all hand-carved and painted. Another great feature is its wheelchair accessibility. Heritage Carousel is a nostalgic, turn-of-the-century replica carousel, complete with band organ music! It’s worth stopping for a ride on one of 30 animals (or chariots) on this 37-foot, 3-row wood carousel. And formal gardens have always been a part of the park, and you can still stroll through them today.Ĭarousel building (closed when we visited) Things to Do at Union Park Ride the Heritage Carousel The historic park entrance underwent restoration in 2012. As a result, the carousel now offers tens of thousands of rides to kids each year. The association worked with the city council on an operating agreement.

And then, in 1998, a historic carousel came to Union Park, thanks to Buz Brenton of the Des Moines Heritage Carousel Association. In the 1970s, a rocket slide got installed and became a favorite among kids. And in the early years, it had an aviary, pavilion, and greenhouse. The City of Des Moines bought 27 acres from the Thompson family and established Union Park in 1894. The area around Union Park was once called Thompson’s Bend, so named after the original landowners. But that’s not all – visitors also enjoy the green space, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more.

SAYLORVILLE LAKE COTTONWOOD RECREATION AREA SHELTER 3 FULL

Union Park is a 51-acre park in Des Moines, full of nostalgia and fun for all ages! Unique park highlights include a working carousel, formal gardens, and a splash pool.

Saylorville lake cottonwood recreation area shelter 3