Each year the Des Moines Park and Recreation Department’s greenhouse grows over 200,000 flowering annuals for community groups to plant in public spaces such as right-of way’s, medians, street corners, parkways, and land owned by non-profits including schools within the city limits of Des Moines.
Plants ordered by September 20th can be scheduled for pick-up Friday, May 13 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Saturday, May 14 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the City’s greenhouses located at 2501 Maury Street. A sign up for pick up will be sent to all groups that have received email confirmation.
Individuals or groups interested in planting in public spaces should contact their neighborhood association to place an order. Learn what neighborhood association you belong to by using the online tool
Show Me My House by entering your address and selecting from the list of valid addresses. The correct association will be displayed for your area. To find out more about your neighborhood visit the “Des Moines Neighborhoods" (link to this page on the new site) page and select your named neighborhood.
If your neighborhood association does not participate in this program, please contact Park staff. The Park’s Horticulture Inspector must approve all new and existing flower beds on city property such as medians, parkland, vacant lots and street corners. Any flower bed planted on land not owned or maintained by the City of Des Moines such as schools or community centers need not contact park staff. For more information
E-mail Us or call 515-248-6384.
FALL PERENNIAL DIVIDE 
The City of Des Moines will be following COVID-19 CDC guidelines for a safe event, Here is a link to the Return to Play for the Perennial Divide.
Perennial Divide Return to PlayOver the last 22 years, the Des Moines Park and Recreation Department has accepted plant donations from the public to be planted in City parks and neighborhood community gardens. In 2019, over 500 plants were received from donations, which were planted by groups such as Orchard Place, Des Moines Public Libraries, Carver Elementary School and Bidwell Riverside. By cleaning out your garden, and donating your plants to the Parks and Recreation Department, this will help renew it and help beautify Des Moines public spaces. Residents who are donating plant material are asked to label their plants and identify its sun requirements, height, and color of flower. No donation is too small. We welcome plants of all kinds including perennials, bulbs, groundcovers, ornamental grasses, shrubs, seeds and bulbs.
Donations will be accepted at the City greenhouse beginning Friday, September 17th and ending at noon Saturday, September 18, 2021.
All types and varieties of plant material are welcome, including perennial flowers, bulbs, ground covers, ornamental grasses, shrubs, and annuals. No donation is too small! Donors are asked to label their plants with the type of plant, sun requirements, height, and color.
Non-profit groups that have been confirmed to receive donations can pick up plants on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The general public is asked to bring plant donations to: Chesterfield Community Center - 2501 SE Maury on Friday, September 17th, 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. or on Saturday, September 18th, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. If you are a group that is interested in receiving plant material or any additional information on the Neighborhood Flower Program or the Perennial Divide, please contact Julie Hempel, Des Moines Park and Recreation Department at 515/248-6384 or flowers@dmgov.org.
Receiving Plants
If you are a group that is interested in receiving plant material or any additional information on the Park and Recreation Greenhouse, Neighborhood Flower Program or the Perennial Divide, please contact Julie Hempel, Horticulture Inspector, at 515-248-6384 or flowers@dmgov.org.
- Parks and Recreation operates two pools and three aquatic centers, managing 2,000,000 gallons of water.
- There are 4 splash pools, 9 spraygrounds, and 9 wading pools.
There are 63 miles of paved multi-use trails and 18 miles of soft surface trails. Maintenance includes mowing along the sides, sweeping off debris, trimming trees and cleaning up after high water events.
Central Iowa Trails MapFind more information on our
Trails page.
We manage natural resource including:
- Forestry mulcher used for woodland restoration
- Hand cutting and treating invasive plant species
- Prescribed fire in woodlands and prairies
- Plant native seed mixes based on soil types
Parks and Recreation staff manage ponds and detention areas including:
- Working with the Iowa DNR to monitor fish populations and stock when appropriate.
- Mechanically and chemically treat for aquatic weeds.
The Parks Division maintains the facilities and grounds within the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. 
Current amenities;
