Site work for a playground / park / athletic field in Des Moines, Iowa. Conceptual plans call for site work for a playground / park / athletic field.

The master plan for Birdland Park and Marina was developed in 2021 and unanimously adopted by both the Parks and Recreation Board and the City Council. The master plan outlines a logical, highest value approach to implementing multiple phases of proposed improvements. Implementation of the full Master Plan was estimated at $54.4 million in 2021. The city is currently pursuing a grant to implement Phase 1A and Phase 1B of the Birdland Park and Marina Master Plan. A $4.9 million funding request for the combined Phase 1 improvements was submitted to the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Destination Iowa Grant Program. Design, engineering and permitting for master plan phase 1 is currently underway. Pending City Council approval, the western portion of master plan phase 1, referred to as phase 1A is expected to commence construction in Fall of 2024 and be substantially complete by Fall of 2025. Pending grant award and Council approval the entirety of master plan phase 1 would commence construction including phase 1A and 1B, components of each phase are further detailed below. Birdland Park and Marina Master Plan Phase 1 (subject to available funding and Council approval): ** Phase 1A: powerboat ramp; ADA-accessible boat launch pier; realignment of the Neal Smith Trail for greater flood resiliency; parking improvements with lighting (25 standard vehicle spaces and 25 vehicle trailer spaces, ADA parking included); two open-air shelters with lighting and electrical service; multiple fishing outcroppings, ADA-accessible and hike-in; trail connection to the Neal Smith Trail between the 2nd Avenue bridges; shoreline shaping and resiliency improvements; stormwater management improvements; native prairie plantings and native tree and shrub plantings. ** Phase 1B: redeveloped parking with lighting near the Ding Darling Shelter; ADA-accessible exterior deck around the Ding Darling Shelter; Destination playground: Play-pod playground, ages 2-5 and Playground, ages 5-12; sprayground and plaza; pavilion with integrated restroom, storage, and concessions space; skating experience; great lawn for community events; stormwater management improvements; improved pathway circulation; bike traffic safety garden; native prairie plantings, and native tree and shrub plantings; park gateway feature and/or park monument sign; pedestrian crossing improvements to better connect Birdland Park with Union Park. This project is included in the city’s fy 2024-2027 Capital Improvement Program. As of December 10, 2024, further details regarding construction and completion timelines have not been identified. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.