Birdland Park Awarded Nearly $5.3 Million Grant From U.S. Department of Interior For Improvements

Press Release

Des Moines, Iowa- Thursday, August 8, 2024 - The City of Des Moines has received a grant totaling nearly $5.3 million from the U.S. Department of the Interior as part of its announcement of $46.7 million in funding through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program.

Birdland Park and Marina Masterplan Improvements Phase 1 is one of 10 community-led park projects across the country that have been selected to receive grant funding for more equitable access to the outdoors. Des Moines joins other community recipients including Tucson, Arizona; Porterville, California; Kansas City, Missouri; New Brunswick, New Jersey, Garner and Raleigh, North Carolina; Cleveland, Ohio; and Houston, Texas.

The Birdland Park and Marina Master Plan Phase 1 is part of a larger initiative of construction improvements across five major project phases to implement the inclusive and visionary plan that was developed through the master planning process, then adopted by the Parks and Recreation Board - 2021, and City Council - 2021. Pending City Council approval, the western portion of the Phase 1 project is expected to commence in the fall of 2024.

"This is a big and exciting step forward for this project," said Ward 2 City Council Member Linda Westergaard. "This grant recognizes the importance of providing more equitable access to Birdland Park and Marina, and our vision to transform it into a thriving recreational area that will drive greater engagement and more economic activity for this part of our community. We want to thank Congressman Zach Nunn and the Department of the Interior for their support."

Design of the first phase master plan improvements has been in progress since early 2023. Under the Parks and Recreation Department's plan, the existing 55-acre park will be reimagined with the addition of playgrounds, splash pad, skating ribbon, water ICON trail, open-air shelters with river overlooks and a new deck. It also adds restrooms, facility rental and concessions, improved parking, stormwater management controls, landscaping, fishing areas, a power boat ramp, a pier and dock, lighting, benches and bike racks.

Added Mayor Connie Boesen, "The Birdland Park and Marina Master Plan is an iconic and game-changing project in our park system, and we're thrilled to have federal support. We have an outstanding plan to better serve residents and visitors with amenities along the Des Moines River that also will be a big boost to the ICON water trail system."

The plan included input from a broad cross-section of the community including the project Advisory Committee made up of 23 individuals representing 18 unique interest groups. Des Moines Parks and Recreation manages an award-winning program that features over 4,000 acres of land and 77 parks in Des Moines, as well as community gardens, cemeteries and 68 miles of paved trails. We offer numerous programs in sports, urban conservation, environmental education, sports instruction, equity initiatives, volunteerism, rentals, and special events.