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Get Ready To Explore: Regional Parks Pursuit Activation To Take Place July 26 – Aug. 11

July 11, 2024

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (July 11, 2024) – As the Summer Olympics kick off in Paris, the Greater Des Moines Partnership will host the Regional Parks Pursuit activation from July 26 – Aug. 11 in 25 locations across 12 cities in the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region.  

This free, fun pop-up activation will encourage participants to get out and be active and explore. At each park location, participants will find a sign that represents one of five Olympic ring colors. The sign will also contain a QR Code for participants to mark off the ring they’ve completed and submit a picture of them doing the activity at each location. Whether playing basketball, softball, running or participating in any other activity, the goal is simple: Get out and be active at parks across the region and explore the local businesses surrounding the areas. Once the participant has completed an activity at a park representing each of the five ring colors, they will be entered into a drawing to win a DSM Local gift card. 

The Regional Parks Pursuit will take place in the following locations: 

  • Raccoon River Park – 2500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50265 
  • Country Club Park – 16335 Sheridan Ave., Clive, IA 50325 
  • Carlisle North Municipal Park – 45 Park St., Carlisle, IA 50047 
  • McCollum-Waveland Tennis Complex – 928 Polk Boulevard, Des Moines, IA 50311 
  • Haines Park – 300 6th St. Pl. SE, Altoona, IA 50009 
  • Evergreen Park – 2000 Evergreen Ave., Des Moines, IA 50320 
  • Johnston Commons – 6050 Morningside Drive, Johnston, IA 50131 
  • Jaycee Park – 5608 Center St, West Des Moines, IA 50266 
  • Norwalk Tennis Courts – 398 Cherry St., Norwalk, IA 50211 
  • Evelyn K. Davis Park – 1400 Forst Ave., Des Moines, IA 50314 
  • Stonegate Park – 15293 Boston Pkwy., Clive, IA 50325  
  • EMC Park – 701 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 
  • Barrett Boesen Park and Natural Playscape – 5301 156th St., Urbandale, IA 50322 
  • Otter Creek Park – 1100 NE 36th St., Ankeny, IA 50021 
  • Chichaqua Valley Trail/Bondurant Trailhead – 2 Main St. SE, Bondurant, IA 50035 
  • Gray’s Lake – 2101 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321 
  • Saylorville Lake Archery Range – 5600 NW 78th Ave., Johnston, IA 50131 
  • Hawkeye Park – 400 NW Lakeshore Drive, Ankeny, IA 50023  
  • American Legion Park – 301 Vine St., West Des Moines, IA 50265 
  • Walker Johnston Park – 9000 Douglas Ave., Urbandale, IA 50322  
  • Triumph Park – 700 NW Douglas Pkwy., Waukee, IA 50263 
  • Lauridsen Skatepark – 901 2nd Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309 
  • Sunrise Park – 506 SE Peterson Drive, Ankeny, IA 50021 
  • Sunrise Park – 5415 E Oakwood Dr, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
  • Valley View Park – 103 88th Street, WDM, IA 50266

“The Partnership is excited to bring a unique opportunity to our communities to engage in healthy, outdoor fun while celebrating the athletic spirit this summer brings,” said Molly Atkins, Events Specialist at The Partnership. “We're especially excited about the chance to elevate regional communities and local businesses as this activation will bring people together to explore new areas. We can't wait to see people enjoy parks across the region.” 

This event is sponsored by MidAmerican Energy Foundation, Bravo Greater Des Moines, Prairie Meadows and Principal. 

“We are excited to support the Regional Parks Pursuit activation. This exciting initiative not only brings the spirit of the Paris summer games to the DSM region but also encourages our community to explore and enjoy the beautiful parks,” said Kathryn Kunert, Vice President, Economic Connections and Integration, MidAmerican Energy Foundation. 

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership 

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 400 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com. 

About Downtown, DSM, Inc.  

Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes a strong Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking.