All-inclusive parks are parks that children and adults of all capabilities are able to play. The Des Moines area is lucky to have quite a few parks and playgrounds that are all-inclusive. Take a look at the list!
Greenbelt Park in Clive off of 86th St. is a hidden gem during summer; almost the entire playground is well shaded by trees. There is another playground along the greenbelt also named Greenbelt Park in Clive that’s off 100th st., see below for a picture of which is which, and see details about the Greenbelt Park off 100th in this post. There is easy creek splashing access here, you can see more specific details about how to get into the water in this post.
This past week we were able to explore a true hidden gem – the Swanson Memorial Park in Clive, Iowa! It’s easy to miss even though it’s alongside a major intersection; the park has a small green space, picnic tables and bench, an old caboose, a historic train depot, and an old-time house/general store. The park is maintained by the Clive Historical Society, and their website has some really fantastic videos and photographs alongside lots of information. The caboose and open space are available and open to the public every day, making it a great spot to stop and explore and relax (free wi-fi!) or have a lunch. Checking out the train depot and house require a tour, hosted by one of the volunteers from the historical society. You can see more specific details on the Swanson Memorial Park page or check out its location on the interactive map.
The Clive Aquatic Center is a mini-water park, with lots to do with the whole family. I prefer this pool to Valley View in West Des Moines for small kids; the kids pool is shallower and it is more fun for babies, in my opinion.
Operated by the Clive Historical Society, this park has a cool old train car, old-time train depot, and general store. Inside the depot is a historical diorama– a real, working model train designed and planned from Clive maps from the early 1900s. The caboose is open to the public at any time and you can see the diorama through the window, but a tour must be scheduled to check out the train depot and general store. There is free wi-fi and several shaded picnic tables.
