Barrett Boesen Natural Playscape in Urbandale, Iowa

Barrett Boesen Natural Playscape in Urbandale, Iowa

Barrett Boesen Natural Playscape in Urbandale has quickly become a beloved park destination in Central Iowa! A brand-new, large wooden obstacle course has been added, making this park even better. This obstacle course is unique to those found in Central Iowa with its rope challenges. My kids love being timed doing the loop and enjoy figuring out how to cross some of the obstacles.

In the new area, you will also find a couple of hammocks and a saucer swing. This is also a large play bird nest with eggs, which is another fun nature touch. These complement the large wooden climbing feature that was already at the park.

All of the original water play options are still around at this park. Your kids will get messy, which my kids love! There is a hand water pump that creates a stream over rocks. Water also comes out of the large rock in the sand pit (to activate the silver button is located on the wooden stand nearby.) 

This park also has a perfect creek entrance near the mud kitchen area. The entrance is on the east side of the park, so it is not directly visible to kids immediately (make sure before you go if you don’t want to go to the creek, you let your kids know beforehand). Because of this creek, I try to remember my kids’ swimsuits because they never leave this park dry.

Address

Barrett Boesen Park is located at 5301 156th St in Urbandale, Iowa. 

Basic Park Details

Type: Places to play in water, places to play

Bathrooms: Modern restrooms on the south side of the open-air shelter, water fountain, and bottle refill fountain near the open-air shelter

Shade: Trees are located near the mud kitchen area, but most playground is not shaded

Playground: Naturescape

Water: Hand water pump, one sprayer, and creek play

Trails: Paved trail loop around the play area.

Official website: https://www.urbandale.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Barrett-Boesen-Park-95

Other things nearby of note: 

• Waterford Park is located right across the street and offers disc golf.
• The bike path runs around the area.
• Take a look at other natural playscapes in central Iowa!

Barrett Boesen Natural Playscape Details

Barrett Boesen Natural Playscape for any child who loves to get dirty and make mud pies. This park reminds me a little of the Jester Park Natural Playscape, but with a ton more options!

There is not much shade in the area. This may change as they continue each phase of the project. Currently, there is a shelter with a charcoal grill. There are a ton of picnic benches around the area.

The kids loved this fun water feature where you can pump water down the rock creek!

There are tons and tons of climbing opportunities in the area. If you have kids who are climbing the walls this is the place to visit.

Off to the side is a fun mud kitchen area. If your kiddos love to “cook” this will be a fun place. In addition, there is also a sand pit area. Bring your fun sand toys with you.