South Karen Acres Park aka Rick Boals Park in Urbandale, Iowa

Rick Boals Park, also known as South Karen Acres Park, in Urbandale was revamped this fall. This tucked away, shady, neighborhood park invites all kids to come and play. The large playground structure has multiple slides and a tall fireman pole which my kids love! There are several ways to climb up to the tallest tower. Near the main structure, there is a traditional zipline! My kids especially loved this zipline because they could go back and forth on the zipline without getting off by just pushing off the platform with their feet. My kids also loved the little sand filled area with two diggers. 

The new revamp also has a rubber surface area with multiple auxiliary accessible items. There is an in ground merry go round, accessible spinner with auditory elements, xylophone, and several other small structures that invite kids to touch, listen and see as they play with the different items.  

Address

Rick Boals Park (South Karen Acres Park) is located at Roseland Dr and 77th St. The park is accessible by trail near 2913 77th St, 2812 Ashwood Drive and 7650 Roseland Drive. I prefer to park near 2913 77th St and take the trail from that location.  

Basic Park Details

Type: Places to play, places to basketball

Bathrooms: Seasonal flushable restrooms

Shade: Large shade trees throughout, shade coverage varies throughout the day

Playground: 5-12 year old playground, all inclusive play area

Trails: Connected on Urbandale’s extensive trail system

Water: Drinking fountain

Official website: https://urbandale.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/South-Karen-Acres-Park-36

Park Amenities

  • Open air shelter close to playground area
  • Swings (adult/toddler swing, two infant bucket seats, and two traditional swings)
  • Zipline
  • Two sand diggers
  • Wood chips under 5-12 year old playground, swings and zip line
  • Poured in rubber surfacing in all inclusive area
  • Large open field
  • Backstop
  • Large shade trees throughout park
  • Street parking only
  • Half court basketball court
  • Picnic tables and benches throughout park

Located Near Rick Boals Park

Less than a mile from Rick Boals Park is Windsor Height’s Baskin Robbins. My kids love going here and checking out all of the different flavors. If you’re looking to check out another park, be sure to check out North Karen Acres. This playground was also recently revamped this fall.