Play, Splash, Repeat: Western Gateway Park Water Feature

Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines has a new magical water feature nestled between the Papajohn Sculpture Park and the Central Library. It is the perfect spot to play or take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Along the sidewalk, there are four sections of on-demand sprayers, each activated by two push buttons. My kids love how this water feature is found unexpectedly in the city. I love watching the joy this water feature brings to those walking by.

Our whole family especially loves visiting at dusk, when the water lights up and changes colors–it’s almost as if you’re watching a show that you can play in. Watching the trees glow above the water feature is a slice of magic. 

As we left after our first visit, my 8-year-old immediately asked, “When can we come back?”

Address

Western Gateway Park Water Feature is located at 1205 Locust Ave. Metered parking is found along 12th St, 13th St, and Locust.

Basic Park Details

Type: Places to play in water

Bathrooms: No restrooms are located outside. The Central Library does have restrooms if you visit during business hours. There is a drinking fountain in the park.

Shade: Trees located along the sidewalk, shade varies throughout the time of day over the water feature. (Half is shaded most of the day.)

Playground: No playground

Water: 4 sections of sprayers controlled by two different push buttons

Hours: Feature will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (City may extend hours until 10 p.m. if enough interest from the community) from May 1st to September 30th.

Important Note: During rentals of Western Gateway Park (ex., Des Moines Arts Festival and CelebrAsian), the rental organizations can choose to have the water feature turned off for the time of their rental. 

Official website: https://www.dsm.city/business_detail_T6_R96.php

While Downtown

  • Play at Pappajohn Sculpture Park – Let kids run, climb, and explore unique outdoor art.
  • Visit the Central Library – Cozy up with books, attend storytime, and sign up for the summer reading challenge!
  • Visit the Rook Room – Grab a fun treat and sit around the table playing one of their 700 games in their library.
  • Get a sweet treat – Head to Molly’s Cupcakes in the East Village for a cupcake and a swing break.
  • Take a look at all these FREE things to do in Downtown Des Moines!