UPDATE: JULY 9, 2020 | Parks, trails, and campgrounds are open! Read below for the most up-to-date COVID-19 notifications.
Art has the power to inspire us in times of adversity, & the ability to teach our society that even in times of ugliness, beauty is still all around. Retired West Des Moines Art Teacher, Jan Hutchison, saw a need & was inspired to give back during this difficult time...
The Jester Park Nature Center will remain closed until August 3 to align with Polk County’s COVID public facility operations plan. However, the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center will open as planned on Thursday, July 2 due to the open air nature of this facility.
Join us on this five-day adventure to the sandhills of Nebraska. We’ll paddle for two days and camp three nights along the banks of the Niobrara River. We’ll spend the third day visiting Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge and Ashfall Fossil Beds.
Learn what animals like rabbits, squirrels, foxes have in common, and what makes animals with fur unique. We’ll take a look at their homes, tracks and more!
Take time to unwind as the sun sets on the outdoor plaza of the Jester Park Nature Center. The class will begin with a short hike to give participants a chance distress and enjoy the beauty of nature.
CANOE RENTALS AT CHICHAQUA ARE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED UNTIL WATER LEVELS ARE BACK UP
Pack your picnic lunch, blanket and bring our family for an hour of nature stories and activities with a naturalist from PCC. Enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, munch your lunch, listen to a story or two and discover new natural areas with your children.
View the latest construction update on the Lauridsen Skatepark here!
Set your kid’s imagination and adventurous spirit free as they learn about the natural environment and important survival skills. Activities range from plant i.d., animal tracking, fire and shelter building. Campers will forage for and cook their own lunch.
UPDATED: June, 4, 2020 In the spring of 2019, the bridge over Beaver Creek along the Trestle to Trestle Trail collapsed. A reroute along the trail has been established until the new bridge is constructed.
Do you know a little girl who loves princesses? Want to encourage her to dress up AND have fun exploring the outdoors at the same time? Girls, ages 4-6, are invited to the park in “princess attire” (whatever that means to them).