Water Works Park (Des Moines) facts for kids

Water Works Park is a huge park located near downtown Des Moines, Iowa. It covers about 1,500 acres, which is like 1,100 football fields! This makes it one of the biggest parks in a city in the United States. The park is right next to the Raccoon River. It's a great place for outdoor fun, with lots of trails for walking or biking. You can also find picnic areas, grills for cooking, and open fields for playing games.

Explore the Arie den Boer Arboretum

Water Works Park is home to a very special place called the Arie den Boer Arboretum. An arboretum is like a living museum for trees. This one is famous for having one of the world's largest collections of crab apple trees! There are about 1,200 crab apple trees here, with many different types.

History of the Arboretum

The arboretum was started by a tree expert named Arie den Boer. He loved trees and worked hard to gather all these different crab apple varieties. In 1961, the arboretum was named after him to honor his amazing work. Today, the staff at Des Moines Water Works take care of the trees. They prune them (trim them carefully) and help new trees grow.

Fun Events at the Park

Water Works Park is a busy place, especially when it comes to fun events!

Winter Lights Display

Every winter, the park transforms into a magical wonderland. It hosts an event called Jolly Holiday Lights. This is a huge display of holiday lights that you can drive through. It's a popular tradition for families in the area.

Big Races and Festivals

The park is also a popular spot for big races. Parts of the Des Moines Marathon and the Hy-Vee Triathlon go right through the park. These events bring many athletes and spectators. Besides races, the park often hosts large festivals and concerts. These events make Water Works Park a lively place for everyone to enjoy.