Sharing is caring!
Fun for All Abilities at Athene North Shore Recreation Area
The time has come! After many months of planning the Polk County Conservation is ready to open the Athene North Shore Recreation Area at Easter Lake in Des Moines, Iowa. Easter Lake is a forgotten area on the south side of Des Moines. It offers beautiful views, bike paths, nature trails, water activities, and more. Now, folks of all abilities will be able to experience outdoor recreation. The Athene North Shore Recreation Area is the most universally designed waterfront in Iowa. Take a look at all the details about where folks can come to experience the great outdoors on their own terms.
Address
2830 Easter Lake Dr, Des Moines, IA 50320 on Easter Lake
Hours
Sunrise to Sunset
Rentals and Concessions open Memorial Day weekend through the summer
- Monday-Friday Noon to 8 p.m.
- Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Basic Park Details
Type: Places to play, places to swim, water play feature
Bathrooms: Modern and handicapped-accessible bathrooms There is also a room available with furniture for nursing mothers that can be used for a quiet down room (de-escalation room).
Shade: At this time there is not much shade around the playground area. Trees have been planted and there are some covered shelters available.
Playground: Inclusive playground with rubber footing and some turf
Trails: Paved trail that is wheelchair accessible
Water: Yes! Beach and water play feature on the playground
Official website: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/facilities/north-shore-recreation-area/

Park Amenities
- Adaptive playground
- Open air shelter
- Solar-powered charging station
- Water bottle filling station, drinking fountain, and dog drinking fountain
- Splash pad
- Beach access
- Wide, paved trails
- Accessible beach mats
- Zero-entry ramp into water
- Adaptive kayak launch
- Event center
- Rowing center
- Concessions – Handicapped accessible and picnic table available
- Rental building with adaptive recreation equipment available, kayak rentals
- Restrooms
- De-escalation room
Athene North Shore Recreation Area Event Center
The area offers a small event center that overlooks the recreation area and Easter Lake. It has large windows, a small kitchen, and bathrooms. The space will be used for special programming with the Polk County Conservation Center. Soon it will be able to rent for small events such as birthday parties, bridal or baby showers, etc.

Athene North Shore Recreation Area – A Closer Look
A lot of thought and planning went into developing this inclusive area. Whether it is enjoying Easter Lake or playing on the inclusive playground. Everyone is welcome to experience the space!
Below is a picture of the paved sidewalk that leads right into Easter Lake which allows those in wheelchairs to wheel all the way into the water.

The goal for the inclusive playground was to have a natural playscape feel, but safe for those of all abilities. You will find natural elements throughout the whole area.

There is a paved path up and around the playground area which allows wheelchairs to wheel up and experience the slides and other amenities.

Not interested in the sandy beach? Folks can still enjoy water fun on a hot, summer day at the water feature on the playground.

If you are in need to plug in something there is a solar-powered charging station available.

Inside the rental building, folks can rent different adaptive recreation equipment, fishing poles, and more. They also have a large amount of safety floating devices available for free.

Concessions will be available for purchase. Snack and drink items will be available such as bags of chips, cold sandwiches, etc.

Accessible Playscape
- Sensory Play: Bring your swimsuits and escape the heat on the sprayground. Children/adults who use wheelchairs can rent a water wheelchair if needed.
- Continue sensory fun by playing on the raised sand tables. Those with mobility issues who can’t go into the small sand pit can access the sand tables by rolling their wheelchair underneath. Enjoy going down the roller slide on the side of the hill for those who love lots of physical input.
- Lights and sound: Engage with other kids while targeting coordination with the Pulse Table Tennis which uses light and sound to hit targets. Play a variety of sounds with the Rhapsode Vibra Chimes.
- Wheelchair-accessible equipment: The We-Saw is an updated teeter totter providing a gentle rocking motion. Individuals who use wheelchairs can transfer into one of the seats which has some back support. Go for a spin on the We-Go-Round, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round that has a space for wheelchairs and does not require a transfer to get onboard.
- Timber Stack: For the kids that love to climb there is a natural log climbing area with several climbing nets.
- Slide: Access a barrel slide by climbing up the steps or using ramps.
Inclusion Lawn
Coming soon this area will be a flat, grassy space to gather and play. Programming like adaptive outdoor yoga will be available.
Trails
- Explore the wide paved trails surrounding Easter Lake. Walkways range from 5-8 feet to accommodate all who come to the recreation area.
- Rent an adaptive or standard bike.
- Rent a pediatric or adult trike. Choose between a leg-powered adult recumbent trike or an arm-powered trike for those who may need to pedal using their arms. The pediatric trike has an adjustable seat and is helpful for those needing an arm-powered pedaling option.
Water access and activities:
Pontoon boats: Take a ride around the lake on a pontoon boat. One of the pontoon boats is wheelchair accessible allowing a wheelchair user to be securely fastened in the boat without having to transfer out of their chair.
Rentals and accessible watercraft launch:
- Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Adaptive single and tandem kayaks are available which have increased sitting support, paddle holders,s and more stability on the water.
- The accessible canoe and kayak launch has a transfer bench system, rollers, and guide rails to safely aid those entering and exiting the watercraft.
- Individuals who use wheelchairs or who may need further support can rent a MobiChair, which is a floating beach wheelchair. It is easier to push across the sand and can be used in the water.
Zero-Entry Ramp: This gradual transition ramp is helpful for those using a mobility device or needing more support when entering the water. Rails will be installed on either side of the ramp to further improve safety and ease.
Beach Mat: The Access Trax is placed over the sand to help those of all abilities enter the beach area safely.
Water Safety: Life vests are free to rent and can also be used for children who may need extra safety when playing around the lake.
Fishing
- Enjoy an afternoon of fishing. An accessible fishing dock is located west of North Shore on Shoreline Road.
- Rent adult and child-size fishing poles. Bait can also be purchased onsite.
- Handi Accessories Grasping Cuff: This cuff can be added to a standard pole for those with difficulty maintaining their grasp on the fishing pole.
- Hands-Free Fishing Rod Holder: These holders can attach to the dock or pontoon boat so the user can fish without having to hold onto the pole.
Facilities:
- Attend free events like inclusive Yoga at the Easter Lake Event Center. Check their events page for details.
- Enjoy food and drinks from the Concessions Building. The concession windows are at wheelchair height so they can be easily accessed. The picnic tables have space to accommodate wheelchairs to roll underneath.
- Rent standard and adaptive equipment.
- Wellness Space/Mother’s Room: Take a break from the noise, crowds, and other sensory stimuli in this quiet space. It can also be used for mothers who want a private space to breastfeed or pump.
- Restrooms: A centrally located building provides 5 single-user restrooms. One of the restrooms has a universal changing station to fit an adult or child to improve ease with toileting needs.
More Easter Lake Playgrounds:
After exploring the recreation area, check out the other shelter parks around Easter Lake!
- Easter Lake Shelter #1 Playground: This brand-new playground features zip lines, sensory boards and a large nature-themed playground. Learn more here.
- Easter Lake Shelter #5 Playground: Located east of the south entrance to Easter Lake Park, this playground is also nature-themed with a ramp for children of all abilities to access the main structure, music area, slides, and a rock-climbing structure.
For More Information:
Contact Program and Outreach Coordinator and fellow occupational therapist, Devon Boes, OTD, OTR/L, for information about volunteering, discussing inclusion or partnering to create a program at Devon@easterlakepark.com.
Erin Huiatt
Erin is a reliable resource and stepping stone for women and families to find support and make connections within our community. She wants families to feel confident to reach out and ask for help and advice to get pointed in the right direction. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her two children in tow!