Fun for All Abilities at Athene North Shore Recreation Area

by Erin Huiatt

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

Grand Opening Celebration

Sunday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join Polk County Conservation for the opening of the most universally accessible park in the country. Free rentals, pontoon boat rides, educational programing, and so much fun. Together is where we all belong.

What to expect at the grand opening:

Play on the newly expanded beach
Explore a pollinator garden and make native seed balls
Enjoy the accessible playscape
Rent boats, bikes, and more for FREE. Adaptive and standard gear are available
Enjoy education programs on raptors
Watch a puppet show
Practice casting with a naturalist

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.