Greenwood Ashworth Park, Pond, and Splash Park

by Erin Huiatt

Greenwood Ashworth Park, Pond, and Splash Park

This is one of my favorite areas to visit because of all the trees and exploring that can be done. While the kids love the area because of the water features, people of all ages will fall in love with this beautiful park in the heart of Des Moines and all of the outdoor activities it provides. The 140-acre park is a great place to spend the day exploring, then cool off in the splash park. The entire water area is made of huge rocks in various shapes and sprinklers that shoot out in all sorts of places! The kids loved seeing where the water would be coming out next. It is shady in the area which makes it the perfect spot on a hot summer day.

Greenwood Ashworth Park was Des Moines’ first park and is still a favorite today. Learn more about the city of Des Moines Park and the surrounding area.

Looking for other splash pads, wading pools, and sprayrounds in Des Moines? Check out our giant guide!

Address

Greenwood-Ashworth Park is located near the Des Moines Art Center, Ashworth Pool, and Miles Mills Rose Garden in Des Moines and the actual splash park’s official address is 4500 Grand Avenue. For easy access to the splash park turn left off 45th Street and go up the hill by the Greenwood Lagoon area and follow the signs posted.

Basic Park Details

Type: Places to play, places to take a hike, places to take a walk, places to get wet
Bathrooms: Yes
Shade: Yes, shaded shelter and partially shaded playground
Playground: Yes
Trails: Yes, paved trails and dirt trail
Water: Yes, pond and sprayground
Official Website: https://www.dsm.city/business_detail_T6_R60.php

Park Amenities

Dan and Mary Kelly Family Sprayground
Accessible Playground
Jay Spence Enclosed Shelter
Sylvan Amphitheater – Located on the west side of 45th Street
Open Shelter
Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden
Ashworth Pool
Tennis Courts
Restrooms
Picnic Areas and Tables
Benches
Charcoal Grills
Ice Skating
Drinking Fountain
Parking Lots
Greenwood Park Lagoon
- Urban wetland
- Public art
- Open air classroom
- Fishing
  - Iowa DNR stocks the pond with bass, bluegill, and catfish
- Walk the boardwalk on summer or fall date nights
Miles of trails
- Dirt trails
- Gravel trail
Bill Riley Trail
- A paved path perfect for Walking/Bike
- Intersects with Walnut Creek Trail
Des Moines Art Center is within walking distance
Ashworth Pool is within walking distance

Other Places to Explore and Have Fun in Des Moines

While Greenwood Ashworth Park can keep you busy all day there are so many other fun places to play in Des Moines. Add these to your Des Moines itinerary!