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Walker Johnston Park in Urbandale
Does your kiddo like to slide? Then you might want to check out Walker Johnston Park in Urbandale, Iowa. Not only does the park boast the two giant slides, but there are also plenty of other slides to choose from. The only downfall of the big slide is the walk back up the hill to the top. But nonetheless, my kids enjoyed it. Along with the assortment of slides, there are also four regular swings, two baby swings, and a tire swing to keep everyone happy. The large slide catches everyone’s eye, but there are several play areas with unique equipment spread across the park. Make sure you wander around and explore the huge park while you are there.
Address
Walker Johnston Park is located behind the Urbandale Library at 9000 Douglas Ave. and is managed by Urbandale Parks and Recreation.
Basic Park Details
Type: Places to play, places to take a walk
Bathrooms: Yes, non-flush
Shade: Yes, shaded shelter and shaded playground
Playground: Yes
Trails: Yes, paved
Water: Yes, pond
Official Website: http://www.urbandale.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Walker-Johnston-Park-39
Tennis court here: http://www.urbandale.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Walker-Johnston-Tennis-Courts-49
Skateboard park: http://www.urbandale.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Walker-Johnston-Skateboard-park-47
Park Amenities
- Baseball / Softball Diamond
- Enclosed Rental Facility – Giovannetti Community Shelter where a lot of community events and activities are held.
- Fishing
- Grill
- Open Play Field
- Parking
- Pickleball
- Picnic Areas
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Pond
- Public Art
- Restrooms
- Skate Park for Skateboarding
- Soccer Fields
- Tennis Courts
- Trails
Natural Playground
My other favorite part is the natural playground. Tucked away behind the trees, is a wooden playground with bridges, a slide, and ropes to climb on and it is also a great place to look for other furry or flying creatures. The kids enjoyed playing on this more than the other playground with all the slides. Do not forget to climb to the top of the wooden tower, to take a good scenic look at Walker Johnston Park.
Story Walk
One of my favorite things about Walker Johnston Park is the story walk. As you walk around the cute little pond (with an awesome, walk-out dock), you can read a story. Every few weeks the city of Urbandale changes the story. It keeps the kids engaged and moving at the same time!
Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park
The Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park is located nearby which offers a picnic shelter, public art, and trails. During the Winter months, they put up an ice skating rink and also light up the area for the Holidays.
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!