Two Rivers Park on the east side of the Des Moines River near downtown Des Moines is complete and leaders on Friday received a sneak peek of the newly developed park during a walking tour that showcased its inclusive design.

The 9.3-acre site sits on the western edge of the Market District, an area roughly bordered by East Walnut Street, East 14th Street, Scott Avenue and the Des Moines River.

The park is the location of a former industrial site which most recently served as a MidAmerican Energy Co. service center. The utility company redeveloped the site at a cost of about $15 million in partnership with the city of Des Moines and Polk County Conservation, which will maintain the site.

Kathryn Kunert, vice president of economic connection and integration for MidAmerican, was joined by leaders from the city, Polk County Conservation, ICON Water Trails, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, as well as officials from BNIM architectural firm, which designed the park, and McGough Construction, which was involved in the park’s construction.

MidAmerican also worked closely with the Harkin Institute to make sure the park’s design was welcoming and accessible to all.

Construction on the park was completed in August and it’s open for the public, but an official ceremony to introduce the park to the community will be scheduled next spring, Kunert said.

But on Friday, leaders toured everything the park has to offer.

The Business Record participated in the tour, and afterward caught up with Kunert to discuss the park and what it means for the community.

Kunert spoke about how Two Rivers Park will help connect downtown Des Moines with the people who live and work there, and those who visit the area.

Kunert also spoke about Two Rivers Park being an amenity not only for the community but as an economic development tool.

A glimpse at Two Rivers Park

What is perhaps the park’s most striking feature is the overlook that rises above the park, giving a dramatic panoramic view of the city’s skyline, from Principal Park to the downtown skyline and the state Capitol.

There is a shelter area with tables and restrooms. The shelter also has electrical outlets, and located throughout the rolling landscape of the park are electric towers to provide access during events.

Leaders said the park’s capacity is between 3,000 and 4,000 people.

Two Rivers Park, named for its proximity to where the Raccoon River flows into the Des Moines River, also features over 300 trees with more than 50 tree species, more than 90 plant and shrub species and areas where native grasses have been planted.

It all winds around vast, open green spaces, with sidewalks that are lined with specially designed lights to increase visibility and safety at night.

Signs that contain braille, and benches made from recycled wind turbine blades are spaced every 200 feet help meet the goal of ensuring the park is accessible to everyone.

The parking lot also contains more handicapped parking spaces than usual, another gesture toward the park’s accessibility.

Another unique feature is a tactile map, intended to be read by touch.

Kunert said the decision to develop the park came from a review of what MidAmerican wanted to do with the site once the company was no longer using it.

“We think about ourselves as a partner with the community, and we think about it as a way to really support community engagement and placemaking and it’s all under the aspect of economic development,” she said. “We see that as a way to bring that to life through this park.”