The Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation is in negotiations to have two local companies, First Fleet Concerts and People’s Productions, book events for the planned stage and outdoor recreation space on the east end of Water Works Park. 

Many of you are familiar with First Fleet’s promoter Sam Summers and People’s Tom Zmolek. The two of them have been booking shows and other events in Central Iowa for decades. One or the other, or both, have had a hand in things like Hinterland Music Festival, concerts at Wooly’s and Nitefall on the River, and a long list of other high-profile bookings.

Contract negotiations are underway, so details aren’t finalized. The foundation board and Des Moines Water Works will consider an agreement later. 

Sam Carrell, the Water Works Foundation’s executive director, said the deal will be nonexclusive. Others — such as the Live Nation team that was another finalist — will be able to bring shows to the two-sided stage at Water Works Park. The foundation also hopes that residents will use the stage, for free, for impromptu performances by ensembles, artists, drama, dance, solo appearances and other art. Des Moines Water Works will field proposals for more formal events. 

“We want people to be there,” said Ryan Hanser, foundation first vice president. “We want it to be a draw. It’s a community resource.”

Close to 20 organizations responded to the foundation’s request for qualifications. Zmolek and Summers offered the mix of event experience the foundation board sought, Carrell said. 

“Sam’s concert promotion and Tom’s staging of events (such as cultural festivals) are a great combination,” Carrell said.

“I look forward to putting some great shows in the space starting summer of 2019,” Summers said. “There are a few bands that have outgrown the outdoor spaces we currently have and this will be a great opportunity to bring them back to the market and continue building the flourishing music scene we have.”

Venue could pack in 15,000 for an event, but likely will have many that are attended by 4,000 to 6,000, Hanser said. 

The construction contract calls for the stage and approaches to be done by April, but the foundation is looking for events to start in June to allow some time for unexpected delays. Henkel Construction of Mason City is the general contractor. RDG Planning & Design handled the architectural work.

The sprawling green space and entertainment venue are part of a $13 million plan for a park revamp that includes reworking 90 acres along Fleur Drive to encourage outdoor recreation, from playing in a large field to running, walking, biking, and perhaps hearing a symphony concert, jazz ensemble or rock group, Carrell and Hanser said. 

The foundation has spent years making sure Bravo Greater Des Moines, the Des Moines Symphony, Water Works neighbors, recreationalists, the city of Des Moines and others are on board and aware of the potential for diverse uses of the park. The foundation, which will turn the facility over to Des Moines Water Works when it is done, has raised $10 million so far, and will include some upfront maintenance money in the fundraising. Once the venue opens, revenue should cover the maintenance and additional improvements to the park.

No money from utility ratepayers will be used for the project, Hanser noted.

A tunnel leading between Gray’s Lake and Water Works Park is expected to be built next year and is part of the city of Des Moines’ planned overhaul of Fleur Drive. 

Another project, expected to be done by fall, will rework a levee on the west side of the park to make it easier for people to get to seven miles of informal trails forged by runners, walkers and bicyclists.

Read our previous story on plans for the area near Fleur Drive. Here’s a dsm story that features Summers but also includes Zmolek.