The City of West Des Moines and Des Moines University today announced a partnership that makes DMU Clinic Physical Therapy the exclusive provider of physical therapy and athletic training services for the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex. The $42 million recreation complex is currently under construction at 6500 Grand Ave. DMU was selected through a request for proposal issued by the city in July. 

The partnership between the City of West Des Moines and DMU allows the new RecPlex to offer top-notch physical therapy services on-site during competitions and training, City Manager Tom Hadden said in a press release. 

“DMU’s proposal was comprehensive and visionary, and we’re excited to offer a full suite of physical therapy and sports performance services, as well as expanded services and classes, for RecPlex users and the general public,” Hadden said.  The 60-acre project site is located along the south side of Grand Avenue and east of Jordan Creek Parkway, 2.3 miles south of Jordan Creek Town Center and 1.6 miles west of Interstate 35.

DMU will brand the new space as Des Moines University Clinic Physical Therapy and Sports Center. Therapists and staff from the DMU Clinic will provide individualized assessment and treatment for specific sports-related pain or injury, movement analysis, injury prevention and performance enhancement. 

The design of the Center will feature a 2,000-square-foot gym conducive to supporting physical therapy services, group and individual training, community education and wellness programming. The space will also have two semi-private and two private treatment rooms. A conference room will be adjacent to the reception area to accommodate private conferences with families, athletes and coaches. The gym area will feature cardiovascular equipment, weight training, resistance training and balance equipment.

In March, DMU officials announced plans to relocate its campus to a 90-acre parcel of land it has purchased on the north side of West Grand Avenue between South Jordan Creek Parkway and South 88th Street, adjacent to the 60-acre site on which the RecPlex is being built. 

“As we plan to move our campus to West Des Moines, the timing of this opportunity to partner with an exceptional recreational facility creates a win-win situation for our institution and the city as a whole,” said Angela Walker Franklin, president and CEO of Des Moines University. 

“Providing these valuable services will allow us to demonstrate our vision to provide high-quality patient care and educational experiences dedicated to improving health and wellness.”