Improvements completed at historic MacRae Park in Des Moines

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Included in the phase three improvements of MacRae Park is a play area made with storm-damaged logs. The logs were carved into play features such as a slide, steps and elevated walkways. Image courtesy city of Des Moines

A seven-year project to update MacRae Park, a 126-year-old recreation area at 1021 Davis Ave. in Des Moines, is completed, city officials announced. The final phase of the $2.75 million renovation project included the installation of the Larry E. Moore Nature Playscape, which features a playground made with recycled logs, a sprayground and sand play area. The Linda and Tom Koehn Boardwalk overlooking a fishing pond was added, as was a pedestrian and bicycle trail loop, a pedestrian bridge that spans the pond, and road reconstruction. An earlier phase included the addition of the EMC Overlook. “It’s truly touching to see the finished product of a long-awaited project with unique park features that bring a new level of accessibility to the area,” Des Moines Parks and Recreation Deputy Senior Planner Lee Wheelock said in a prepared statement. A ceremony was held at the park this week to recognize donors and mark the park’s official reopening. To watch a video about the park, click here.