Iowa parks welcoming new futsal 'mini-pitches' this summer

Des Moines residents, you may have noticed that aging spaces in a few metro parks have been rehabbed recently with new fencing, goal markings, lighting and benches. Well, say hello to futsal.

Driving the news: Ten futsal "mini-pitch" systems are being added to Iowa parks this summer, most of which are in the Des Moines metro.

• One in Evelyn K. Davis Park officially opened this week.

But what is it? Futsal is a scaled-down soccer game played in areas that are roughly the size of a basketball court.

State of play: DSM, Pleasant Hill and Clive have opened mini-pitches in recent weeks.

• They're all being donated as part of a partnership with Pro Iowa. Each cost about $100K.

The intrigue: Pro Iowa is trying to make soccer more accessible and incorporate the sport into the daily lives of more Iowans, Kyle Davy of Pro Iowa told us.

• It's tied with a plan to build a $60 million stadium in downtown DSM that could break ground next year.

What's ahead: More DSM metro areas are getting futsal courts in coming weeks, including Cheatom Park, Oakridge neighborhood and Hoover High School.