Urbandale wants kids to get muddy and creative at new "natural" park

• Kids may lift logs and build forts with each other. Or they can walk down to the nearby creek and play with the water.
• "This park will change literally every time the child's there," Herke said.

State of play: Barrett Boesen Park is under its first phase of construction, which is set to open this summer on a 7-acre plot of land off 156th and Waterford streets.

• It will include a large wooden climbing structure, sensory tables, loose play areas for sticks and stones and steps to go down to the creek.

Details: The first phase, which lays down the concrete and needed infrastructure like parking and bathrooms, costs $570,000.

• But if the park continues to raise money, Herke said the master plan envisions adding more unique and expansive features, like an obstacle course, rock climbing cave and a bridge to cross the creek.
• She estimates the total cost would be $1.2 million.

The bottom line: By playing and learning in a more natural environment, Herke hopes children will take their experiences and grow up to care about how they treat the outdoors.