Des Moines' Gateway Park water runnel is being removed

• It'll be replaced with decorative pavement and water features, including a play fountain area, according to plans outlined before the city council this week.

Flashback: The runnel is one of the original features of the 13-acre park, which opened in 2006.

• It runs between 12th and 13th streets, along Locust Street.

State of play: Iowa's weather is tough on water features and the runnel must either be paved over, rebuilt or redesigned, Ben Page, DSM parks and recreation director told Axios Thursday.

• The redesign was chosen based on user feedback and the popularity of DSM's spraygrounds, he said.

Driving the news: The city council agreed this week to hire an engineering firm to design the new features.

• Work is expected to begin next year and be completed by summer 2024.

What's next: Construction bids will be requested in coming months.

• DSM has budgeted $800,000 for the project.