Des Moines Gray's Lake Park is expanding

Gray's Lake Park recently grew its footprint by about 20%, Des Moines parks and recreation director Ben Page tells Axios.

Why it matters: The new acquisitions have expanded the park from 175 to 210 acres on undevelopable and flood-prone land the city plans to use for recreational, ecological and parking at the near-downtown park.

• Better flood protection is among the potential benefits.

State of play: Some of the first expansion work to clear a seven-acre section between the Raccoon River and Thomas Beck Road of invasive plants and undesirable trees is underway.

• That section will be seeded with native plants this year, Page says. A soft-surface walking trail could be added in coming years.

Zoom in: Much of the rest of the park's growth is in an area just north of Confluence Brewing at the site of a former railroad service yard.

• That section was previously held by the city as part of a highway plan determined to be unnecessary in 2018.
• It's envisioned to include a new park entrance off Thomas Beck Road, expanded parking and wetlands.

Yes, but: Most of the improvements are not yet budgeted and development is "many years out," Page says.

• Recent acquisitions were made via private donations raised by the Gray's Park and Meredith Trail Advisory Committee.

👀 See more details: The city's Gray's Lake Park Improvements plan