West Des Moines plans marathon loop trail across city
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The proposed marathon loop around West Des Moines. The ideal loop includes the dotted lines, but the yellow lines show alternate routes if construction is not possible. Map: Courtesy of the city of West Des Moines
West Des Moines city staff want to create a 26.2-mile loop connecting the city's existing trails and parks.
Why it matters: Running out-and-back can get boring, but a set loop gives outdoor enthusiasts a path to follow and marathon trainers a more interesting training route.
Driving the news: West Des Moines Parks and Rec is requesting around $5 million from the city's upcoming fiscal budget to fund 15 projects, including several trail connections to complete the Marathon Loop.
Raccoon River East Greenway
The 1.5-mile trail would connect Raccoon River Park to the new First Street Recreation Area.
- That new stretch would also help create a 10K loop at Raccoon River Park.
- $850K is being requested to help finish the trail.
Great Western Trail connection
In another project near Raccoon River Park, city staff are requesting $500K to help connect the new Athene Pedestrian Bridge to the Great Western Trail near the golf course through a new 1-mile trail.
- The southern part of the loop is the least developed, but a connection to the Great Western Trail provides plenty of miles for both cyclists and runners.
Yes, but: The proposed route crosses private land, requiring negotiations with the landowners. That $500K would cover design and land acquisition costs, while construction expenses are expected later.
Valley View Park
Staff are requesting $600K to help build a road on the north side of Valley View Park — connecting the aquatic center on the east side and the sports courts on the west side near 88th Street.
- The road will help make the area feel more like one cohesive park. Construction also includes building an adjacent trail.
Between the lines: The biggest challenge is completing the southern portion of the loop, which includes constructing a bridge and land acquisition currently on private property, says Marco Alvarez of the Parks and Recreation Department.
- While the proposed loop provides the most scenic route, city staff have also proposed another way to achieve a marathon loop by including sidewalks alongside major roads like Grand Prairie Parkway and Grand Avenue.
What's next: 14 miles of the loop are complete, with four more planned in the next year or two.
- The alternate route is expected to be ready by 2028, while there is no timeline for the planned trail.