Birdland Park's $54M overhaul moves into construction phases
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Birdland Park's skate ribbon surface is planned to include a cooling system, allowing it to be operated in the winter. Rendering: Courtesy of the city of Des Moines and SmithGroup
The first major construction phase of Birdland Park's $54.4 million long-planned transformation is expected to begin this spring, including a multi-season skate ribbon.
Why it matters: The project, described by the city as "the most ambitious" parks and recreation endeavor in the city's history, is a major investment in Des Moines' north side.
- It is expected to transform the park into a four-season recreational destination.
Driving the news: The Des Moines City Council this week approved an $8.4 million construction contract, pushing the project into its first major construction phase after years of planning, design and permitting.
- The winning bid came in about $1 million over the city's estimate.
- The work includes a skate ribbon like the one in Chicago's Maggie Daley Park, a playground and a restroom and concessions building.
Catch up quick: DSM adopted a master plan for the project in 2021 after a series of public meetings.
- It includes five major phases and multiple sub-phases.
Future construction phases include dredging the lagoon and relocating Birdland Drive around it, as well as:
- A new two-story boathouse, with a top floor for Captain Roy's Bar & Grill
- Marina improvements, including more than doubling its 63 boat docks
- A "River Gateway" bridge connecting the lagoon to the boathouse
Reality check: Timelines depend on outside funding, including millions of dollars in federal and state grants, so the full buildout could take 20-plus years.
Yes, but: Decades in the making is nothing new for major DSM park projects, including Gray's Lake Park, where a master plan was first developed in 1970.
- A new marina and playground will open there next month and are part of more recent concepts developed over the past decade.
What's next: Completion of the newly awarded phase is anticipated for summer 2027.