From the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department: 

If you’re looking for things to do this summer, the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department has your back, with more events than ever this year.

“Our staff worked hard to come up with new programming opportunities for the residents of Des Moines,” Parks and Recreation Director Ben Page said. “We’ve got new classes and lessons, and special events that are more accessible than ever to the community.”

In addition to the new events created for the 2023 outdoor season, some events, like Free Flicks, are getting a revamp. This year’s free flicks will be shown on a new, portable LED screen that will allow the movies to be started while it is light out. This year’s lineup of free films will also include two aquatic centers for the first time and all movies will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.

“The new screen and the start times are such a benefit to families with young kids,” Page said. “We’re excited that many more people will feel comfortable enjoying our Free Flicks this year throughout the summer.”

Another area residents will see increased opportunities in 2023 is swim lessons which offer increased capacity after a record 3,546 lessons were provided in 2022. This year, the Parks and Recreation Department offers up to 5,300 lessons in which families qualifying for GRASP or YRSP scholarships can sign up for $5 swim lessons.

New Events in 2023

• Aqua Zumba (Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.)
• Movies at the Pool – Disney’s Luca (August 4)
• Movies at the Pool – Disney’s Finding Nemo (June 9)
• Grow.Fly Mother’s Day (May 13)
• Milkweed for Monarchs (May 19 and 20)
• Notable Women of Early Des Moines Cemetery Tours
• Woof Walk (May 6)
• SCUBA Certification Class (June 3 or July 15) – contact stcdivecenter@yahoo.com