Downtown Des Moines Water Trails Feasibility Study

The Downtown Des Moines Water Trails Feasibility Study was commissioned by the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization with support from several community partners. The study evaluates feasible alternatives within the downtown reaches of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers for water recreation, birding, hiking, paddling, boating and fishing. Complexities of the existing channelized rivers, low-head dams, utility infrastructure, federal levees, limited river access points and safety concerns have all been considered as part of the feasibility evaluation, with a desire to reconnect people with the natural resource of our rivers. The process was guided by a diverse steering committee of nearly thirty individuals representing public, private and not-for-profit entities; engaged over twenty stakeholder groups; and provided multiple opportunities for citizen participation. The final study recommends myriad recreation opportunities and natural resource enhancements in and along the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers within downtown Des Moines, improving access to and safety of these public amenities.