Water Works Park Will Connect Residents With the River Watershed in Des Moines, Iowa

<a href="http://www.dmww.com/" target="_blank">Des Moines Water Works</a> recently announced the winning design of their international competition to develop an exciting new natural water park right in the heart of the city. The winning proposal for the <a href="http://waterworkscircuit.com/" target="_blank">Water Works Parkitecture</a> was designed by <a href="http://www.sasaki.com/" target="_blank">Sasaki Associates</a> in collaboration with <a href="http://rdgusa.com/news/2012/01/rdg-team-wins-water-works-parkitecture-international-design-competition.php" target="_blank">RDG</a> and <a href="http://www.appliedeco.com/" target="_blank">AES</a>, and it will create a unique landscape to unite the wild river with the city. The purpose of the new park is to integrate the ecological and social functions of the area while inspiring and educating the community on watershed issues. The new park will work to rehabilitate wild areas, provide space to enjoy hiking, biking, camping and water activities, and connect with the urban environment.

Sasaki Associates and their team of RDG and AES beat over 40 proposals to design the river/city interface for the new Water Works Parkitecture in Des Moines, IA.

The new <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=water+works+park,+des+moines,+ia&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=41.574426,-93.648319&amp;spn=0.034352,0.077076&amp;sll=41.574233,-93.667374&amp;sspn=0.068704,0.154152&amp;gl=us&amp;hnear=Water+Works+Park,+Des+Moines,+Polk,+Iowa+50321&amp;t=h&amp;z=14" target="_blank">Water Works Park</a> will combine both a wild and engineered section to create a variety of spaces for area residents to enjoy.

Whether you want to float the river in a canoe, bike or hike along the trails, or if you want to enjoy the community gardens, there is an activity for everyone.

The point of the new park is to create a permanent floodplain for the Raccoon River in Des Moines and draw attention to watershed and drinking water issues.

With 1,500 acres, the park will create a permanent habitat for and urban escape along the meandering river basin.

The ENGINEERED area is devoted to the production of drinking water for the City and also provides space for a more traditional urban park.

The WILD area will be open to those interested in hiking, biking, equestrian riding, camping and immersing oneself in nature.

There will also be a water-based recreational and educational journey that explores, interprets, and cleans water via <a href="http://www.supsurfmag.com/" target="_blank">stand up paddle board</a>.

The team will now work to finalize design strategies and begin work on the planning and construction of this <a href="http://waterworkscircuit.com/" target="_blank">exciting new river landscape for Des Moines</a>.