Bates Park

A Glimpse of History on the North Side

The story of Bates Park goes way back to 1860 when Curtis Bates, a Des Moines lawyer and journalist with an eye for real estate, scooped up a large tract of land here. After Curtis passed away in 1879, his widow Sophia took matters into her own hands, platting the land as the Bates Addition in 1883 and setting aside a portion for what would become the park.

Today the park sits within the Bates Park Historic District, which has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1996 - notable recognition for a neighborhood park on the north side of Des Moines.

From Vision to Reality

Interestingly, some quirky state laws meant the Des Moines park commissioners couldn't actually accept the land until 1900. Finally, on August 14, 1900, Bates Park was officially welcomed into the city's park family.

The park has evolved over the decades. Today you can find a concrete block pavilion, a refreshing wading pool, and playground equipment dotting the grassy landscape. Sadly, the park did lose its magnificent elm grove in the 1960s to Dutch Elm disease - a reminder of how landscapes change over time.

Come Play, Splash, or Just Chill

One of the park's popular features is the splash pad - a welcome relief during Iowa's humid summer days and popular with children.

If basketball is more your thing, there's a court waiting for your next game. Planning a family gathering? The picnic areas come complete with grilling facilities, making it easy to turn an ordinary afternoon into a mini celebration.

Nature's Vantage Point

The park has interesting geography. Sitting on a plateau, the western edge gently rises toward Sixth Street, while the eastern side drops into the Des Moines River floodplain.

This elevation offers nice views of the Des Moines River - worth taking a moment to enjoy. The park blends seamlessly with the surrounding historic homes of the River Bend Neighborhood, creating a great harmony of nature and architecture.

Neighborhood Park

The park's manageable size makes it convenient for families with young children looking for a quick outing.

Bates Park has been a part of the community for over a century, offering green space for recreation against the backdrop of Des Moines history.