Brook Run Park

4900 E Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
5 acres | 2.0 hectares

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Playground
Field
Parking

About the Location

Park Features

Situated in northeastern Des Moines, Brook Run Park offers locals a little slice of green heaven right in their own neighborhood. This modest but charming park functions as a natural retreat for residents looking to escape the daily grind without venturing far from home.

With its inviting open spaces and winding walking trails, the park naturally lends itself to everything from morning jogs to afternoon strolls. There's something genuinely calming about this place - some people even make it their go-to spot for meditation or simply sitting quietly with their thoughts.

Playground and Amenities

The playground area might be the crown jewel of Brook Run, especially since its 2023 makeover. Kids' laughter fills the air as they climb, slide, and swing on the updated equipment. If you're a parent looking for somewhere to let your little ones burn off energy, this is a great option.

The playground is particularly well-designed for younger children, with age-appropriate equipment that keeps the little ones entertained safely. Just a heads-up though - on those peak summer days, the equipment can heat up quite a bit, so morning or evening visits might be more comfortable for everyone involved.

Need a place for a family gathering or casual meet-up? The park's open-air shelter comes complete with a grill, making it ideal for impromptu picnics or planned celebrations. The shelter provides welcome shade on sunny days and is a nice place for people to gather.

Walking Paths and Landscape

The recently added walking paths have really enhanced the park experience, making it easier to navigate and more accessible for everyone. These improvements did mean saying goodbye to some trees, which has opened up the landscape compared to years past - for better or worse, depending on how you feel about more open spaces.

The overall design strikes a nice balance between maintained areas and natural elements, creating an outdoor space that feels both curated and authentic.

Accessibility and Facilities

Getting to Brook Run is straightforward, especially if you live nearby and can access the walking trails that connect to surrounding neighborhoods. If you're driving over, you'll discover parking available in the northwest corner of the neighborhood.

As for restrooms, there's at least one porta potty on-site - though it's worth noting this might not be enough during busier times when the park sees more visitors.

What makes Brook Run special is its versatility - if you're looking for active recreation or just a peaceful spot to unwind among trees and grass, this well-maintained park offers both options. The grounds are kept clean and tidy, adding to the overall pleasant experience you'll come across here.

All Features & Facilities

Nature & Wildlife

Open Grassy AreaWalking Trail

Visitor Services

Parking LotPlaygroundRestrooms

Food & Gathering

Grilling AreaPicnic AreaShelter

Photo Gallery

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ParkMagnet Score

Good Park

Park Size

5 acres | 2.0 hectares

Opening Hours

Monday:6AM-10PM
Tuesday:6AM-10PM
Wednesday:6AM-10PM
Thursday:6AM-10PM
Friday:6AM-10PM
Saturday:6AM-10PM
Sunday:6AM-10PM

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