Your trusted source for local Des Moines, IA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Des Moines Parks and Recreation has unveiled its Spring/Summer Activities Guide, offering a wide range of programs and summer employment opportunities for residents. The guide includes various activities for all ages and highlights the importance of early registration due to high demand for popular programs. Scholarships for reduced registration fees are also available to promote inclusivity.
The Des Moines Park and Recreation Department will begin removing cemetery decorations on March 1, 2024, urging families to clear any items they wish to keep by February 29. This annual cleanup is crucial for maintaining the cemeteries, and materials left behind will be discarded. For further details, families can contact the Des Moines Municipal Cemetery Customer Service.
Des Moines Parks and Recreation reports record-breaking participation and volunteer contributions in 2023, highlighting increased engagement in community activities and swim lessons. The department prepares for a promising Spring/Summer 2024 with new activities and seasonal employment opportunities, showcasing its commitment to enhancing residents' quality of life.
Des Moines will close the Walnut Street Bridge starting February 19, 2024, for a significant replacement project due to its structural deficiencies. The $19.1 million project aims to enhance safety by incorporating wider sidewalks, bike lanes, and improved aesthetics, with construction expected to continue until fall 2026.
The City of Des Moines has launched its Tiny Trees Program for 2024, allowing residents to order up to five free trees from a selection of eight new species. This initiative aims to expand the urban forest and enhance the city's green spaces, promoting sustainability and community engagement.
Mayor Connie Boesen's February 2024 update highlights significant community initiatives in Des Moines, including the celebration of Black History Month, the launch of the Tiny Tree Program, and joining the Mayors for Parks Coalition. These efforts underscore the city's commitment to diversity, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
The Des Moines Emergency Communications Center is hiring 7-9 public safety telecommunicators following a record-setting year of over 492,800 calls in 2023. The increase in emergency calls, up by over 24,500 from the previous year, highlights the critical role of dispatchers in public safety. Applications for these essential positions are open until February 15, 2024.
The City of Des Moines has launched a new online platform powered by enCodePlus to modernize planning and zoning processes, enhancing accessibility for small business owners and residents. This initiative aligns with Mayor Boesen's priorities to streamline the licensing and zoning procedures, making essential information more readily available.
Des Moines Public Works is preparing for the first significant winter storm of the season, with heavy snowfall expected to impact travel in the area. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about snow removal operations and comply with parking restrictions to aid snowplow efficiency. The Public Works Department is providing resources for tracking plowing progress and snow removal assistance for those in need.
Des Moines public buildings will close on December 25 and 26, 2023, to observe the Christmas holiday, reopening on December 27. Garbage and recycling collection services will be delayed by one day, with specific guidelines provided for holiday waste disposal. Residents are encouraged to follow clean-up tips for items like Christmas trees and wrapping paper to ensure proper recycling and waste management.