Easter Lake Park

Easter Lake Park is a 178-acre public recreation area located on the south side of Des Moines, Iowa. The park was established in 1967 on the site of Polk County's last operating coal mine, which closed in 1959. The centerpiece of the park is the 165-acre Easter Lake, created by damming Yeader Creek.

The park offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. A 4.1-mile paved trail loops around the lake, providing opportunities for walking, jogging, and cycling while offering scenic views of the water. The trail includes several bridges, including the historic Owens Covered Bridge, which was relocated to the park in 1968 and is the only covered bridge remaining in Polk County.

Easter Lake Park features multiple picnic areas with shelters, making it a popular spot for family gatherings and community events. The park also includes several playgrounds for children, located near the picnic shelters and overlooking the lake.

For water enthusiasts, the park provides a boat ramp for easy lake access. Fishing is a common activity, with the lake stocked with various fish species including walleye, bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. During summer months, visitors can enjoy a swimming beach, though it's important to note that no lifeguards are on duty.

In recent years, the park has undergone significant improvements as part of the Easter Lake Watershed Project. This initiative has focused on improving water quality, reducing sedimentation, and enhancing recreational opportunities. The project has included dredging the lake, restoring shorelines, and implementing watershed management practices to reduce pollution from urban runoff.

The park is open year-round, with summer hours from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and winter hours from sunrise to sunset. As of 2024, a new development called the Athene North Shore Recreation Area has been added to the park, designed to be one of the most universally accessible parks in the country, further enhancing the park's inclusivity and range of amenities.