NEIGHBORHOOD UPDATE

City News for Neighborhood Association Leaders and Residents

August 2025 ǀ View as Webpage

Do you know what Neighborhood contains this mural? Take a guess, then check your answer.

This edition of the Neighborhood Update features a recap of this year's National Night Out celebrations, an important road closure starting tomorrow and two videos showcasing the Walnut Street Bridge and the Iowa Hero Academy.

All that and more—and as always, thank you for joining the Neighborhood Update!

Neighbors Came Together for

National Night Out 2025

Des Moines neighborhoods came together on Tuesday, August 5, to celebrate the 36th year of National Night Out in our city. The evening brought neighbors, police, fire, and community partners together in more than 20 different locations across Des Moines, each hosting unique activities that highlighted the strength of our neighborhoods.

From ice cream at Snookies in Beaverdale to music on the lawn at Roosevelt High School, families enjoyed cookouts, games, block parties, and even superhero-themed fun. Neighborhood groups large and small embraced the chance to connect with one another, share a meal, and send a strong message of unity and safety.

The annual event is part of a nationwide effort to build stronger connections between residents and law enforcement while raising awareness around crime and drug prevention. Here in Des Moines, the Police Department, Fire Department, Parks and Recreation, Neighborhood Associations, and many local businesses worked together to make the evening a success.

Special thanks go out to every neighbor who turned on their porch light, joined in the festivities, or volunteered to help bring people together. National Night Out continues to showcase what makes Des Moines strong—our people, our neighborhoods, and our commitment to each other.

Upcoming Closure of the SW 9th Viaduct for Vital Rehabilitation Project 🚧

SW 9th Street from Mulberry to Tuttle Street will close starting this Thursday, August 21. The closure is necessary for the rehabilitation project for the SW 9th Viaduct. SW 9th from Cherry Street to West Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway will also be closed. This project is expected to end in November.

What’s happening? 

• Structural concrete repairs to concrete beam ends
• Concrete repairs to spalled and deteriorated areas of piers, abutments, curbs
• Full removal and replacement of bridge deck expansion joints
• Removal and replacement of select bridge approach pavement

How long will this happen? 

• This closure is planned until November.

What is the detour? 

• The official detour will be Mulberry Street to SW 7th Street to Tuttle Street.

We appreciate your patience as we invest in the South Side’s connection to Downtown Des Moines. As always, motorists are urged to use caution when driving in and around construction zones. Be sure to plan ahead and be alert behind the wheel.

Iowa Hero Academy Inspires Future Leaders

During the last week of July, 30 young women from across Iowa took part in the Iowa Hero Academy, a unique program designed to introduce participants to careers in firefighting, policing, and the military. Open to ages 16–18, the academy provides hands-on experience and builds confidence in young women considering these important professions.

The program was made possible thanks to the mentorship of female firefighters, police officers, and National Guard members from Des Moines and surrounding communities. Their guidance and encouragement helped inspire the next generation of leaders who may one day serve and protect our state.

Walnut Street Bridge Replacement Project Makes Major Progress

The City’s downtown river bridge project has reached an exciting milestone. Contractors recently completed the new bridge deck for the Walnut Street Bridge Replacement—a massive 4.8 million-pound structure.

This summer, crews poured more than 32,000 cubic feet of concrete in three phases. The bridge deck is eight inches thick, reinforced with over 300,000 pounds of steel, and is the first in Des Moines to include a polymer fiber additive. This innovative material will increase durability and help reduce cracking, ensuring the bridge will serve the community for decades to come.

The Walnut Street Bridge is expected to reopen to traffic by summer 2026, with all remaining work completed by fall 2026.

Now Hiring for Seasonal Staff for Parks and Recreation

If you have or know of a teen that may be searching for an after school or weekend job, Des Moines Parks and Rec is hiring for several positions that would be perfect for that age demographic!



Discover the available positions at DSM.city/ParkJobs 

Congratulations to our Bucket List Challenge Winner!

Each July, for National Parks and Recreation month, we hold our annual Bucket List Challenge which is a photo submission contest designed to encourage residents to explore play spaces, programs, parks and the community. We want to thank everyone who submitted photos, explored our parks, and helped us celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month with the Bucket List Challenge!

Jennifer Cobb and her family have been selected as this year's Bucket List Challenge winner after visiting all the locations on our list!

"Going to parks was mostly for me to try and conquer taking 3 kids out by myself. The more I did it - the easier it got," said Cobb."There are so many neat parks to visit! I love making these memories." 

We hope all those who participated made new memories and maybe even found a new favorite park! 

Share Your Perspective at an Intergenerational Workforce Roundtable

You're invited to join the City of Des Moines and the Greater Des Moines Partnership for an Intergenerational Workforce Roundtable on Thursday, August 28 at 5:00 p.m. at Polk County River Place.

This free event brings together professionals of all ages to engage in meaningful conversations, share perspectives, and strengthen connections across generations. The discussion is part of the Partnership’s ongoing Multicultural Reception and Roundtable Series, which highlights topics that support a thriving workforce in our community.

Calling All Young Leaders Ready to Make an Impact

The City of Des Moines Youth Advisory Board is now accepting applications for youth ages 14–25. This is a unique opportunity for young people to work directly with City officials and departments, lending their voices to help shape the future of our community.

If you know a student, neighbor, or family member who is passionate about making a difference, encourage them to apply. Serving on the Youth Advisory Board is a great way to stay engaged, build leadership skills, and have a meaningful impact in Des Moines.

Learn more and apply at DSM.city/YAB. For questions, contact CommunityRelations@dmgov.org or call (515) 283-4284.

The Monthly Update From Your Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator

Unlock Grant Success: Insider Tips and Funding Opportunities from Local Experts

Don’t miss the September Neighborhood Leadership Workshop—an energizing evening where you'll gain the tools, tips, and knowledge to take neighborhood association grant writing to the next level! Hear directly from funders about what makes applications stand out, and discover real, ready-to-apply opportunities for your neighborhood.

Panelists include Polk County Betterment Grant, Prairie Meadows Betterment Grant, and AARP Community Challenge Grants.

Thursday, September 25, 2025

6:00–7:30 p.m.

Des Moines Area Community College - Urban Campus

1100 7th Street, Des Moines, IA 50314

Building 1, Room 141

See you there!

With appreciation,

Heather Tamminga

Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator

HCTamminga@dmgov.org

(515) 283-4775

Upcoming Events at Des Moines Public Library