New 4th & Court Walking Path Ideal for Summer Exploration

Creativity is on full display when you walk the new 4th & Court Walking Path in the Historic Court District of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). The walking path, which was installed by Slingshot Architecture, is a lighted three-dimensional art piece that features a durable corten steel structure. With the help of Teknephos, Factor Fabrication and Tri-City Electric, Slingshot Architecture constructed a dynamic feature to enhance the area without disturbing the existing trees, turning the walkway into a safe and beautiful experience.

Summer is the perfect time to visit this new installation, too. We urge you to check out the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s list of free things to do in Downtown DSM this month, then experience the lighted walking path after you’ve enjoyed dinner at a nearby restaurant. You can even surprise out-of-town family and friends with a visit to this latest addition to make your time together even more memorable.

Public Space Partnerships

The 4th & Court Walking Path was a collaborative effort between Operation Downtown, in partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Downtown DSM, Inc., and 420 Court Avenue LLC, who is managed by Knapp Properties. The organizations worked together to bring something beautiful and surprising to the area, aligning with Operation Downtown’s mission to keep Downtown DSM safe, clean, welcoming and vibrant, and Knapp Properties will continue to maintain the pathway.

The 4th & Court Walking Path serves as an example of the goals of the Downtown DSM: Future Forward Vision Plan & Action Plan for Downtown DSM partners to continue to create a welcoming and vibrant city that is connected, inclusive, sustainable and committed to development. Other projects completed thanks to the efforts of the Downtown DSM: Future Forward initiative include Temporary Installations like Impulse and Optik, the Always Together Mural, Inhale Exhale and EMC Downtown Park while projects like ICON Water Trails, Mid-American Energy Two Rivers Park, 515 Tower, SW 1st Street Bridge Park Feature and other City of Des Moines Parks Projects are underway through public-private partnerships and community support.

Where to See the 4th & Court Walking Path

The 4th & Court Walking Path is located between Fourth Street and Fifth Avenue, adjacent to the Fourth Street and Court Avenue parking garage. While you can see the art piece night or day, the lights shine during the evening hours to ensure a pedestrian-friendly walkway so you can visit Historic Court District businesses such as Bernardo’s Burritos, Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company, RoCA and others.

Find out how to make the most of your time in Downtown DSM at these other events and installations.

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options. Find event information and follow @downtownDSMUSA on Facebook and Instagram for other news, tips and events happening downtown.

Recently ranked a top 10 metro for number of economic development projects among metros with a population of 200,000 to 1 million, growth continues in and around Downtown Des Moines (DSM) in part thanks to unique public-private partnerships that allow community leaders to work together to invest in, grow and improve the city center. Learn more about other recent development projects in Downtown DSM.