Utilizing the ParkDSM App in Downtown DSM

Back in 2022, the City of Des Moines enlisted crews to install a mobile payment app, multi-space pay stations and ParkDSM signs along Downtown Des Moines (DSM) streets. At the time, about 6,000 downloaded the new app to utilize when shopping, eating and meeting up in Downtown DSM neighborhoods. To date, more than 216,000 people have downloaded the ParkDSM app, and while the public can pay at the pay station / kiosks with a card, change or by calling a telephone number, more than 70% are choosing to utilize the ParkDSM app.

How to Use the ParkDSM System

Pay at a kiosk or using the Park DSM app powered by ParkMobile. The ParkDSM app is easy to use — just download it for iOS or Android.

     

Then, search Downtown DSM zones / space or enter the six stall marker digits and choose your payment method and the amount of time you want to park. When you have an active or upcoming parking session, you’ll receive updates from the ParkDSM app so you can keep track of the session or lengthen your time at a downtown parking space. The app will even remember your favorite parking spaces for your next visit.

ParkDSM in 2024

The revamped downtown on-street parking system updated parking technology to make it easier for people to get downtown and the Historic East Village, keep track of how much time you have left at a particular parking spot and enable people to update their parking status on the go.

In 2024, ParkMobile and the City of Des Moines are working together to incorporate Apple Pay into the app to make it easier for people using Apple Pay to pay for parking spots. Currently, the Apple Pay symbol is inactive within the app as ParkMobile works to implement it. Other payment methods include credit / debit cards, including American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Discover. The City is also working to incorporate ParkDSM into the way someone can pay for parking in the City-operated garages or ramps.

If you’re downtown and the ParkDSM app isn’t working, we encourage people to reach out to the City of Des Moines and make them aware of outages, glitches, etc.; however, the ParkDSM system is reliable, and we haven’t seen too many instances where this is necessary.

By the way, since the ParkDSM app is powered by ParkMobile, you can use it in other cities or other parking providers where ParkMobile is available to pay for parking, like Ames, Iowa City, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Omaha or Indianapolis, to name a few. Likewise if you have the generic ParkMobile app or another city's that is powered by ParkMobile, you can use it to pay for parking in Des Moines. You can even pay in advance for parking in the lots operated by the Iowa Events Center for some of the concerts, games and tournaments that take place at Wells Fargo Arena. Reserve event parking and avoid the hassle with a guaranteed spot. (Reserved parking sales end at 7 p.m. the evening prior to the event.)

For questions on parking tickets or other parking information, email transportation@dmmgov.org or call (515) 283-4973. You can also visit the Des Moines City Clerk’s office at City Hall, 400 Robert D. Ray Dr. in Des Moines. Find out more about the ParkDSM app in the original City of Des Moines blog post on DSMpartnership.com.

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.