Western Gateway Park Recognized as Frontline Park
DOWNTOWN DES MOINES, IOWA (Aug. 17, 2017) – Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines has been named a “Frontline Park,” a nationwide competition sponsored each year by City Parks Alliance. Frontline Park awards promote inspiring examples of urban park excellence, innovation and stewardship across the country, with a new park featured by City Parks Alliance each month. The program identifies urban parks and programs that find innovative ways to meet the unique challenges facing cities today. The site was selected from a field of more than 30 entries across the country. Of the 79 designated Frontline Parks throughout the program’s history, Western Gateway Park is the first park from Iowa to receive the designation.
As a Frontline Park, Western Gateway Park will be featured in August on the City Parks Alliance website and in articles and blog posts by the organization. It will remain listed on the website in the future as a Frontline Park.
Western Gateway Park was recognized as a cultural and greenspace nexus for the City of Des Moines, and one of the many amenities that is attracting people to Downtown Des Moines. The City Parks Alliance award details for a national audience how Downtown Des Moines has transformed into a vibrant, livable community through collaboration between business and civic leaders. “Since opening in 2006, Western Gateway Park has spurred cultural development as well as economic development,” says the article on the City Parks Alliance website. Click here to read more. In April, Recycle DSM, a partnership between the City of Des Moines and Operation Downtown, expanded its program into Western Gateway Park.
“This award highlights one of our city’s great amenities that is accessible to all community members to enjoy,” said Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie. “The City of Des Moines is committed to fostering a livable community with expanded leisure arts and cultural opportunities and Western Gateway Park captures it all.”
“This national award is an exciting recognition for Downtown Des Moines,” said Tiffany Tauscheck, Chief Communications Officer for the Downtown Community Alliance, part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “Western Gateway Park is an important part of the growth of Downtown, and we are thankful for local leaders including John and Mary Pappajohn as well as the Downtown property owners who have ensured the park’s success.”
The Frontline Parks program is made possible with support from DuMor, Inc.
About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines: Iowa’s capital city and local government servicing more than 215,000 residents, 51+ neighborhoods, over 4000 miles of parkland and 81 miles of trails. The City of Des Moines stands to be a financially strong city with exceptional city services, fostering an involved community in a customer friendly atmosphere. Visit dsm.city, Facebook facebook.com/DesMoinesGov and Twitter @DesMoinesGov for more information.
About Operation Downtown
Operation Downtown is a Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID). Managed by the Downtown Community Alliance, part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, it is responsible for ensuring that Downtown Des Moines remains safe, clean and beautiful. Visit operationdowntown.com for more information.
About the Downtown Community Alliance
The Downtown Community Alliance (DCA), part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, cultivates a shared vision for Downtown Des Moines through leadership, initiative, advocacy, partnerships and shared solutions. As part of its dedication to cultivating a vibrant Downtown Des Moines core, the DCA produces events that promote Downtown and enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of our community. Visit downtowndesmoines.com for more information.
About City Parks Alliance
City Parks Alliance is the only independent, nationwide membership organization solely dedicated to urban parks. It leads and serves a community of diverse organizations, championing high quality urban parks throughout the nation. CPA’s vision is that everyone in urban America will have access to parks and green spaces that are clean, safe and vibrant.