beautiful

From maintaining planters bursting with gorgeous blooms to ensuring a welcoming space for visitors and residents, Operation Downtown plays a vital role in ensuring that our city's vibrant urban center remains inviting and beautiful. 

Small Planter Program

Developed through a partnership between Operation Downtown and the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department, the small planter program encourages individual companies to invest in the beautification of their property by purchasing planters to set outside their place of business. Though these planters are small in size, they have a huge impact on Downtown DSM. This unique opportunity allows smaller businesses to be involved in the beautification of Downtown DSM at an affordable price. 

Hanging Baskets

Operation Downtown installs colorful hanging baskets that adorn East Locust Street and the Historic Court District. Whether you’re shopping in the Historic East Village or enjoying a Saturday at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, you can enjoy the hanging baskets brightening the streets. 

Green Spaces

Operation Downtown partners with the City of Des Moines and works with contractors to maintain green spaces on East Locust Street, in Western Gateway Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and the Principal Riverwalk. These colorful displays brighten Downtown DSM and its walkable streets, trails and parks.

To participate in any of these programs, contact Operation Downtown.