Your trusted source for local Des Moines, IA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Des Moines residents have an opportunity to collect free Tiny Trees this Saturday at City Hall, following a successful giveaway event last weekend. The initiative, part of the city's effort to expand its urban tree canopy, is open to all residents on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, residents can visit the city's Tiny Trees program page.
Des Moines residents can pick up five free Tiny Trees this Saturday, May 13, at Polk County River Place, contributing to the city's urban tree canopy. This initiative, supported by the Department of Public Works' Forestry Division, encourages community involvement in enhancing local green spaces. Residents are welcome to participate regardless of previous orders, fostering a spirit of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The City of Des Moines invites residents and visitors to enjoy the Ewing Park Lilac Arboretum, which features a stunning display of over 1,000 lilac bushes and 250 varieties. The annual lilac display opens on May 2, 2023, offering a fragrant experience in the historic 35-acre garden. For further details, residents can contact horticulture inspector Julie Hempel or the Parks and Recreation Department.
The City of Des Moines will begin converting 5th Avenue from a one-way to a two-way street this weekend, enhancing safety and mobility for all street users. The project, part of the Connect Downtown transportation master plan, includes dedicated bike lanes and improvements to sidewalks and bus stops. This initiative aims to create a more walkable and vibrant downtown area.
The 2nd Avenue and Birdland Drive bridges in Des Moines are set to close for final construction work starting April 18, 2023, as part of a $10 million rehabilitation project. The closures will affect traffic flow along a major north-south corridor serving approximately 19,000 vehicles daily, with detour routes provided for motorists. The project is anticipated to be completed by fall 2023, addressing the city's ongoing infrastructure improvements.
The City of Des Moines is hosting its first Mega SCRUB event of 2023 on April 15 at Merle Hay Mall, allowing residents to dispose of bulk trash and hazardous waste free of charge. Public Works Director Jonathan Gano emphasizes the event's significance, noting it typically attracts several hundred vehicles. Residents must provide proof of residency to participate.
The Ingersoll Run Sewer Project in Des Moines will significantly disrupt traffic on W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway starting April 3, 2023, and is expected to continue until December 2024. Mandated by the EPA, this project aims to improve water quality by rerouting wastewater to treatment facilities, ultimately benefiting the environment despite the temporary inconvenience for residents and businesses.
Des Moines residents must purchase their 2023 pet licenses by March 31 to avoid a $50 late fee, as required by city ordinance for all pets six months and older. The license costs $15 for spayed or neutered animals and $35 for those that are not, with special rates available for seniors. For further information, residents can contact the City Clerk’s Office or visit the city’s website.
The Streets Maintenance Division of Des Moines is experiencing a surge in pothole repair requests during the annual "Pothole Season," with over 1,200 reports received as of March 7, 2023—more than double last year's figures. Public Works Director Jonathan Gano urges residents to be patient as crews manage both regular maintenance and a growing backlog exacerbated by recent snowfall. Residents can report potholes via the myDSMmobile app or by calling the Public Works Customer Service Center.
The City of Des Moines is launching _The Storytelling Project_, a digital initiative aimed at documenting the community's history and culture through personal stories and artifacts related to the North Side Community Recreation Center. In collaboration with Invictus Media, the project invites residents to contribute photographs and participate in interviews, fostering community engagement and preserving local heritage.