The Des Moines Recreational River and Greenbelt (Greenbelt) was authorized by Congress in 1985 to provide central Iowa with recreation facilities. The project covers more than 410,000 acres from Fort Dodge and Webster City in the north to downstream of Red Rock Dam. Click here to view the Greenbelt map. The primary purposes of projects within the Greenbelt area are recreation, streambank stabilization, and environmental enhancement along the Des Moines, Boone, and Raccoon Rivers.

• Annual Program Management Report (APMR).  The 2009 APMR is in draft, to be approved at the first 2010 advisory committee meeting.

• Fort Dodge Riverfront and Trails.  The Corps of Engineers is proceeding with development of the Engineering Documentation Report.  An initial set of alternatives has been developed and presented to stakeholders and the public. The EDR is scheduled for completion in mid 2010, with a project partnership agreement, and design and construction to follow.

• Des Moines Riverwalk.  The Corps of Engineers has prepared an Engineering Documentation Report for the project and is preparing Plans and Specifications.  The first Federal construction contract is scheduled for 2010.

• Des Moines Amphitheater.  Construction of modifications to the Simon Estes Amphitheater required under the Americans with Disabilities Act were completed in 2007.

• Cordova at Lake Red Rock.  Work continues on the Engineering Documentation Report, scheduled to be completed in 2011.

• Red Rock Multi-Purpose Trail Segment 4B.  Tree clearing and grubbing for the first 2 miles of trail corridor has been completed. Plans and specifications for the remaining work are complete and are waiting for adequate funding to proceed.

Fort Dodge Riverfront and Trails - Approximately 2.8 miles of multi-use trails along the east side of the Des Moines River. The alignment crosses a series of existing recreational facilities such as a golf course and parks and will connect to an existing trail at the northern most end of the alignment. This trail segment will generally be new construction.

• Engineering Documentation Review with Environmental Assessment - Public Review Draft

Des Moines Riverwalk – The Master Plan envisions a riverfront improvement project in downtown Des Moines which includes the following features:  river-spanning pedestrian bridges; a central trail-hub; parks; walking trails; open green spaces and related facilities; and, the central unifying element, a Riverwalk loop, consisting of 1.2 miles of shared-use path, with more than 2 additional miles of trail linkage to other trails, features, and facilities.

Cordova Center (Marion County) - Cordova Center on the Rock is planned to be a major resource-based cooperative center and regional destination that will provide environmental learning experiences and enhance the quality of life for both visitors and residents.  Its primary goal is to educate the public on environmental stewardship, and build support for conservation of Iowa’s land and water resources.  It is a partnership project, involving the Marion County Conservation Board, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and Central College. Potential Project Features May Include:

Environmental Learning Center:  This project component involves planning and design of the building, estimated at approximately 30,000 square feet, located on a sandstone bluff overlooking Lake Red Rock, with an exterior that compliments the aesthetic of the surrounding natural environment.  Current thinking estimates the need for interpretive exhibit space of 12,000 square feet that includes interpretive exhibits and indoor auditorium. It is important that the exhibitory be high quality, highly interactive, and of sufficient depth of content so as to appeal to repeat visitors.  The Center will be cooperatively managed, by the four partners mentioned above.   An L.E.E.D. certification level of Gold is desired for the Center.  Specific spatial requirements are as follows:

Performing Arts Amphitheater.   This project component involves planning and design of a performing arts amphitheater patterned after the Wolf Trap model—connecting people, nature and arts—the Performing Arts Amphitheater will provide diversified arts experiences, ranging from Latin jazz to live theater.  This will be a multi-use facility with an emphasis on the performing arts and environmental programming.  It is to be located adjacent to the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) and designed to compliment the aesthetic of both the ELC and the surrounding natural environment.  Following are additional criteria: proposed fixed seating for 350 people, with additional lawn seating; dressing rooms, etc.; access control, for ticketed performances; sheltered stage area, with an adaptable (i.e. removable) roof; truck-accessible loading/staging area; lighting and sound systems.

Outdoor Interpretive Facilities.   This project component involves planning and design of outdoor interpretive areas and provides updated park signage.  Examples include the following: an interpretive trail through oak savanna habitat; upgrades to existing woodland trails; interpretive “backyard habitats” that demonstrate environmental plantings; and an expansion of an existing butterfly garden.

Cabin Expansion.   This project component involves site planning and design for the future development of seven modern rental cabins.  Construction of the three bedroom cabins will utilize existing plans.  Following are additional criteria: vehicular access and parking; utility service; geothermal heating and cooling; minimize disturbance to the environment.

Picnic Facility Modernization.  This project component involves planning and design for three types of new picnic facilities, intended to serve school groups, social gatherings or corporate events: one large shelter (capacity up to 150 people); one medium shelter (capacity up to 75 people); and several single-table sites, with concrete pads and cooking grills.

Entrance Road Relocation, Parking and Utilities.  This project component involves planning and design for the replacement of Cordova Park’s existing entrance road.  The new road will provide access to and between all project components and will be realigned to provide a safer, more interesting, and more site-sensitive visitor experience.  The new road will be approximately one-half mile in length.  Turning lanes off of County Highway G28 will be planned and designed as needed. Parking criteria includes: size and location of lots that are appropriately sized for developed facilities; auto and bus drop-off; and bus parking.  Utility supply and distribution issues include gas; water; electric and communication lines; and sewer – the existing sewage lagoon is to be evaluated for utilization potential, in light of new facilities and loads.

Extension of the existing Volksweg Trail.  When completed, all recreation areas on the north side of Lake Red Rock will be connected to the trail system.  Area #3 is the main borrow site for current trail construction on Segment 4B.  The area consists of an existing boat ramp facility that is severely undersized for the demands it sees on any given weekend during the boating season.  The removal of borrow from the site will allow expansion of the existing boat ramp facilities and make it functional up to full flood pool.

Segment 4B Multi-Purpose Trail - The Segment 4B Multi-Purpose Trail will add four-miles of asphalt trail that is 10-foot wide to the north side of Lake Red Rock.  It will extend the existing 13-mile Volksweg Trail from its current staging point at Fifield Recreation Area to Cordova Center on the Rock. This segment of trail will connect 4 recreation areas into the overall trail system.  It will also provide future opportunities for access to residential neighborhoods and private camps.  Major features within this segment include a 280-foot long bridge and 4,546 linear feet of segmental block retaining walls. Users of the trail will experience scenic views of Lake Red Rock, mature forests, restored prairies, pine plantations and access to the many recreation opportunities.  Master planning for the overall trail system includes this segment as being a section of a trail that will run from Pella, Iowa up to Des Moines, Iowa and have a connection into the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Prairie Learning Center.

General Design Memorandum

Annual Program Management Reports

Legal and Policy Documents

Crediting Information

Feature Design Memorandums

Greenbelt Map

Upcoming Meetings:

January '09

Past Meeting Minutes

Des Moines Amphitheater: 1

Red Rock Trails: 1

• 2010-11-11 Greenbelt Advisory Committee Presentation
• Ft. Dodge Presentation

• Project Partnership Kit
• Cordova Park Brochure
• City of Des Moines, Iowa
• City of Fort Dodge, Iowa
• Marion County, Iowa
• Des Moines Register
• Dragoon Trail Brochure