Press release
Des Moines, Iowa — Tuesday, September 6, 2022 —Des Moines’ five pools and aquatic centers have officially closed for the season, but not before serving 49,720 residents and providing swimming lessons to 3,546 children.
Of those, 1,171 children received scholarships and paid just $5 through the Youth Recreation Scholarship Program (YRSP) and the Greater Des Moines Recreational Activity Scholarship Program (GRASP).
“The end of the summer water season is a great chance to look back on all the memories we were able to make,” said Des Moines Parks and Recreation Director Ben Page. “It’s amazing to see so many kids learn lifelong skills and even better. to be able to offer scholarships that make our services more accessible and equitable for all Des Moines residents.”
Despite difficulties staffing aquatic centers, 97 certified lifeguards spent their summer teaching swimming lessons and protecting the lives of nearly 50,000 visitors at Des Moines’ five aquatic centers and pools this summer.
In addition to these five facilities, 22 splash pads, splash pools and wading pools provided free opportunities for Des Moines residents and visitors to cool off and make memories all summer long.
“I see the benefits our residents receive from the Des Moines water system every day,” Page said. “We are committed to improving our facilities and programs every year and are already planning for the summer of 2023.”
Des Moines Parks and Recreation’s 13 sprinklers remain open through Sept. 30. For more information and a complete list of locations, visit DSM.city/Aquatics.
CONTACT
Al Setka
Chief of Communications, Office of the City Manager
(515) 283-4057
[email protected]
About the city of Des Moines
The city of Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 52 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and offers its residents vibrant neighborhoods, a lively and active downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.
Des Moines continually improves neighborhoods, public safety and quality of life by providing outstanding city services and reliable infrastructure fostering an inclusive and compassionate community for all who visit and live in Des Moines.
Visit DSM.city, Facebook and Twitter for more information. Visit DSM.city, Facebook and I tweet for more information.
