A dedication for the new spray-grounds at Tower Park, 4900 Hickman Road, will be held at noon on Thursday, June 13.

Last year, the City Council approved plans for a new water feature that will feature a replica of the historic Hazen Water Tower. The new spray-grounds will replace Tower Park’s existing wading pool, which will remain in service until the new facility is operational. A new restroom facility is also under construction.

A new water feature was a key piece of a master plan that was created for Tower Park in 2006. It will complement other recent park improvements such as a new basketball court, resurfaced tennis courts, and upgraded shelter, and an interior trail courtesy of Polk County.

MHNA thanks all of the volunteers and city and county leaders who have helped deliver such wonderful improvements to Tower Park. Please help us celebrate on June 13, and join us as we look to make this great park even better in the future!

Want to weigh in on ways to improve Franklin Avenue? You’ll have a chance when the City of Des Moines hosts a public meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26, at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave.

The City’s Engineering Department is currently at work on plans for the Closes Creek storm sewer project, which will include work along Franklin Avenue. Since the street is in poor condition and will be torn up for the sewer project, we have an opportunity to examine Franklin Avenue’s design and how to make it work better for our neighborhoods. Franklin Avenue is a vital route in northwest Des Moines, running through the Merle Hay, Beaverdale, and Waveland Park neighborhoods.

What do you think about the possible addition of bike lanes? How ‘bout an off-street, shared-use path? What other ideas and questions do you have? There are a lot of options, and it is important to participate and make your voice heard.

Please mark your calendar and spread the word!

MHNA meets on the third Thursday in January, April, July, and October. Unless otherwise noted, the meetings start at 6:30 p.m. and are held at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. The 2019 meetings will be held on January 17, April 18, July 18, and October 17. Please mark your calendars!