Category Archives: Events

Annual Meeting on January 18

The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association will host its annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. We will be joined by Des Moines Public Works Director Jonathan Gano, who will share details about the myDSMmobile app, which allows citizens to report issues and problems to the city with their mobile device.

We will also have neighborhood and public safety updates, our annual report, and officer and board member elections. Please spread the word and plan to join us on January 18!

Annual Holiday Lights Contest

Annual Holiday Lights Contest

The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association is sponsoring its 13th annual Holiday Lights contest this season! Judging will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12. If you would like to help judge or ensure your house is included, please contact April at 515-707-6386. Your home or your neighbor’s home may be considered for a prize even if you don’t contact us. Three homes will be awarded a $25 gift certificate. Judges will be looking for creativity, originality, holiday spirit, neatness and theme coordination.

National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 1

Please join the Merle Hay Neighborhood Association for our annual neighborhood celebration, Merle HayDay, and annual observance of National Night Out, America’s night out against crime, from 6 p.m. to 8 on Tuesday, August 1 at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. There will be food, a bounce house, games for kids, family friendly entertainment, door prizes, and great tips and information from public safety personnel about how to safeguard your property against crime. Attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert to share. Tableware will be provided.

Our neighborhood celebrations are a great way to meet your neighbors and learn more about our neighborhood. They are also a wonderful opportunity to find out how you can get more involved in making the Merle Hay neighborhood an even better place to live, work, and play. Please help spread the word! We look forward to having a great turnout.

MHNA Quarterly Meeting on Thursday, July 20

The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association will host its quarterly meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 20 at the Northwest Community Center. Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly will be our guest speaker. We will also be joined by Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department staff to hear updates on plans to install a new water feature at Tower Park. Additionally, we’ll share details on Hy-Vee’s proposal to build a convenience store and coffee shop at the northwest corner of Merle Hay and Hickman roads, and more.

Please spread the word and bring a neighbor! We look forward to having a great turnout at the July quarterly meeting.

City Manager to speak at MHNA meeting on April 20

Des Moines City Manager Scott Sanders will be our featured guest speaker when the Merle Hay Neighborhood Association hosts its quarterly membership meeting at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday, April 20, at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. We’ll also hear about plans for a proposed commercial/retail development in the vicinity of 3400 Merle Hay Road, among other neighborhood updates.

Please join us and bring a neighbor! Spread the word!