Athene North Shore Recreation Area opens for the summer.

Joy. Confidence. Wonder. Connection. This is what the Athene North Shore Recreation Area at Easter Lake Park is built to inspire in all who visit the new waterfront park this summer. Opening in May 2024, Athene North Shore is a place where you can achieve something monumental or simply make a special memory. It’s a place the entire community can connect with one another and the natural world.

When the park officially opens, you’ll see a space perfectly designed to draw people together. All children will mingle together for imaginative play in the natural playscape and spray ground. Paddlers of all skill level and ability will paddle the lake together in adaptive or standard kayaks. Whether on two wheels or two feet, anglers of all stipes – or should we say scales? – will fish side-by-side on the accessible docks or pontoon boat. Even the list of summer programs will feature topics and teachers that bridge the gaps in both interest and ability.

“There are a few things that the staff at Athene North Shore are very focused on. The first is creating the most welcoming, usable space for all people,” said Devon Boes, Community Outreach and Program Coordinator. “The other, equally important, is safety – both physical and emotional. And I see these two elements going hand-in-hand. When we create a safe space for everyone, then park users immediately feel it, and know they are surrounded with the support they need to try something new, recreate in a way they never thought possible.”

In addition to the critical built environment and equipment that create safe spaces at Athene North Shore, the staff are all trained to facilitate safe recreation and education opportunities. In addition to first aid and CPR, staff on-site are also trained to assist with safe transfers in and out of recreation equipment, as well as adapt programs to serve a wide range of people for maximum inclusion.

This commitment by staff to build such a safe space is underpinned by the dedication of community leaders. Athene North Shore is the achieved vision of a group of change-makers who wanted to create a natural space where everyone could enjoy carefree outdoor recreation together. The collective effort by community leaders, designers, accessibility specialists and staff have created a recreation destination that is built upon an all-encompassing welcome, as much as it is dirt and concrete footings.

Athene North Shore is truly a park for all people. It’s a park for you.

Opening Day Celebration
May 5, 2024, 10 am – 4 pm

• Free Rentals
• Nature programs
• Recreation demonstrations
• Rides on the pontoon boat

Location:
2816 Shoreline Road, Des Moines, IA 50320

Hours of Operation:

• Park hours:
  • Sunrise to Sunset
• Operating hours for Rentals, Concessions and Restrooms:
  • Memorial Day-Labor Day
  • Monday-Friday: 12 PM-8 PM
  • Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM-8 PM

Rentals:
Single kayaks (standard, adaptive) – $25
Tandem kayaks (standard, adaptive) – $40
Pedal-powered kayaks – $35
Trolling motor-powered kayaks – $45
Stand-Up Paddleboards – $30
Canoes – $35
Bikes/trikes (standard bikes available via B-Cycle station) – $20
Pontoon boat (driver provided) – $350
Fishing rods – $10
Beach/water wheelchairs – free