As a public park, the playground, beach, and water at North Shore are open from sunrise to sunset every day.
The restroom building is open at specific times to ensure the safety of visitors:
Monday – Friday: 12PM – 8PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10AM – 8PM
The event and concessions buildings are open:
Memorial Day – Labor Day
Monday – Friday 12PM – 8PM
Saturday – Sunday 10AM – 8PM
Athene North Shore is located at beautiful Easter Lake Park in the southwest corner of Des Moines, Iowa.
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At this time, there is not a DART route that directly serves North Shore. However, DART provides a variety of alternative services that may assist you in your journey to the park.
DART Bus Plus Service: Use paratransit’s ADA door-to-door supportive service for riders with a disability. Visit www.ridedart.com/services/paratransit for information.
DART On-Call service: Schedule to be picked up at your location and transported to the Easter Lake Neighborhood. Visit www.ridedart.com/routes/on-call for information.
North Shore offers a flat, paved parking lot with 104 standard spaces and 11 accessible parking spaces. The parking lot is designed to provide ample parking and accommodate a variety of specialized vehicles to help make your visit less stressful.
If you’re arriving in a larger vehicle, such as a small bus or wheelchair van, and wish to drop an individual off, a helpful loading zone is conveniently located just west of the parking lot to ensure you have all the time and space you need.
The Athene North Shore Recreation Area is about eight-and-a-half-acres large, offering ample space for recreation. To ease navigation it features a paved, arched walkway that runs 560 linear feet and can get you from one end of the park to the other. This walkway is lined with park benches and picnic tables so you can stop and rest as needed.
The event building occupancy is 86. Consider this a mid-sized space adequate for family gatherings or corporate meetings.
Yes and yes. Drop by the concession building to purchase a variety of pre-packaged snacks and cool beverages. Keep in mind, however, there is no food prep or cooking on-site.
You may also pack a picnic lunch and bring it to the park. Either way, you can snack and relax in the shade at one of the picnic tables located near the concession building.
If you’d like more hearty food or sweet treats, check the Athene North Shore event calendar to see when your favorite food truck may be stopping by the park.
When you’re done, please help us keep your park clean. Take coolers with you when you leave and dispose of trash properly in marked bins.
Service animals and pets are allowed in most areas of the Athene North Shore Recreation Area as long as they are on a 6-foot leash.
For safety, animals are prohibited on the sand beach.
It depends. The water gradually deepens the further you go from the edge of the beach. You can expect the water will be two feet deep when you are five feet away from the edge of the beach, and 8 feet deep when you reach the swim platform. Keep in mind that this is a general guideline and may vary.
There is a rope of buoys that arches away from the beach designating the swimming area. All swimmers should stay within this area.
Personal floatation devices/life jackets can be checked out at no charge from the concession building.
The main restroom building at North Shore is centrally located to all park amenities. It houses five single-user restrooms. The building also offers one restroom equipped with a child/adult universal changing station to allow ample space and privacy for all toileting needs.
Park restrooms are open at specific times to ensure the safety of visitors:
Monday – Friday: 12PM – 8PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10AM – 8PM
Additional restrooms are also located in the Event Building and the Concessions Building. Keep in mind there are fewer rooms in these spaces, and in the case of the Event Building, the hours of operation are limited.
There are several ways for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the water at Athene North Shore.
Beach and Zero-Entry Lake Ramp: Visitors may enjoy the beach or use the zero-entry ramp to access the water at their own pace. It provides a firm, supportive surface and gradual transition in and out of the water for individuals who may require more support when walking on uneven surfaces.
Lake and Accessible Boat Launch: If you’re renting water equipment, or bringing your own canoe or kayak, accessible boat launches are available. The launches are equipped with a transfer bench system, rollers, and guide rails to make boarding, launching, and recovery safe for all park users.
Splashpad: The splashpad at the North Shore playground makes water fun for everyone. From cool mists to spraying archways, all ages can enjoy cooling down together. Fishing Pier: Everyone can try their luck at catching fish at North Shore. An accessible fishing dock is located west of the park along Shoreline Road.
Fishing Pier: Everyone can try their luck at catching fish at North Shore. An accessible fishing dock is located west of the park along Shoreline Road.
No. Polk County Conservation does not provide lifeguards at North Shore’s beach or lake. Please use your best judgment based on your abilities and the assistive equipment available to you.
Personal flotation devices/life jackets are available to check out for free while you’re exploring North Shore.
We have staff that are CPR-certified and trained in first aid. We also have emergency response plans in place.
When it comes to equipment transfers, our team is highly trained and ready to support the needs of individuals into and out of canoes, kayaks, adaptive bicycles and tricycles, and more. You’ll be required to sign a waiver before renting equipment. Note: It’s your responsibility to communicate with staff on any special instructions related to transfers.
We also regularly inspect our recreational equipment to check for wear and damage, and we make timely repairs to ensure the safety of the equipment.
First aid kits and trained staff are available to administer first aid as needed.
AEDs are also available within the park. In case of emergency, rescue floatation rings are easily accessible near the water.
Personal flotation devices/life jackets are available to check out for free while you’re at Athene North Shore.
All of the buildings at Athene North Shore meet all minimum code requirements for fire and safety, including emergency exits.
The park was designed to create natural barriers to prevent and minimize unintentional wandering and make it easier to supervise individuals if needed.
Personal flotation devices/life jackets are available to check out for free while you explore North Shore.
Parking: Starting at the parking lot, there are 104 standard parking spaces. 11 additional parking spots are accessible and extra wide to safely accommodate side-vehicle lifts.
If you’re arriving in a large vehicle, such as a small bus or wheelchair van, and wish to drop an individual off, a helpful loading zone is conveniently located just west of the parking lot to ensure you have all the time and space you need.
Start Here: There is a large two-panel kiosk near the event building which provides a map highlighting key features of the park so you can understand the complete layout of the area.
Getting Around: From the parking lot, two 8-foot wide sidewalks lead you toward the many recreation amenities available. Secondary walkways are between five and six feet wide so that those using mobility aids can pass safely.
As you make your way around the park, you’ll encounter a series of wayfinding signs. The signs use icons to represent different park features and destinations. Signs also include braille for those with low visual acuity. This helps park visitors, regardless of ability or primarily language, navigate more easily.
Those with limited mobility have the opportunity to experience many of the park’s natural features and destinations. And you can do it all at your own pace and comfort level.
On Land: Explore the natural beauty of the park. Extra-wide sidewalks make it possible to navigate across the park with wheelchairs, walkers, or other equipment.
Rent an adaptive bicycle or tricycle. The concession building offers rentals for those who want or need more stability to navigate the nearby paved recreation trail. The concession rental windows are set at wheelchair height to make transactions easier for all.
Go play! The playscape has many features that enable park visitors who are using walkers or wheelchairs to fully play. These include a We-Go-Round, a We-Saw, a playground overlook, and a flat-surface sprayground.
Sit back and relax. There are several benches and picnic shelters around the park where you can rest, relax, and take in the nature that surrounds you.
In Water: Wade in. Near the beach, you’ll find a zero-entry ramp with handrails. This offers stable access to the lake where you can dip in your toes, float leisurely, or swim and play.
Be on the beach. A roll-out mat sits on top of the sand to provide a more stable surface for visitors who use wheelchairs and walkers. We believe everyone should be able to access the beach for sand castle-making fun.
Try out a canoe or kayak. Visit the concession building to rent recreational equipment, including accessible canoes, kayaks, and more. Click here for a list of equipment available.
Ride around the lake on a boat. The pontoon boat at North Shore is designed with extra-wide doors to ensure safe entry and clips for wheelchairs to be secured. Check the event calendar for the dates and times of rides. The pontoon is also available to rent for private use. Click here for boat rental details.
At Facilities: You’re welcome here. All restrooms are sized to accommodate wheelchair access and include grab bars for safe transfers. Sinks are mounted at an accessible height for handwashing.
Drop by the concession building for snacks and drinks. The concession windows are set at wheelchair height to make transactions easier.
Enjoy a picnic. Picnic tables have space for wheelchairs to simply roll up and under, eliminating the need for transfers to a bench or stool.
Recharge and take in the view. Several outlets are available across the park for power wheelchairs and other medical devices to charge as needed.
Doorways in every North Shore facility are at least 36 inches wide to ensure easy access for power wheelchairs.
There are several experiences available at Athene North Shore for individuals with sensory input conditions so they’re able to enjoy being outdoors.
On Land: Explore nature. Journey at your own pace through the lush Sensory Garden. You’ll find this quiet bloom-filled garden on the north side of the parking lot.
In Water: The sprayground in the playscape is the perfect place to enjoy the water without entering the lake. The playscape is also designed with gardens and play equipment which function as natural barriers to discourage elopement.
Life vests are available to rent for free if you have concerns about children who are drawn to water and may not have adequate swimming skills.
At Facilities: Feel at ease. The restroom building at North Shore houses a Wellness Room for visitors who may benefit from a private quiet space while at the park.
Nature offers incredible sensory experiences for those with low visual acuity — from the sound of songbirds to the smell of blooming flowers. At North Shore, unforgettable experiences await one and all.
On Land: Visit the garden. Hear the buzz of busy bees and embrace the flowery scents as you journey at your own pace through the beautiful pollinator garden.
Explore nature. Wide paved trails make it possible to navigate around the park while taking in all of the sensory experiences North Shore offers.
Navigate easily. Wayfinding signage around the park includes Braille so those with low visual acuity are able to successfully explore the park features.
Go play! Visit the playscape and interact with the Vibra Chimes to make magical melodies. It’s musical fun for everyone.
In Water: Try paddling. Bring a friend and rent a tandem kayak to experience the joy of paddling around the lake. Be sure to coordinate with staff before you arrive to ensure equipment and staff availability.
Make a splash. Life jackets/personal floatation devices are available free to check out at the concession building so you can hit the beach and wade into the water for swimming fun.
Ride in a pontoon boat. Experience the feeling of floating in a boat. Rides with guided audio tours of the lake are available. Click here to check the event calendar for dates and times.
At Facilities: Find what you need. All buildings at Athene North Shore feature braille on interior signage to make it easier to locate rooms and destinations.
As you make your way across North Shore, you’ll encounter a series of wayfinding signs. They use icons to represent the various park features and destinations and help remove verbal communication as a barrier to navigating the park.
Communications boards with imagery and icons are located at several key locations at the park. These boards help visitors communicate with each other and staff to successfully use and navigate around the park.
When you register for a program or class, each event will include a thorough description, including details about the program’s activities, equipment, and infrastructure. That way, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to request additional services to enjoy the program fully.
Overall, staff members who facilitate programs at Athene North Shore are trained to serve persons with a wide range of abilities. In addition, most programs welcome persons with sensory input conditions and low visual acuity.
If you require ASL interpretation for programs, please let the staff know at least one week in advance of the program date. We’ll do our best to find an interpreter for that event.
To request specific accommodations, contact Devon@easterlakepark.com.
Yes. When it comes to equipment transfers, our team is trained and ready to support the needs of individuals into and out of canoes, kayaks, adaptive bicycles and tricycles, and more. You’ll be required to sign a waiver before renting equipment. Note: It’s your responsibility to communicate with staff on any special instructions related to transfers.
Yes. The event space is 1,285 square feet with beautiful views of the lake. Maximum capacity is 86 people. It is an ideal location for family gatherings, business retreats, or other special events.
The Easter Lake Event Building will be available to rent through an online website called CivicRec. Athene North Shore will begin taking online reservations beginning May 24, 2024.
No. The shelters at Athene North Shore cannot be reserved. However, several shelters on the south side of Easter Lake are available for rent through MyCountyParks.com. The south shelters offer ADA-accessible parking and are connected to paved sidewalks.
Standard and adaptive outdoor recreation equipment is available for all park users to rent in two-hour increments at the concession building at North Shore. Trained support staff are available if you’d like assistance with set-up, loading or unloading, transfers on to or off of the equipment, and more.
Rental equipment includes:
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
To reserve equipment, click here.
Yes. It’s a good idea to reserve a standard or adaptive bike, canoe, kayak, or other recreational equipment online before you arrive to ensure that you enjoy your day to the fullest. Rentals are available in 2-hour increments.
Click here to make a reservation.
Some events will require pre-registration to ensure the park has adequate staff or materials. Other programs will be open to anyone who arrives at the set date and time. It is important to look at the events calendar to find out if the program you are interested in attending requires registration.
See the full events calendar.
Our custom pontoon boat is designed to accommodate park users of all abilities. The traditional, rotating pontoon seats can be removed, making room for wheelchairs to be secured. The 24-foot boat accommodates up to eight passengers, plus a driver.
Tickets for single seats in a weekly lake cruise are available. Check the event calendar for details on dates and times. The weekly cruises will likely start up in mid-June.
The pontoon boat is also available for private rentals by organizations, families, or friend groups. A two-hour pontoon boat rental (driver provided) is $350. Click here to make a reservation.
To inquire further on private rentals please email NorthShoreRecArea@polkcountyiowa.gov or call 515-875-5630.
They’re free! Personal flotation devices/life jackets are available to check out at the concession building at no cost to you while you explore North Shore.