By Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register
The city of Des Moines could lock in free entry fees for kids and teens at its recreation centers.
All community recreation centers, including access to gyms and fitness areas, could remain free for youth under 19, according to a council communications memo. The amenities have been free to the age group for years, but the city considered changing the fees to $1 a day — or less with a monthly or annual pass — to address its $17 million shortfall in fiscal year 2026, which began July 1, according to city officials.
The Parks and Recreation Department reviews fees annually, and small fee adjustments have historically been used to “manage rising operational costs and limit subsidies,” Director Ben Page wrote in an emailed statement to the Des Moines Register. In this case, the proposal solidifies the fee schedule to no cost for youths under 19.
“We appreciate the support of the City Manager and City Council in continuing to keep programs and facilities affordable, as providing healthy, safe, and welcoming spaces for youth delivers long-lasting benefits to our community,” Page wrote.
The facilities include the new Reichardt Community Recreation Center at 915 College Ave. on the city’s north side. Expected to open in April, the center will boast an indoor swimming pool, community room with kitchen, conference room, gym and gaming lounge. Other locations are Fourmile Community Recreation Center at 3711 Easton Blvd. and Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center at 2100 Southeast Fifth St.
The City Council will consider the staff-recommended change at its meeting on Monday, Feb. 9. The meeting will be the first to take place at the new City Hall at the T.M. Franklin Cownie Administration Building, 1200 Locust St. in Des Moines’ Western Gateway.
City Hall operations, along with several city departments, are relocating to the administration building. Des Moines’ historic City Hall on the eastern bank of the Des Moines River, which served as a municipal hub for more than 114 years, closed its doors in late January and the city is seeking a new tenant for the space.
Also on Monday, the council will consider plans for a slate of improvements to Cheatom Park at 1100 Day St. on the city’s north side. Plans include replacing a futsal court and adding a new playground and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks, according to a council memo. Council approval would set dates to receive bids on the estimated $380,000 project and hold a public hearing.
The project could be completed as soon as the fall.
What would be the new fee schedule for recreation buildings?
During last year’s budget cuts, the city considered making community recreation center admissions and rental costs for people under 19 at $1 a day, $12 for a monthly pass and $100 for an annual pass. But those fees were never implemented and the council will consider Monday whether to continue waiving them.
The fees for people from 19 to 59 would remain $2 for a daily entry, $24 for a monthly pass and $150 for an annual pass. People over 59 pay $1 a day, $12 for a monthly pass and $100 for an annual pass.
How to participate in the Des Moines City Council meeting
While attending the meeting will give people a chance to see the new Cownie Administration Building, the meetings also can be watched via livestream at youtube.com/user/CityOfDesMoinesIowa.
Council meetings begin at 5 p.m. following proclamations at 4:45 p.m.
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