Ashley Okland Star Playground

Named after a beloved local figure, this spot in Des Moines has a devoted following for good reason. The space-themed playground keeps kids ages 2-12 busy with slides and swings, and the design actually thinks about accessibility — not just as an afterthought. When the kids need a break, there’s plenty of open grass to burn off energy, and the trails nearby with hand-built bridges make it worth sticking around longer than you planned. Picnic tables, restrooms, parking — it’s got the basics covered, and people around here take real pride in keeping it clean.