News

The appeal of downtown living combined with intentional investments in quality-of-life amenities has spelled success for a multiphase, master-planned community in Des Moines. Its location along the riverfront is also slated to become a whitewater park, kayaking destination and surfing location, via the Hubbell Trailhead and ICON Water Trails. With a direct connection through Gray’s [...]

Des Moines is preparing to elevate a section of the popular but flood-prone Neal Smith Trail as early as 2027 after years of periodic closures due to elevated river levels. That's not all that's in store for the stretch of Birdland Park between the Des Moines River and Birdland Drive and extending from the Second [...]

A new look for the Des Moines skyline and riverfront. Expansion of Des Moines International Airport. Multi-million-dollar investments in long-neglected areas near downtown. More pedestrian-friendly streets. All are changes coming to Des Moines this year and each is among the 10 key developments to watch in 2026. To read the full article, visit the Des [...]

Each year, the Business Record reflects on a year in the news and recognizes the people and stories that shaped Central Iowa. ... Two Rivers Park, a newly completed 9.3-acre green space on the east side of the Des Moines River, was unveiled in October and lauded for its inclusive, community-focused design. Formerly a MidAmerican [...]

At Bravo Greater Des Moines’ Regional Impact Breakfast on Monday, the region’s arts council presented the largest grant cycle in its organizational history. The fall 2026 award cycle will invest over $6.1 million through three grant programs. General operating support totaling $5.6 million will go to 83 arts, culture, heritage and interpretive science nonprofit organizations and 10 [...]

The Des Moines City Council’s approval of a $7 million grant for the Pro Iowa Soccer Stadium and Global Plaza pushes funding for the project over the finish line, leaders of the nonprofit behind the project said in comments ahead of Monday’s meeting. It also will help tie in the south corridor along MLK Parkway [...]

Urbandale officials are celebrating two new additions at Walker Johnston Park today. State of play: The park now features a new public access point to North Walnut Creek and a light-up art installation, as part of the ICON Water Trails project. Zoom in: The $260,000 access project includes limestone stairs, an accessible trail to the creek, an outdoor classroom and [...]

DES MOINES, Iowa – Over the summer, water quality concerns were brought to the attention of many as nitrate levels reached high levels. Last week, Polk County announced additional investments in water quality monitoring. While water quality monitoring is important, even more important are the efforts to actually fix the cleanliness of the water across Iowa. To [...]

DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 21, 2025) – The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails are pleased to announce that the Wild Prairie Showdown — Presented by United Contractors & Reilly Construction — has raised nearly $190,000 for conservation and recreation. The event was held on Oct. 16 at the Val Air Ballroom and had [...]

Des Moines leaders often say many of Central Iowa’s successes as a region, from the Global Insurance Accelerator to ICON Water Trails, are the result of close collaboration across organizations and mutual interest in the long-term success and growth of the community. To read the full article, visit the Business Record.