Birdland Park to get relief for flood-prone trail, more amenities

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 to Sixth avenue bridges. New fishing piers, a boat ramp, a spur trail connection, shelters and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant features will complement the segment of the 26-mile trail, with construction starting as soon as late spring 2026.

To read the full article, visit the Des Moines Register.